2 Billiards 2 Play is an online flash game created by Benz.be. The game offers play in different types of billiards, 8-ball and straight pool. Each mode allows the gamer to play against the computer or with a second player. In straight pool mode, the gamer can also just knock some balls around in a single player game. Music can be toggled on and off in the top right hand corner along with sound effects.
For people new to the game of billiards, the title screen offers the rules and objectives for both modes of play. It does a good job of introducing the new players to the game. It would have been nice to see a deeper menu that allowed for a "How To Play" screen, but there is not one. The player then selects their game type and its time to hit the table. The game however, is quite underwhelming. Compared to other flash pool games, 2 Billiards 2 Play is very ordinary. This bare bones version allows a gamer to knock around a few balls, but little else. One such example is the annoying inability to enter your name or keep a score of any kind. The game refers to you as "Player" and the computer as "Computer." And of course, player 2 is referred to as "Player 2."
The gameplay of 2 Billiards 2 Play is also on the lower end of the flash pool game spectrum. As said before, the game lacks a instructional mode. However, the functions are so simple it does not require one. You click to pull back the cue, and release to send the cue ball hurtling around the table. That is the extent of the gameplay. The line indicating the path of your shot can be toggled on and off allowing for a little added difficulty. The physics are okay, the balls definitely go the direction they should go, but your cue is very underpowered. A good break shot (the first shot of the game for those that don't know) is nearly impossible with such a weak cue. However, once you get some space between the balls, the cue does seem to send them flying around. The crucial aspect missing is not being able to control my shot. The physics are good to send the ball in the direction you want, but the control ends there. You can't change where you hit the cue ball to add backspin or sidespin. Nor can you change camera angles. The game ends with a message on screen such as PLAYER 1 WON, that's it.
Flash pool games are some of the first flash games, and have grown a ton since the early days. This game seems a little out of date compared to others. 2 Billiards 2 Play is a no frills pool game. It's a nice little time waster, but gets old quickly. There is nothing to entice you to play it more than once, unless it is revenge against Player 2. In an age where there are an abundance of flash pool games, one can find a richer experience elsewhere.
