The first known computer game with graphics that is updated in real time was billiards, developed by William Brown and Ted Lewis in 1954. 40 years later, Virtual Pool 1, a 3D billiards simulator for MS-DOS, was released. It had a revolutionary feature at the time that allowed players to "walk" around the table to take a closer look and line up a shot. Worldwide sales have exceeded 250,000 copies..
Nowadays there are many billiards games for smartphones that are downloaded by millions of users. Google Play is filled with them (over 250 options). In the list below you will find those who deserve attention. This does not mean that they are the best, but they are all good in their own way. It's worth noting that the apps are not listed in any particular order.
8 Ball Pool
8 Ball Pool is one of the most popular billiard games on the Play Store. There are many colorful tables, online multiplayer, tournaments for up to eight players based on skill. As your rating grows, new locations open up. The player earns coins, which he can use to pay for participation in cooler tournaments..
The mechanics, graphics and gameplay are mediocre as in most freemium games. 8 Ball Pool is definitely aimed at casuals and online gamblers. Grind is a little tiring, in the online mode not everything works as intended, but the game received 20 million downloads for a reason. People seem to like it.
Download on Android ..
Billiards city
Another popular representative of the genre. The mechanics, appearance and atmosphere are reminiscent of old Flash games. This is one of the few games on this list with a decent single player mode. In addition, there are many interesting table shapes and configurations. A level system is used, it becomes more and more difficult to play as you progress.
Billiards City is completely free, but with ads that pop up quite often. It is still better than freemium, though, so consider this a niggle for the sake of order. One of the best free billiards game with no in-app purchases.
Download on Android .
Billiards club
This is one of the quietest games on this list. Unlike others, sharpened for competition, it is rather relaxing. In fact, this is a pool-8 - aiming at the cue ball and trying to get all the balls. The physics of the balls is realistic, the graphics are two-dimensional with a projection from bottom to top. There is an offline mode, so you can play almost anywhere.
There are not many disadvantages. The game is simple, there is no multiplayer mode, no storyline in single-player. If you want to kill time in a simple arcade pool, then Billiards Club is perfect for this. Plus, it's free, but with ads.
Download on Android .
King of pool
But for those who want to compete, Kings of Pool is suitable. The game has realistic mechanics, a kind of pool - "eight". In the presence of a rating table, a decent level of graphics and stunt strikes for the most desperate.
AR (Augmented Reality) can be used. Using the smartphone camera, a billiard table will be projected onto any flat surface. It looks funny, you definitely don't see this every day. Pool and AR work well, I liked how it all looks. There are occasional bugs or problems with physics, but they do not spoil the overall impression.
Download on Android .
Real Pool 3D
Another pool with an abundance of advantages. There is a Facebook login function, with which 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 a collection of cues.
All the charm can be felt 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 have to grind a little.
Download on Android .
Pool billiards pro
A very simple yet fun game. It has top-down 2D graphics like classic Flash pools and almost as much charm. Varieties - pool-8 and pool-9, as well as several challenge modes.
In addition, single and multiplayer modes are available, as well as an option to play with different rules or no rules at all. Most players like single player, but PvP, by all accounts, needs to be improved.
Download on Android .
Pool break pro
This is one of the oldest billiard games for phones. And one of the best. The types are very different: from pool-3 to pool-10, as well as carr, blackball, croquinol, snooker (with six and ten reds) and much more. Perfect for those who like to diversify the gameplay. There is also local and online multiplayer.
The mechanics are quite simple, but everything looks pretty. I even liked physics. However, at the time of this writing, there have been no updates for nearly two years. It's a bit of a shame that the developers abandoned the game. Before spending a dollar on it, I recommend trying the free version with ads.
Download on Android .
Pool mania
Pool Mania is the simplest billiards game. There is no abundance of game modes or super-complex mechanics. Expose the cue ball and score other balls with it - a great simple arcade game for those who want to fool around a little. There is an arcade mode with 120 levels, as well as challenge mode, table customization and much more.
In addition, the developers promise to add new features in future updates. I hope they optimize a little more, because the ads are sometimes too annoying at times and the battery runs out a little faster than you'd expect with this simplicity.
Pool stars
Another uncomplicated pool. You can switch between 2D or 3D modes, whichever is more convenient for you. And there is also multiplayer, a single career mode and player ratings. 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 application is free, with problems typical for free games. On the other hand, tinkering with challenges is quite fun. These same developers created Snooker Stars, Pool Night and Pool Master. You can choose any - the gameplay, with slight differences, is the same everywhere.
Download on 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 besides that, there is nothing special to do - regular snooker. Minimalism is to my liking, but some players may want something more varied, like a story mission mode. Be that as it may, if you like it - the game is free, and ads can be removed for $ 2.
Download on Android .