Pooking - Billiards City Reviews

by Zernade

Honestly would rated like a 3.6, because it can get boring after a while. I really enjoy this game, and honestly it should be left as a offline game forever. For all those people complaining about “OMG! To much ads” literally turn off your cellular data for the game in settings or just when you want to play the game just turn off the wifi for sometime and turn it on later, at least for me. About the boring part, this app should make it where you can at least play against other bots with different modes from easy to hard, extreme, intense, etc. Also the developer of this app should allow 2 players to play to make it more fun and interesting during each level or maybe something separate besides the levels, but other than that its a good game.

by Ghart97

This was a really good game and a nice distraction when you’re just sitting around and waiting. But the ads have made it more frustrating than fun. Now after every round, an ad pops up and some of them won’t allow you to exit the ad. So you end up having to reset Pooking , and you lose whatever you shot in the last round. I get that ads are necessary when you’re offering a free game, but you don’t even want to play it for free when the ads are way too excessive. At one time, you didn’t even see ads unless you ran out of shots and wanted to add a couple more shots to complete the round. In that case, at least you made the choice to watch the ad instead of having them forced down your throat.

by WomanontheBank

Enjoyed this a lot. Suggest taking stick angle away from the whole damned screen as it can often change your angle while shooting. There are enough options elsewhere. Also...your english is backwards. Left english moves the cueball left after the strike, right english moves the cueball right after the strike. And the cueball does not transfer english to the table balls. Certainly the table balls do not transfer english back to the cueball, yet I’ve observed some really weird curves on a cueball third hand that are impossible irl. Just watched the cue ball with no english on it run a ball into the pocket on the short rail, hit that rail, run the length of the table, bounce off the opposite rail, come out what would have been about 8 inches irl and do a 90 degree turn to the left...lol. It did its own masse! Wow. Pool is a game of vectors. The only reason you can put english on the cue ball is because your stick tip is relatively soft and “grabby”, if you will. But hey...it’s a virtual game. Still enjoy it.
Definitely need a way to shut off the hand. PITA
The crazy, backwards, and unpredictable gamed english is annoying. Clearly the creator of this game never shot a game of pool in his or her life.

by 5-star Graphics

The game is nice. Theres not enything wrong with it. No bugs, No issues but there is some problems that may not be that important to you because it’s my personal opinion. I don’t like how once your past level 10 they make you play on a weird table that’s shaped like Tennessee lol. I mean the table is really weird because the shape of it makes it look rediculas and then they expect you to do crazy corner shots that are impossible because the tables weirdly shaped. But on the regular shaped table that REGULATES REAL POOL is nice. All I have to say is if you want a good realistic gaming experience that’s about pool mabey consider another game. Very challenging game though. If you want a good quality semi realistic game that’s challenging you got your main game. The reason I think it’s a 5 star game is because of the graphics. At first I donlaoded the game to see if this game was a joke or not but holy crap was I wrong. This game might have the best graphics on mobile I’ve seen in a while. Plz install the game. You’re going to really love it😀🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱

by Tralfaz00

First of all, my game has locked up. I have contacted them twice with no response.

On top of that, the physics are not accurate at all. Angles of bounce are skewed so that the game will win. Attempting to aim is frustrating because the direction you swipe to change your angle changes constantly, sometimes in the same shot and trying to “fine tune” an aim is next to impossible because they have designed it so that minute changes are next to impossible, your direction will jump all over the place.

I wish there were options to play legitimate 1 and/or 2 person actual games, like 9 ball, 8 ball, etc., instead of only one person being allowed to play a bunch of balls, not racked, but pre-arranged on the table.

by Controllr1

Some of the odd table shapes are a bit much as shots will require some creativity to sink. Also, the physics on this game aren’t very accurate. Some straight shots don’t fall as expected even if I line them up with a straight edge. Shots are inconsistent, and the transfer of english to multiple target balls is ridiculous. I’ve enjoyed playing, but have had to put it down because of these frustrations. Not a relaxing game as they state in the game’s description, but it’s mostly enjoyable when just looking to make non-complex shots. Could be improved in the areas I mention, including allowing you to make up the missed trophy days. Wish the cues you earn have increasing attributes as you progress through the levels.

