Championship Pool Overview
Championship Pool is a top down simulation of billiards for the Sega Genesis. Its primary structure is a competitive ladder where success in a regional event against 32 opponents unlocks a world championship. This tournament mode uses a first to four wins format with immediate elimination upon any loss. The game employs a visual aid system where repeating ghost images preview the trajectory of the cue ball and its first contact, which updates to reflect adjustments to shot power and spin.
Control is managed through an on table icon for targeting. The margin for error is generally small, becoming particularly challenging on long or sharply angled shots where the ghost preview may show several potential outcomes. Opponent turns in the tournament are not animated; play simply cuts to a static image before returning with the table state altered, allowing the AI to conclude games within a set number of turns regardless of positioning.
Beyond the tournament, several other modes are available. Challenge mode presents solo variants like 14.1, Eight Ball, and Nine Ball, each with specific scoring rules. It also includes specialized tests such as Three Ball, which scores based on shot efficiency, and Speed Pool, timed for completion. Party mode facilitates multiplayer for two to eight participants, offering standard rule sets for games like Eight Ball, Nine Ball, and 14.1 Continuous, alongside more niche options like One Pocket and Rotation.
