Virtual Pool 64 is a 3D

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...

, first-person

First person (video games)

In video games, first person refers to a graphical perspective rendered from the viewpoint of the player character. In many cases, this may be the viewpoint from the cockpit of a vehicle. Many different genres have made use of first-person perspectives, ranging from adventure games to flight...

 sports

Sports game

A sports game is a computer or video game that simulates the practice of traditional sports. Most sports have been recreated with a game, including team sports, athletics and extreme sports. Some games emphasize actually playing the sport , whilst others emphasize strategy and organization...

 simulation video game that was developed by Celeris and released for the Nintendo 64

Nintendo 64

The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...

 by Crave Entertainment

Crave Entertainment

Crave Entertainment is an American video game company. It was founded in 1997 by Nima Taghavi. Its headquarters is in Newport Beach, California...

 on December 17, 1998, solely in North America

North America

North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...

. The game features computer simulation

Computer simulation

A computer simulation, a computer model, or a computational model is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system...

s of 11 forms of pool (pocket billiards). It is part of the "Virtual Pool

Virtual Pool

The "Virtual Pool" franchise is a series of 3D, first-person sports simulation video games featuring computer simulations of various cue sports , including several kinds of pool as well as snooker and carom billiards...

" game franchise, which also includes the PC games Virtual Pool

Virtual Pool (video game)

Virtual Pool is a 3D, first-person sports simulation video game released by Interplay Entertainment in...

, Virtual Pool 2, Virtual Pool Hall and Virtual Pool 3

Virtual Pool 3

Virtual Pool 3, often referred to as VP3, is a 3D, first-person sports simulation video game, developed and released for the PC and PlayStation by Celeris...

. The game has been simultaneously lauded as "a top-notch simulation" and criticized as dull, lacking both player incentive and engaging characters.

Game modes

Virtual Pool comes with nine different pool games (eleven, including all three of the eight-ball variants available):

• Eight-ball (American "" rules, British rules
  Blackball (pool)
  Blackball is a pool game that is popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, several Western European nations, Australia and some other countries. In the UK and Ireland it is usually called simply "pool"...
  
   and APA league
  American Poolplayers Association
  The American Association was founded in 1981 by professional pool players Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart, although with roots dating back to the National Pool League , founded in 1979. The APA conducts a system of franchised-based local amateur leagues of pool competition, including both...
  
   rules)
• Nine-ball
• Three-ball
• Six-ball
• Ten-ball
• Straight pool
  Straight Pool
  Straight pool, also called 14.1 continuous or simply 14.1, is a pocket billiards game, and was the common sport of championship competition until overtaken by faster-playing games like nine-ball...
  
  
• One-pocket
• Bank pool
• Rotation