by Gratefulkels

I love this game, been playing it for over a year. I've gotten a bunch of my friends hooked on it as well. The only thing I would say is that when you get to the higher levels (100s and on), the tables don't vary. The only change between levels is the color of the balls, no more interesting shaped tables which I thought were challenging and fun at the beginning. It would be nice if some of the tables had all of the standard color balls so you could play a game of real pool. I still like to play as a way to pass the time, I love pool and don't always have the chance to play on a table in real life. Just would be fun if the higher levels incorporated some sort of variety in table shape/things to switch it up and add more of a challenge. The new "daily challenge" thing is boring and doesn't make sense.

by Lemon Saint

The physics engine works great, it’s very easy to get In and start playing, and it looks very nice. A more extended tutorial to go over the finer points of ball English would be nice for those who have never played a video pool game before but with a bit of playing around it can be figured out.

One major issue I have with the game is the placement of ads over the Rube Goldberg-esque animations after each round. I’m sure someone on your team put a lot of thought into those, and we the players can’t see what is happening because as soon as we complete the level, bam, an ad starts, covering your slick little animations. Fix that, and maybe an eventual multiplayer and even a way to purchase to go ad free would be great.

by Dee Dee In The AZ

It’s seems like every billiard app out there only lets you play against another person or the computer. However, there are many times when I would just like to practice my shots and not compete against someone. I love Pooking because it lets me practice my games WITHOUT a competitor.
Even thought I really enjoy Pooking and the fact that it’s FREE would usually make it 5 stars in my book, there are a couple reasons it didn’t get 5 stars from me.
1. I hate having to wait for the ads in between each game. Way too many ads and no way to get rid of them. I would be willing to pay $2.99 to get rid of them.
2. This would be a perfect app if I could actually play a game of 8-ball or 9-ball by MYSELF. This way I could truly practice my game. I would be willing to pay a one time charge of $4.99 if I could play either 8-ball and 9-ball by MYSELF. I would like to play against myself. I can play against someone else on any other app.
If you made these changes I would tell all of my pool friends about it and would gladly to give you 5-Stars.
Thanks!😁👍

by Dan N N N

Nice game, however it’s out of scale. Corner pockets are slightly larger than the object ball. Corner pocket holes should be the size of 2 balls plus. There should be 11 balls from end rail to head spot or foot spot. Side pockets cuts are very wide. Combination shots don’t allow balls to be thrown. Because scale is not correct, it doesn’t allow natural combinations to happen. English doesn’t work as it should. Nice draw and follow however. Fun to play but a bit frustrating at times. Get rid of the hand that appears and then takes your ball away. It would be nice if you could actually play a game such as straight pool, etc. In real life I have many times ran 100 plus balls (racked) shooting straight pool. I’m lucky to run 50 balls (open rack) in this game . It’s still pretty close to real life and I do enjoy it.

by Sonnie6teen

From the English responses to the visual experience, you can actually sense the weight of the cue balls and the density of the table. Pretty amazing.

The only issue I had in the beginning was trying to aim the cue stick when shooting from the left end of the table where the trigger sits. If you're not careful you activate the trigger without realizing it and then it cues when you take your finger off the screen. I've since learned to just spin the cue from the center of the table. Same thing happens on the right end... your finger activates the fine adjustment aiming slider while trying to manually aim the cue.

I don't understand the progression requirements for each set... I would think you need to pocket each cue numerically, but it seems to reward you for pocketing randomly. I don't know. Wish these things came with instructions. If they are available I don't see them. That's why I only gave 4 stars. People who write these things always leave it up to the user to figure out how to actually utilize their apps. EVERY piece of software should have complete instructions. My first rule in life: If at first you don't succeed... read the instructions!

by Cashmere67899

II am not a serious pool player, so this game is just the right intensity for me. The different table configurations are fun and frustrating. I often get stuck on one of those. You can go back and replay games. I was going back and try getting crowns for each level (no mistakes!), but I gave that up. *suggestion - give the number of misses on the header of the game. The games tend to run together and I can’t remember if I’ve lost the crown. It changes how you think about things. In the videos/screen shots, it looks like there could be suggestions or hints. That would be nice especially for the bank shot I’m supposed to be working on.

