This is an English translation of the review of Biliardo 2 originally published in Italian by Game Programming Italia in 2002. Read the original review in Italian.
“…Aripallaaaaaaaaaaa!!”…
Hi guys, here we are again in front of a nice green table, ready for this new version of Biliardo. It’s been a while since I reviewed 1.1 and I have to admit that this version was worth the wait: it features a graphical restyling and some really noteworthy new features.
Well, once again I’ll skip explaining what billiards is and the various modes in the game (which are well explained in the built-in help); let’s get straight to the point: BILIARDO 1.1 was no graphical masterpiece (nor do I think it set out to be :-] ), but in this new version you notice a considerable graphical improvement the moment you first see the playing table, especially in the details (you can still choose the “pub” look, but I recommend the default one, “professional”, which is indeed the best). The various menus are clearly visible and pleasant-looking; an option has been added to raise or lower the temperature of the green cloth, which affects the trajectory and speed of the ball accordingly (I should mention, by the way, that the higher the cloth temperature, the higher the speed, due to reduced friction), along with the ability to watch the replay of every shot (although unfortunately you can’t adjust its speed, something I hope the author implements as soon as possible, together with the ability to save replays). The option to see the balls’ trajectories has been kept (for all of them, only for the active one, or for none), and, alongside the existing spin and power controls, two panels have been added where the player can choose the position of the cue and see whether the ball to be hit is lined up centrally with their own or not.
There are plenty of options, starting with the choice of language (English or Italian), going on to the choice of icons displayed during play, the ability to choose the score for each set and to set the number of sets per match, and others I won’t go into but that are easy to reach from the menu. A great idea, too, to include a statistics window for the match in progress, while as for the game types, new ones have been added to those already there.
As for the audio, apart from the intro tune (catchy but tiresome in the long run; you can do without it anyway), the applause and the gasps of amazement from the crowd in the background do their job, as does the click of the balls when they touch; if you like playing in total silence, don’t worry: by pressing the ‘s’ key you can turn off (or back on) all the sound effects.
This version, too, reproduces the classic game of billiards with absolute faithfulness, letting you, as usual, save your matches and load them later.
Without doubt the wealth of game options, the ease of learning, even for the less experienced, the new look and the little details that have been added make BILIARDO 2.2 an extremely simple game for anyone, and engaging enough.
Finally, since all that glitters is not gold, now that we’ve covered the strengths, let’s move on to the weaknesses. Well, I’d say the biggest flaws I feel I should bring to light are two: namely the lack of multiplayer (let’s hope for a new version) and above all the fact that in every match you control both players, leaving no room for the computer as an opponent, a rather questionable choice (I don’t remember whether this was also the case in the version I reviewed before). All things considered, a very worthwhile game; a pity about these shortcomings, which don’t do it justice.
Till next time, ciauz! :]
Luca “Nemini” Barattini