A very popular computer game over the last decade has been pool or billiards.  There have been many variations that have come down the pike, but none better than Bankshot Billiards in my opinion.  There has been some more graphical versions of billiards, but for playability and ease of use, Bankshot Billiards is hands down my favorite.  

Bankshot Billiards has 9 variations of games including 8 Ball, 9 Ball, Cutthroat, Golf, 3 Ball and several others.  All graphics are beautifully rendered in a 3D format with customizable tables, cue sticks and balls.

Single player mode allows you to play against a computer opponent with a skill level of your choosing.  There are 5 computer skill levels to accommodate all sorts of talent.  Master the pool table and play the computer shark to really impress your friends.  Two player mode allows you to play side-by-side on the same computer for great competitive action.

The controls use within the game are easy to manipulate using the mouse and keyboard.  For beginners, there is a brief tutorial to get you familiar with the controls, if you so desire.  Another feature that I really like is that Bankshot Billiards keeps individual statistics for each and every game played.  It’s simple to track your progress and improve your game over time, winning matches and perfecting the angles on the table.

Bankshot Billiards was released by MSN or the Zone as Microsoft likes to call it.  The requirements are minimalistic and should run on any Windows computer made in the last 5 years.  A trial version is available for download.  To test the game before purchasing it visit this link.  The full version is $19.95 and can be bought from the same link above.  Bankshot Billiards is an impressive game that is both realistic and very accurate in its representation of one of our favorite past times.