by Baaghaali

Well-designed, realistic and enjoyable. I would give it 5-star if it wasn’t for an annoying issue. To start or to get back to a particular game you have to go through swiping left or right for an eternity before you land on a game you want. For example: when you open Pooking , you get to play the next highest numbered game you have already played. If that was #1027 you get to play #1028 or #1026 or all the games that show on that particular page. But if you want to play game #304, you have to swipe right on your screen so many times that either the next sunrise peeks through the window or your finger starts bleeding, whichever comes first. At any point, there must be a placeholder for typing a game # which would take you directly to that particular game.

by Tika50

28 Jan 2021 Congratulations, dear Player! Yes, three cheers and huzzah for reaching level 1020! I say this because the game won't. It just ends abruptly at table 1020. What other reviewers say is true: ball physics are pretty realistic. It's easy to line up your shot and control the force used (Luke). this app builds your confidence. You will pocket more balls here than you would on a real table. Tip: try playing in Airplane Mode! Suggestions for the devs: -Please get rid of the oddball tables! They are aggravating and don't belong in the game. -Please provide an option to disable the hand. -Instead of designing 1000 different starting positions, why not simply rack the balls? Let the player choose between 8-ball, 9-ball, and 14.1 racks. -Let the player set up practice shots. -Let the player replay the last position. -And thanks for making a game that gave me many hours of enjoyment! Update 24 July 2023 Table 2222 and still going! The game runs fine and I never see ads. I play on iPad Pro with Wi-Fi turned off. The 'reward' cues don't play any better than the basic one -- they are just distracting. I use the very first cue. My biggest gripe is 'the hand'. It's an UNWELCOME nuisance. How about making a Hardcore Mode option with NO HAND??

by SSGT LITTER

I like this game because the player is competing against himself by choosing any of the balls to pocket in any order. Hit the cue ball too hard or soft and the result is the same as virtually playing. I think the progression of the number of balls available to pocket causes the shooter to be more aware of how he leaves himself for the next shot although English on the cue isn’t used.
I especially like the control that positions the stick. I didn’t notice it at first but once I found it, it really lets the shooter be more precise. The control for how hard you hit the cue ball is nice too...it really lets you shoot soft or softer.
The heart that randomly appears in different pockets is asking you to pocket a ball there...any ball. I see it added in scoring but don’t get its purpose...nor do I get how the game is scored. Can’t say I honestly care since there’s only one player. LOL
I used to shoot straight 8 ball, calling pockets, rails and kisses...played around 20-30 hours a week. Have not played for a very long time. This game has been bringing me a lot of fun memories. I may just have to find a place to have a cold beer and drag my husband out to play a few games!

by CatCalls06

I truly enjoy playing this game and find that hours can pass while I try to get a crown. I've been playing for quite a while, and for the longest time I was trying to understand what the hearts and gloves were all about, as well as what causes things to happen, like the table going dark. I'm still not certain.
The challenge of learning how hard to hit a ball; knowing angles that work better than others; and learning that if you sink a ball in a hole not marked with a red heart, it seems to count anyway for something; all this is very intriguing. The game seems geometry-based which I really enjoy.
It would make the game even more interesting if I understood how scoring is tracked, if there even is scoring.

by FedUpWithTech!

I know that this game isn't a blast of epic racing, fighting or serious strategy but, that's the beauty of this game.. no frills, just the table, a little goofy table shapes, plenty of difficult shots to make with really tight pockets for a challenge!! I find that most games I play on several different devices or consoles takes me from my own thinking and "easy mode" of comfortable thought and base enjoyment zone?!! Sometimes, more than not and def much more sought after are the times you just want to pull away from the world and play a little pool!!! Would like to hit a Rack-A-Balls e'ry now & again but I don't miss it that much?! Great game y'all, keep the same simplicity but invent more to keep me coming back even more!

by Eagle235

Yes.. this is a five star review. I have played it for months. But here is the challenge. If you are perfect, not missing a shot, every stroke you get either 1 or more balls in a pocket, you get the crown. Once I discovered this, that is all that I look for. Miss a shot, you have to start over. I play the same board sometime 20 times. But making the last shot..and it puts the ball in the pocket. That’s a good feeling. I love the special notice when it appears that marks the pocket and if you get the ball in the game removes another ball. Quite helpful if your playing for the crown. I know there are folks that are playing the game have never seen a crown. It came as surprise the first time for me as well. Anyway .. great game!

by M A R C Y

2956 games all crowns to date. I particularly enjoy games one can play offline - since internet connection isn’t always available when off grid camping. Didn’t much care for the different shaped pool tables in the first 900 or so games - I really don’t remember how far back the odd shapes stopped….. The geometry playing this game is transferable to our standard pool table. You can actually see multiple shots you didn’t think you could make before playing this game.

