Comprehensive review of a novel PC peripheral that simulates playing pool from your home. Includes detailed analysis of setup, software, documentation and an overall rating. Links to manufacturer are included for purchase.

Pool Shark

Manufactured By: MIACOMET

A while back InterAct announced the shipment of the 'real feel' Pool Shark. In fact, InterAct is the distributor and the design is from MIACOMET. MIACOMET is the genius behind real feel technology that incorporates "patented force feedback and spatial sensory technologies to allow real time measurement of motion and a remarkably accurate on-screen display".

Future products include a force feedback fishing reel, baseball bat, and golf club and snowboarding controller. Using a joystick, mouse or game pad just won't be the same. This is put to the test with the first product in the real feel line- the Pool Shark.

Use common sense when determining where to place 'Real Feel' gear for use. The last thing you want is a pool cue sticking out of your monitor or a baseball bat dent in the side of your case!

It is available in left or right hand design and can also be used with a real pool cue! It has a three button design with differing use options.

Appropriate For: Pool Sims (Virtual Pool I and III, 8 Ball Deluxe, Expert Pool, etc.)

System Requirements: Windows 98, USB port Performance.

Customer Review

To be honest I don't play much pool. I don't have a table, requiring me to play in public places. My skills are pretty pathetic at times. I can now save myself the embarrassment and expense of hitting the pool halls with my inability to drop the balls in an orderly fashion.

The stick that comes with the Pool Shark has a decent feel to it. It is not full size but has good weight to it. In its place you could use the real thing if you prefer. The base is a modified mouse. You can select left, right or standard mode with the switch on the base. I am left-handed so I set the switch to the 'L' position. This allows you to place the base on the mouse pad with the wheel on the left and the body of the controller to the right. Mouse tracking is switched to compensate for whatever position you select. The wheel on top of the base reads the cue stroking across it.

There are a total of six buttons on the controller. The Pool Shark offers a three-button function, repeating each in different positions on the base. The primary buttons are located just aside from the wheel. The two positions allow you to hold the cue in different ways and use either your thumb or index finger to control it. In most games this button is best set to activate the wheel reading the cue. The other two buttons are located on the sides of the base. Again, depending on your preferences, you can either use the front or back set for functions such as cue angle and fine tuning the shot.

I used the Pool Shark with Virtual Pool II and the 8 Ball Deluxe Demo. Virtual Pool II ships with the Players Pack of the Pool Shark and is a great game. Amazingly, I make the same mistakes with the Pool Shark as I do in the real thing. Using a mouse for the games I was not able to effectively line up shots and accurately deliver the desired strength to the shot. With the Pool Shark I couldn't blame the controller for missed shots- I pulled them off as I wanted but didn't have a good plan going into most of them.

Pool Sharks - Online pool game. www.poolgame.co.uk


Set-up

Assembly of the included pool cue is required. It ships in three pieces that interconnect and lock together with a simple twist. Set-up of the Pool Shark itself is incredibly simple. Plug and Play. At one point during the detection process you'll be asked to insert the Windows 98 CD. After set-up is complete the Pool Shark will be recognized as (and function as) a 'HID Compliant Mouse'. It works alongside your current system mouse. The Pool Shark will probably never become you primary system mouse but it will co-exist with it nicely. The only adjustment you'll need to make to put the Pool Shark into use is switching the button on the underside of the Shark to indicate if you will be using it left or right handed. It also has a mode to use it as a standard ambidextrous mouse.

Software

No software is provided with the standard Pool Shark package. Drivers for the device are already on your system (or as far away as the Windows 98 CD). The Players Pack includes one of the best pool games for the PC- Virtual Pool 2.

Virtual Pool 2 is a very well done pool simulator. I find myself making the same great shots and stupid errors I do in the real game. Virtual Pool 2 is a highly addictive game and is a great showcase for the Pool Shark.

Documentation

The Pool Shark comes with a 36 page multi-language manual that describes the set-up, use, different modes, troubleshooting and displays the different ways to hold the Pool Shark. The manual does a good job of getting you up and running.

Overall Rating

The Pool Shark is a wonderful controller. Its limited to a specific type of virtual gaming but no other controller can hold a stick to its realistic feel for billiards games. The Shark allows you to naturally play virtual pool without having to compromise your hold or stance and it lets you use your real cue. With all of these features the Pool Shark can be used as a tool to improve your real game.

For further information or to purchase the Pool Shark visit Amazon