8 Ball Pool was developed and produced by Miniclip. The game was first released in 2010 and its versions have been regularly updated ever since. Since its release, the game has gained lots of popularity in the gaming world with hundreds of millions of downloads. The game was also ranked top on the list of games created by its developers. 

8 Ball Pool is available on different platforms, including Android, iOS, and various computer devices. When mentioning top multiplayer pool and simulation games, 8 Ball Pool will be top on the list.

History

Before creating the 8 Ball Pool game in 2010, Miniclip had earlier created a pool game (8 Ball Quick Fire Pool) in 2008. The game was then improved upon, redeveloped, and remodeled birthing the 8 Ball Pool game.  Although 8 Ball Quick Fire was not a failure after its release (it was rated among the most active games by the company after all), the developers of the game still saw the need to create a game that was more compelling, more complex, and more challenging than 8 Ball Quick Fire Pool. Thankfully, they achieved their goal in 2010 when 8 Ball Pool was created. Though built upon the same controls as its predecessor, 8 Ball Pool was nothing like 8 Ball Quick Fire Pool. It was more complex and more advanced than the earlier game. There were no deductions from the contents of the earlier game. Instead, improvements were made, and many cool features were added. Some of the additions and improvements made in the game are the improved prize system in the game and the introduction of different features that enabled players to spend coins accumulated while playing the game.

Major Strengths

My most favorite thing about playing 8 Ball Pool is its flawless simulations of real-life pool games. When playing 8 Ball Pool, it feels like you’re playing a physical pool game. Another thing I love about this game is that it is quite simple and easy to play and navigate the game. Also, the game allows players to play and connect with friends on Facebook. The introduction of the mobile version of the game was also a major or significant advantage. 

Major Weaknesses 

One of the most noticeable weaknesses or flaws in the game is that over the years, they have failed to introduce the game to different social media platforms except for Facebook. This would have been beneficial to both players and owners of the game as players would get to connect with other players across such platforms and also increase the competition. The company could also benefit from the arrangement, as the game is sure to attract even more players to the game. Also, their activities on Facebook could boost the popularity of the game even further. Another weakness of the game is that players are not allowed to chat freely with other players. Instead, they can only communicate through pre-programmed words written on chat cards. 

Game Rooms in the Game

The game rooms were designed to look exactly like the real-life 8 pool game rooms. The rules of the game vary depending on which game room you are playing. The prizes and entry fees also depend a lot on the game room. The rules and prizes are, however, not so different from each other. In order to open up more game rooms, you must advance in the game. You can also get more cues and other nice deals in the game as you progress. 

The game rooms in 8 Ball Pool are all beautifully designed and decorated. Some of the furniture in the room includes cushions and the pool table. Other items you will find consist of the six pockets and the rails. 

Goals of the Game

Just like real-life 8-ball pool games, the game’s ultimate goal is to win as many game rounds as you can. Another goal of the game is to increase your level by accumulating experience points and staying high on the leaderboard. To make the game even more competitive, you can set your own goals and objectives before playing. This way, you can become even more motivated to win.

Kinds of Balls in 8 Ball Pool

8 Ball Pool was designed to simulate the real-life game, and as such the same kind of balls are used for the game, as well as the same rules.

While playing each round, sixteen balls in total will be used by the players. One of the balls is called the cue ball, while the remaining balls have different numbers. Other ball names include the first ball, stripe ball, and solid ball. All other kinds of games are grouped with these balls.

Pool balls are always racked in a triangular format, and the ball labeled 8 (the 8-ball) is always placed in the center. The ball always positioned on the foot spot is the first ball, while the solid ball and stripe balls are placed in adjacent positions on the rack.

At the beginning of the game, you will be expected to pot a ball. Once that has been done, your goal is to ensure that you successfully pot all balls classified under the ball you potted. The ultimate goal of the game is to pocket the 8-ball, after which you win.

Basic Rules of the Game

Like any other game, 8-ball pool also has a set of strict rules that every player must abide by. Failure to comply with these rules will lead to different punishments. Here are some of such rules.

• Do not pot the 8-ball until you are done potting all other balls. Otherwise, you stand to lose the round.
• Once the 8-ball has been potted, other players move the cue ball whenever they desire.
• The type of ball you pot at the beginning of the game determines the kinds of balls you are given to pot.
• Do not hit any other kind of ball after being assigned to a particular type. Otherwise, your opponents get to move the ice ball to their advantage. 
• Do not pot the cue ball alongside the 8-ball when you are supposed to hit the 8-ball. 
• When you are assigned to hit the 8 ball, ensure you do that. Hitting a different kind of ball will result in losing the game.