Pool Sharks vs. Billiards – What’s New in Our Upcoming Pool Game

The beta-testing period for our Pool Sharks game started last week, and from the few dozen survey responses we’ve gotten so far, it looks like you guys are as excited for the game to launch as the Candystand team.

For those of you who haven’t tried it out here, here’s a quick rundown of the new features you can play around with in Pool Sharks. If you’re a billiards aficionado, you’ll definitely want to check it out (and make sure to let us know what you think!).

- Get a new point of view with 3D mode.
You can choose to play pool in either a realistic 3D mode or classic top-down mode (you can even switch on-the-fly during the game). 3D mode also allows you to zoom in/out, and offers a 360-degree view of the table so you can be confident about the game-winning shot you’re making.

- Use the Guide Line to help you line up your shot.
The new Guide Line draws a straight line between the cue ball and the first pool ball it will hit, and even draws an outline of the cue ball so you can set up the perfect angle. Very useful for making the more difficult shots.

- Add English and change your Cue Angle.
For the first time in a Candystand pool game, you’ll be able to add English (side spin) as well as change the shot angle. Drag the red reticule on the ball to choose where you’ll hit the cue and click the plus (+) or minus (-) signs to adjust the angle.

- Check the Power Meter.
Instead of having to guess how much juice you’re putting into the cue ball, you’ll be able to see it right on the Power Meter. We’ve found that it’s helped us gauge our shots much better than just eye-balling how far back the pool cue is pulled.

- Choose between two venues: Pool Hall or Professional.
Each venue has its own distinct look and ambient sounds. Want to feel like you’re at a pub shooting pool with your buddies? Choose Pool Hall. Have dreams of playing pool on broadcast television? Choose Professional (don’t forget to smile for the cameras!).

- Create and share Trick Shots.
Jealous of those trick shots you see pro poolers pulling off? (This one in particular leaves our jaws dropped every time we watch it) Now you can make your own with Trick Shot mode, which lets you place up to four racks and three pool cues on the table (and rearrange the pool balls to your liking) to create amazing shots. Even better, you can share your shots with the world and browse through other user-created ones too.

Ready to test out the new features? Head over to the Pool Sharks beta page, then make sure you fill out the survey to let us know what you think!