The stately British sport of Snooker is played on a billiards table, and involves 21 colored balls which must be potted during the course of a game. Unlike its American variant Pool, Snooker scoring is based upon the balls that the striker pots throughout the match. 15 red balls (known simply as "reds") are worth one point each, while six other colored balls ("colors") are worth between two and seven points each. Reds and colors are potted alternately until no reds remain, and then the colors must be potted in order of ascending value. Naturally, the winner is the player with the highest score once all balls have been potted.

Celeris and Interplay bring this classic English game to the computer desktop with Virtual Snooker. Utilizing the same graphics and gameplay engine as the companion title Virtual Pool, developers Celeris have attempted to recreate the sport of Snooker with complete accuracy. 3D graphics allow the Snooker table to be panned and tilted for viewing from any angle or perspective, and a mouse control system is used to simulate the movement of the cue. This involves moving the mouse toward oneself for the backstroke, and away (forward) for the strike and follow-through. The speed with which the mouse is moved determines the power of the shot.

For single player games nine computer-controlled opponents are included, providing varying levels of difficulty, from the aptly named E.Z. Pickens to the ace Blacky Potter. If you prefer, challenge a friend through turn-based play on the same machine, or remotely via modem or network play. Of course, you'll want to hone your skills first with the practise mode.

Multimedia video also provides tips to improve your play, featuring six time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis. View the videos on tactics to learn valuable strategies to humble your opponents, or witness the first ever televised break of 147 (the maximum score possible in Snooker), which was achieved by Steve Davis in 1988. Also featured in the 30 minutes of video footage is Irish professional Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Designed for MS-DOS but with instructions for installation in Windows95, the Virtual Snooker package includes one CD and a 75-page manual. ~ Stephen Redwood, All Game Guide