Back in the old days, snooker was one of the most basic looking games; an overhead view of a table, 15 reds and the other colours, plus a stick that was supposed to resemble a cue. Thank god those days are over. Codemasters brings you up to date with stunning accuracy to the world of snooker.

There are plenty of games that can be selected for two players as well as many one-player games to keep you busy by yourself. The main one player game is the “LG Tour”. After creating a player, you will compete in more than eight tournaments including the British Open, UK Championships, European Open, Welsh Open, Irish Masters and the Player’s Championship. You must select the length of each match before starting the season from a one frame win to a full-length game that is 35 frames (in the final). If you manage to win your games, you accumulate points, which is added to your world ranking. As in reality, if you have not got a high world ranking, you must partake in a qualifying match before playing against a first round opponent and in some tournaments, if you are not good enough, you cannot even enter. Also along the way, you can earn prize money that can be spent in the store. Various items are for sale, from a new shirt thru to cues and balls. Of course, if snooker is not your game and you are finding it hard, than there is a coach on hand, to give you pointers from how to make the break to snookering your opponent.

Since this is a global game, “Pool” has been added with both variations playable – Eight and Nine Ball. If you still want a challenge, then there is the “Classic Matches”. These matches are a bonus and must be unlocked by succeeding in other games. Once you have unlocked them, you will be able to control one of the grand masters of snooker in a historic encounter. The idea is for you to replicate what had happened and thus complete the objective, which in turn will unlock more features or items at the store.

Everyone likes to show off on the table and this game will not disappoint you, as it allows you to perform “Trick Shots” with the likes of John Virgo. Here he will set challenges that again will unlock more items. If that was not enough, you have several “Bonus Games” which is only for two players. You and a friend will be able to play “Against The Clock”, “Time Bandits”, “Countdown”, “Bonus Ball” and “In My Pocket”. One last option for game play is Xbox Live, where you can compete online against other players head-to-head using any of the 30 plus professional players found within the game.

Finally, there is the “Players Lounge”. You will be able to purchase new clothing and items from the shop, check out any trophies you have won, pictures and videos of classic matches between top professional players as well as a “Hall of Fame” stating your best breaks and rounds in the various tournaments available on the LG Tour.

Graphics & Controls:

All the big names off the professional circuit have been included in the game from the likes of Stephen Hendry to the past masters of Steve Davies and beyond. Each player has been recreated using an enhanced visual engine that includes motion captured player models and animations. As well as the players, the top snooker arenas have been mapped out in accurate details bringing a sense of realism. The table can be seen from a first person perspective or an over the top view whilst lining up your shot which then moves into a third person view once the shot has been executed. Replays are shown automatically if the shot was very good or you can view the last eight shots manually.

Controlling the cue is the most important feature of the game and Codemasters have created a control that is easy to use but hard to master. When you create your player you are given the choice of skill level, the lower the skill means the longer the path arrows are. Path arrows show what direction a colour ball will go once the white ball hits it as well as the direction of the white ball after it has struck. The path arrows can be influenced by power and spin. Both of these features are easily accessible whilst lining up that crucial shot.

Sound:

Commentary from John Virgo and Dennis Taylor bring a nice relief to an otherwise quiet game with the occasional coughing from the crowd, which I have to say sounds very realistic in surround sound. The sound of the cue hitting the white ball and than the balls hitting each other are spot on.

Longevity:

With so many game types, challenges and Live, this game should keep you going for a very long time.

Round Up:

Snooker is Snooker. Plain and simple, if you don’t like the actual sport, than you are not going to like this game but if you play snooker in real life whether its once a week or that rare occasion on a rainy day, than this game will provide hours of entertainment. With the inclusion of Live, it can only mean a longer life.

Pros:

• 30+ top professionals snooker players.
  
• All the real tournaments of the current snooker season.
  
• Live Enabled.