Shoot pool in this more unrealistic pool simulator that is not even a simulator! Pool Panic is a pool table style of game in which you play pool but not by the general rules that we are used to. With over 100 levels, there is a lot of different styles of pool to play from area to area in the single player game. Pool Panic also offers a player, vs player mode as well for multiplayer. There game modes differ but all deal with at the end to get the 8-ball into the pocket of the level.
General Gameplay
Imagine everything that makes a pool game on the console a game but take it all away expect the basic mechanics of the game itself. Add a lot of levels, unique animation, and different game modes and you have this gem of a game from Adult Swim Games. The Game Visuals are unique in its design in how it is very animated. All the characters from the main white ball to other balls and objects are very detail with facial animations and other items. The game looks great, imagine how the Adult Swim show Rick and Morty and 90’s style cartoons look, and this is how Pool Panic. The animation is very fun to look at and watch in motion and adds more to the game. The game does not support a colorblind mode; however, there is not needed as the colors, characters and animation are very vivid and clear on the screen. In our playthrough we did not see anything that would be offensive to any gamers under the age of 8, however as the game is E10 in its rating, parents/guardians please use caution when letting younger gamers play the game on the Switch. The Audio for Pool Panic is a mixture of background music that matches the levels and as well sound effects that also match what is going on in the gameplay. The game has a mixture of more cartoon style of background music with sounds effects like minimum voices of the balls being hit and minor. We did not get a chance to test out the game to see if it is in 5.1 surround sound bot in a stereo setting the game sounds great. In our playtesting, we did not hear anything offensive in the game audio, the game is more like hearing a 90’s style cartoon as an example. The game Controls are very easy to use. As the game is design to be as a pool table game, the controls use the right thumb stick to aim the balls and the right should and trigger buttons are used to hit the ball hard or soft. The A button is used to jump around the level. In our playtesting of Pool Party on the Nintendo Switch, we did not run into any issues with either using the Joy-Cons or even the pro controller. The game is designed to be played on a console and everything with the controller was great.
“With over 100 single player levels, great comedy and game modes there is a lot to do in Pool Panic but don’t go into the game thinking that it’s a pool table game”
Family Friendly
At first when reviewing the game, we thought that it was going to be a pool table game with just crude humor, boy we were wrong. Under the game itself there is a deep single player game that from level to level that you are doing something new in the game while playing the style of traditional pool. One of the best aspects of the game is that the single player of the game has so much to do, from trying to beat the given time in a level to getting the best shots to beat the table time or other stats gives the game a lot of replay value. There were times our testers were going back to the same level to try to get a better beat time before going onto another level. Again, look at this game as more of an adventure game and less of a pool table game and you will better understand how the game truly is. For those that are looking for more of a traditional pool table game may be disappointed, but this is more aimed for gamers that love both pool table games and fun action/adventure games. The only thing that we saw that would be a turn off is that some of the levels get harder, also outside of the general tutorial of how to aim and shoot, there is no hand holding on what to do in the levels. This was a minor frustration for some gamers, but when they saw how the levels flowed and had a better understanding how the level needs to be completed they better understood. Also another thing was that the game is rated E10 where we did not see anything that would warrant a E10 rated and personally felt anyone over the age of 7 can play the game. Again parents/guardians please review the game first before allowing younger children to play so you can come to a better understanding for yourself. Again in your gaming family if you have gamers that love puzzle/action games or games that are just funny, Pool Panic is the game for them, however more serious pool gamers may not be so into the game.
Closing
With over 100 single player levels, local multiplayer, and just over the top humor. Pool Panic is a great pool table game that is not a pool table game in itself. A great addition to your Nintendo Switch digital library!