As far as the ads - think outside the box.

by Lashey1234

As it is, this game is as challenging as it is peaceful as it is addictive. I don’t know how many levels there are, but I hope there are at least 1000. I’m on 229

If these guys would do a couple things, this game would be legendary:

1. When you miss a shot, you can’t come back from that and get the “crown” for that level. One should be able to make up for it by doing difficult shots like banks and combos and so forth.

2. This game needs instructions. It’s not that it is a difficult game to understand and play, but, for instance, what are the properties of the various sticks that you get as you go along? What do those letters at the top mean? Things like that.

3. One should get extra points for banked shots.

4. When you put a ball in a pocket that has the hand that removes a ball, you should be able to choose which ball is removed

5. After a scratch it’s hard to place the cue ball. Your finger covers it and you can’t see where exactly it’s going to be placed.

6. You should be able to call the pocket and get extra points for making a called shot pocket.
7. Make a level where you have to sink the balls in order (nine ball)

8. Have an “undo” function that costs you a heart or something.

by OUPULOPU

This game is amazing all the way through just one problem. all the adds It starts off good then it gets to the point of every game I am having an add not that it make this a bad game of course it is amazing just if you can make the adds go down all little that would be great. also can you add like the start of pool when it is in the triangle and also make it so that you have to pick between solid and stripes and make an 8 ball. That would make it more realistic if you can’t that is fine but if you can please do. For everyone reading this, this game is amazing and definitely down load it if you want a lot of fun and joy but must warn you about the adds one more time. Thank you.

by VallejoKev

Was a nice surprise when tables with oddly placed pockets appeared. I also like how they set up trick/combo shots. Makes me feel like pro when I sink them hahaha. Yes, I agree you should tone down the ads, but I also understand developers of Free games generate their $$$ from these 5 second ads. Still... if I want to redo the table? I get an ad. If I miss a shot and tap Pause then Redo? Ad. Next table? Ad. Dude!! It’s excessive for sure.

Hopefully, the spread between ads lessens at higher levels, but just being at Lvl 23 I doubt the frequency will decrease any time soon. I’ll play to level 51 (see if it lessens after level 50). If it still produces ads at every new table and replay? Delete.

by SunffSmith

I have completed this game THREE TIMES. I just finished my third time, but I do have a few issues. 1. I’ve played pool a great many times in my 67 years and having my own table I’ve learned many techniques on how to control my balls, like setting up my next shots, having the ball to follow, or to back up etc. and this game does not follow the rule of thumb. Now with that being said, I still like this game and will continue to play it. But again there’s could still be some improvements, like curving around another ball, or jumping a ball. There are tricks shots that could be implemented. Still, I compliment you and thank you for good game.

by Pgcoop

Okay, I downloaded this two days ago and I’m already addicted on both phone and tablet. I’m sorry there’s no way to put spin on the cue ball, because the touch is very realistic and you wish you could control your leave better. Some of layouts and table shapes are weird, but what the heck. I’m not sure what the hearts give you (apart from the “gimme” glove for a free ball) but they’re fun. And the ergonomics of the controls make you shoot accidentally unless you’re always careful. But what the heck — I’m having lots of fun.

by MikeyG74

A great game. The levels get harder as you progress. It is a single player game which I like. I don’t like being forced to play other people if I don’t want to. Overall it seems to be pretty realistic. This has given me hours of entertainment.

The worst part was when the game was freezing between levels. But that seems to be worked out. I think it had something to do with the ads. Speaking of ads. They are not too long and I are not that annoying. Yes the pop up between each level. But they are usually short and, as of yet, do not bother me.