MIACOMET Pool Shark

Pool Shark

Manufactured By: MIACOMET

Retail Price: $29.95

Review Date: 02-06-00

A while back InterAct announced the shipment of the Real Feel Pool Shark. In fact, InterAct is the distributor and the design is from MIACOMET. MIACOMET is the genius behind Real Feel technology that incorporates "patented force feedback and spatial sensory technologies to allow real time measurement of motion and a remarkably accurate on-screen display".

Future products include a force feedback fishing reel, baseball bat, golf club and snowboarding controller. Using a joystick, mouse or gamepad just won't be the same. This is put to the test with the first product in the Real Feel line- the Pool Shark.

My only real concern with any of the Real Feel products are the possible problems that can occur with you swinging realistic gear around your computer. Use common sense when determining where to place Real Feel gear for use. The last thing you want is a pool cue sticking out of your monitor or a baseball bat dent in the side of your case!

Features 95%-

• Left or right hand design
• Can be used with a real pool cue
• 3 button design with differing use options

Appropriate For-

• Pool Sims (Virtual Pool I and III, 8 Ball Deluxe, Expert Pool, etc.)

**System Requirements

**Windows 98, USB port

Price-

The Pool Shark costs just under $30 but can also be had as part of a "players pack" containing the Pool Shark unit and Virtual Pool II. Either is a great deal and will bring hours of realistic play.

Warranty-

2-year limited warranty.

Performance 98%-

To be honest I don't play much pool. I don't have a table, requiring me to play in public places. My skills are pretty pathetic at times. I can now save myself the embarrassment and expense of hitting the pool halls with my inability to drop the balls in an orderly fashion.

The stick that comes with the Pool Shark has a decent feel to it. It is not full size but has good weight to it. In its place you could use the real thing if you prefer. The base is a modified mouse. You can select left, right or standard mode with the switch on the base. I am left handed so I set the switch to the "L" position. This allows you to place the base on the mouse pad with the wheel on the left and the body of the controller to the right. Mouse tracking is switched to compensate for whatever position you select. The wheel on top of the base reads the cue stroking across it.

There are a total of 6 buttons on the controller. The Pool Shark offers 3 button function, repeating each in different positions on the base. The primary buttons are located just aside from the wheel. The two positions allow you to hold the cue in different ways and use either your thumb or index finger to control it. In most games this button is best set to activate the wheel reading the cue. The other 2 buttons are located on the sides of the base. Again, depending on your preferences, you can either use the front or back set for functions such as cue angle and fine tuning the shot.

I used the Pool Shark with Virtual Pool II and the 8 Ball Deluxe Demo. Virtual Pool II ships with the Players Pack of the Pool Shark and is a great game. Amazingly, I make the same mistakes with the Pool Shark as I do in the real thing. Using a mouse for the games I was not able to effectively line up shots and accurately deliver the desired strength to the shot. With the Pool Shark I couldn't blame the controller for missed shots- I pulled them off as I wanted but didn't have a good plan going into most of them.

The one thing I didn't expect is just how addictive playing with the pool shark can be. I have spent countless hours "racking and hacking". I think I might even be getting better too.

Setup 100% -

Assembly of the included pool cue is required. It ships in 3 pieces that interconnect and lock together with a simple twist. Setup of the Pool Shark itself is incredibly simple. Plug and Play. At one point during the detection process you'll be asked to insert the Windows 98 CD. After setup is complete the Pool Shark will be recognized as (and function as) a "HID Compliant Mouse". It works alongside your current system mouse. The Pool Shark will probably never become you primary system mouse but it will co-exist with it nicely. The only adjustment you'll need to make to put the Pool Shark into use is switching the button on the underside of the Shark to indicate if you will be using it left or right handed. It also has a mode to use it as a standard ambidextrous mouse.

Software NA%-

No software is provide with the standard Pool Shark package. Drivers for the device are already on you system (or as far away as the Windows 98 CD). The Players Pack includes one of the best pool games for the PC- Virtual Pool 2.

Virtual Pool 2 is a very well done pool sim. I find myself making the same great shots and stupid errors I do in the real game. Virtual Pool 2 is a highly addictive game and is a great showcase for the Pool Shark.

Documentation 100%-

The Pool Shark comes with a 36 page multi-language manual that describes the setup, use, different modes, troubleshooting and displays the different ways to hold the Pool Shark. The manual does a good job of getting you up and running.

The MIACOMET website features a "Flash" enabled interface that shows you details on their products, allows you to make on-line purchases, see news and reviews and will eventually include details on on-line tournament with a prize of $5000. The site also has an extensive list of links related to the sport.

Overall Rating 97.8%-

The Pool Shark is a wonderful controller. Its limited to a specific type of virtual gaming but no other controller can hold a stick to its realistic feel for billiards games. The Shark allows you to naturally play virtual pool without having to compromise your hold or stance AND it lets you use your real cue. With all of these features the Pool Shark can be used as a tool to improve your real game.

The Control Center highly recommends the Pool Shark!

Pros-

• Offers "as real as it gets" play
• Allows use of a real pool cue
• Useable as your primary mouse

Cons-

• Needs plenty of desk space to assure clear shots