This is an English translation of the review of Biliardo 2 originally published in Norwegian by Gratis kvalitetsdataspel in 2001. Read the original review in Norwegian.
Introduction
There are plenty of billiards games for computers, but this one is unique all the same. It contains Italian billiards variants…
The game consists of eight different variants, and the only one I had heard of before is “carom”. Surprisingly, all the variants are played on tables without pockets, which is unusual but interesting. The game supports two players and no computer opponents.
Good physics
The simulation of reality in the game is impressive. When you take a shot, you can decide where the cue is placed, the angle the cue makes with the table, exactly where on the ball you hit, how much force you shoot with and even the temperature of the room! By setting these options correctly, you can actually make the cue ball follow a curved line.
It can be hard to hit the ball the way you want, and here the game has built-in help. You can turn on a display of the path the balls will follow, either just for the cue ball or for all the balls. This is really cheating, of course, but it can be handy while you are learning the game and if you are trying special billiards tricks.
Graphics
The graphics in the game are great – both the table and the balls are well drawn. The balls also roll smoothly and naturally, which creates a sense of realism. A rather fun detail is that you can choose between two looks for the graphics – professional and bar. With the professional look everything appears clean and polished, but if you switch to bar mode it really looks as if the game takes place in a bar. There are stains on the table and cigarette butts on the edge!
Music and sound
For some reason it seems to be very popular to have “ragtime” music in billiards games. This one is no exception, and the menu screen plays a good version of Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer. I don’t mind; I love “ragtime”.
The sound effects are also very good and realistic. The sound of two balls colliding, in particular, is absolutely perfect.
Conclusion
I have trouble finding any faults with this game. The only ones I can think of are the lack of support for computer opponents and for more common billiards variants. Otherwise this game is perfect, graphically, in its sound and technically. Anyone who likes billiards should definitely take a closer look at Biliardo!
Karl Ove Hufthammer – Gratis kvalitetsdataspel