Watch and learn, sweetie.
From the time Midnight Pool loads up, and "Sweet Home Alabama" plays from the virtual jukebox, you know that Gameloft has gone to great lengths to preserve the pool hall atmosphere. You'll hustle your way across seven 3D venues, racking up U.S.- or U.K.-style 8-ball or 9-ball victories in story mode, thereby unlocking more opponents and customization options. You can also try your hand at trick shots or one-on-one matches in arcade mode.
No matter which game style or where you play, you'll be treated to some wonderful 3D graphics and character animations. Each venue is decorated with a barkeep, drinks, and hip-looking patrons. The pool sharks themselves either taunt opponents with clever quips or throw down their pool cues in frustration.
Supplementing these set pieces are some solid game mechanics. You touch either side of the pool cue to adjust your aim, then drag the handle back and release to make your shot. The game provides you with some options when lining up your shot, too; pinching the screen will adjust the zoom on the table, while the camera option rotates your view. You can also turn off vectors that display the balls' trajectories and tweak the English for backspin. Online play is a disappointing no show. But other than occasional lag during action shots, the only thing missing from Midnight Pool is an order beer feature.
With so many customization and control options, plus solid mechanics, Midnight Pool is more than a simple game. It's a pool hall simulator.
Varying game modes. 3D dive-bar aesthetic. Seven unlockable characters. 
No online play. Occasional lag.
