Pool Panic Reviews
Definitely knocks it out of the park when it comes to creativity. The levels are fun and the game world is vibrant, but the game does lack a real options menu and the lock-on mechanic can be annoying.
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my trip through the somewhat mad minds of the developers I’ll admit that I can see where not everyone may appreciate it. If your approach to the game is to try to master it, insisting on trying to get all of the trophies on each level for completing them quickly, making no mistakes, using a minimal number of shots, and clearing the table you’ll likely want to throw your controller. While pool is generally a game of precision in Pool Panic everything is relative, mainly because you’ll need to make many shots on the move. Throw in balls that will avoid you, throw you around, attack you, or that have a short window of time where you can hit them and if you’re seeking perfection you’ll inevitably be disappointed. The good news is that in order for the level to count as complete you don’t need any of those trophies, simply working out the main puzzle and sinking most of the balls will let you then knock in the 8-ball and move on. In a sea of titles that are laser focused on the destination, Pool Panic is refreshingly instead all about the simple joy of the journey itself. Strap yourself in, load it up, and let the madness wash over you… there’s simply nothing else out there quite like it.
Pool Panic is wonderfully weird and so imaginative. While this probably won’t please those after something a little more traditional, its focus on physics-based puzzles is certainly an interesting take.
Pool Panic makes me question the developer’s sanity, but not having to go it alone is a huge deal. It’s got a swath of party modes for multiplayer. The singleplayer content is weird, lengthy, and where the game truly shines. True to the “panic” portion of the name, Pool Panic doesn’t know when to calm down. Remember in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory when Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka takes everyone on the psychedelic boat ride? That’s Pool Panic the entire time you’re playing it – and it’s awesome.
Pool Panic is easily one of the the weirdest games I've played in recent memory. It may have that weird Adult Swim art style, but the humor is clean. There is hours of fun to be had for all ages whether you're shooting solo or playing with others in the multiplayer mode.
An absolutely charming mix of puzzle and pool mixed with a lot of variety and unlockables. I would highly recommend trying this one out.
Pool Panic's level of weird creativeness and silly humor is commendable. Not knowing what you'll see around each corner of the map and within the levels themselves is a huge factor in its enjoyment. The "pool" aspect is not as good as it could be and there are some control issues hampering the enjoyment which get in the way of your proficiency or getting the best score, but the levels presented almost make you not care. Over 100 levels and weird scenarios to put yourself in, regardless of a couple of flaws, puts Pool Panic in a league of its own.
Pool Panic brings something truly unique to the Nintendo Switch and with it comes some zany characters, crazy levels, and off the wall animations. The game is a joy to play, but even with a plethora of levels to go through, the gameplay hook overstayed its welcome by the end. Still, if you’re up for something different on the Switch, look no further.
Pool Panic is a ridiculous and enjoyable game.
While the camera and a few other nagging issues can make things vexing at times, Pool Panic shines past the mild blemishes as it's a dazzling display of artistic buffoonery. It's hard to recommend for people that have to get the high score or complete every optional challenge, but if you just want to sit back and roll through a world with oodles of inventiveness and creativity, this is an acid trip worth taking.
Pool Panic is a single-player and multiplayer release on Nintendo Switch that is a lot of fun. Its art style, quirky gameplay mechanics and the great variety of “pool tables” you'll be taking on will keep you busy for a long time, especially if you want to 100% the game. The game is available digitally for only $14.99 and is certainly worth the price of admission.
Funny concept and genuine idea. You can play pool in real world which is initially cool. But your concern will fall behind soon.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Billed as the worlds least realistic pool simulator, Pool Panic is developed by indie team Rekim, and happens to be the epitome of how Adult Swim do games. From Robot Unicorn Attack to Battle Chef Brigade, Just as individual as the Adult Swim's TV programming, Pool panic takes a clear cue from this. Looking like a mash-up of the Mr. Men, Cuphead, and Rick & Morty, Pool Panic is a wonderfully anarchic work of 2D animation.
While nice to look at, Pool Panic would prefer you don't touch its elaborate set pieces. It has lots of potential but suffers from the shallow puzzles that make up its core gameplay.
The controls are a little wonkier than they should be, but there's far too many great elements in this game to ignore. Pool Panic gives you everything you want from a pick-up-and-play sports title. It's consistently charming, challenging, and in some cases, might even make you chagrin.
Pool Panic is an absurd puzzle game that breathes new life into the game of pool despite some control issues.
All in all, Pool Panic is a unique experience, though not for everybody.
A wildly imaginative and vaguely psychedelic physics puzzler with a novel pool-based twist, Pool Panic is frequently thrilling and almost never boring, but it's also mechanically suspect and occasionally frustrating. In short, it has cult classic written all over it.
Pool Panic isn't quite engaging enough to heartily recommend. The fact there's an option to mute the music suggests that Rekim are well aware of how irritating it can be, but the gameplay isn't always compelling or tight enough to make it the next big thing. The price is right, but don't expect to be playing this one in a month's time, but that's not the worst thing in the world.
Pool Panic does not take itself too seriously and that' just fine, as it does not intend to be an accurate pool game by any measure. While the challenges are indeed original and fun, the game also features too many reused elements, making it feel repetitive too quickly, and the level design on some sections ends up compromising the experience. A fun effort, nonetheless, especially on multiplayer.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review