The first known computer game to use real-time graphics was Billiards, developed by William Brown and Ted Lewis in 1954. 40 years later, Virtual Pool 1 was released, a 3D billiards simulator for MS-DOS. It had a revolutionary feature at the time that allowed players to "walk" around the table to look and line up their shot. Worldwide sales exceeded 250,000 copies.
There are now many pool games for smartphones that are downloaded by millions of users. Google Play is filled with them (more than 250 options). In the list below, you will find those that deserve attention. This does not mean that they are the best, but they are all good in their own way. It is worth noting that the applications are not listed in any particular order.
Kings of Pool
The game has realistic mechanics, a type of pool - "eight". There is a rating table, decent graphics and trick shots for the most desperate. You can use AR (augmented reality). Using a smartphone camera, a pool table will be projected onto any flat surface. It looks funny, you definitely don't see something like this every day. Pool and AR combine well, I liked how it all looks. There are occasional bugs or problems with physics, but they do not spoil the overall impression.
Version for Android.
Billiards City
Another popular representative of the genre. The mechanics, appearance and atmosphere are reminiscent of old Flash games. In this list, it is one of the few games with a decent single-player mode. In addition, there are many interesting shapes and configurations of tables. A level system is used, and the game becomes more difficult as you progress.
Billiards City is completely free, but with ads that appear quite often. Although this model is still better than freemium, so consider it a nitpick. One of the best free pool games with no in-app purchases.
Version for Android.
Total Snooker
Great classic snooker for smartphones. Thanks to the 2D graphics, the table is clearly visible. But alas, there is no 3D view. But there are tournaments, the ability to play online and invite friends. Because other than that, there is not much to do - regular snooker. I like the minimalism, but some players may want something more varied, like a story mission mode. Anyway, if you like it - the game is free, and you can remove the ads for $ 2.
Version for Android.
Real Pool 3D
Another pool with a lot of advantages. There is a social login function, with its help you can play against online friends. In addition, you can switch the view from 2D to 3D, play online against random opponents, join communities (guilds or clans) and collect cues.
You can feel all the charm if you play for a couple of hours. At first it is not very impressive, and to feel that you are finally playing a normal pool, you will have to grind a little.
Version for Android.
Pool Billiards Pro
A very simple but fun game. It has 2D top-down graphics like classic Flash pools and almost as much charm. Variations include 8-pool and 9-pool, as well as several challenge modes.
In addition, there are single-player and multiplayer modes, as well as a game option with different rules or no rules at all. Most players like single player, but PvP, by general opinion, needs to be improved.
Version for Android.
Billiards Club
This is one of the calmest games on this list. Unlike other games that are designed for competition, it is more relaxing. It is essentially 8-ball pool – aim at the cue ball and try to pocket all the balls. The physics of the balls are realistic, the graphics are 2D with a bottom-up projection. There is an offline mode, so you can play almost anywhere.
There aren't many downsides. The game is a bit simple, there's no multiplayer mode, no plot in single-player. If want to kill time in a simple arcade pool, then Billiards Club is perfect for this. In addition, it is free, but with advertising.
Version for Android.
Pool Stars
Another simple pool. You can switch between 2D or 3D modes, depending on which one is more convenient for you. There is also multiplayer, a single career mode and player rating. However, the most unique feature is the custom challenge mode. In it, you can create your own "challenges" and challenge other players. The two main varieties are pool-8 and pool-9.
The app is free, with the typical problems of free games. On the other hand, mastering the "challenges" is quite exciting. The same developers created Snooker Stars, Pool Night and Pool Master. You can choose any - the gameplay, with minor differences, is the same everywhere.
Version for Android.
