Catalogue No. - T-1312G

Video Link

 Have you ever played Side Pocket on the Mega Drive, Super Famicom or Saturn? Well, if you have then welcome to another version of Data East's pretty decent pool / billiards game. Basically this version of Side Pocket uses the same engine as the Saturn's Side Pocket 2 however gone are the dark smoky filled pool halls and in comes a bright and dare I say "gay" looking pool room. The basic game mechanics are the same as in all the Side Pocket games however in this version you do have quite an unusual plot. The idea is to beat one of the voice idols at pool in order to win a date with them. To be perfectly honest voice idols are not the most beautiful of women out there and the same can be said about this bunch. Saying that, there are 2 ladies featured in this game who I would date in real life. For those who must know, the idols you have a chance of dating are (from top left) Ikezawa Haruna, Kingetsu Mami, Takada Yumi, Shinohara Emi, Fukami Rika, Shishido Rumi, Nishimura Chinami and Nishihara Kumiko.

There are a variety of modes available to play in such as Eight Ball, Nine Ball, Rotation, One Pocket, 14.1 Continuous and Bowlard. You can even choose to play in a tournament single mode (the date mode) or my personal favorite the trick mode.

Overall, Voice Idol Maniacs Pool Bar Story is a decent simulation of the game and well worth playing as long as the overly bright graphics don't put you off.