Side Pocket is a classic billiards and pool simulation game released for the Sega Genesis in 1992 by Data East. Rather than just offering standard pool variants, it challenges players with a city-to-city tournament mode where you must reach a target score to advance, blending traditional pocket billiards with puzzle-like trick shots.
How to Play
The main objective is to sink balls consecutively to rack up enough points to meet each level’s quota before running out of lives. You can also earn bonus points and extra lives by sinking balls into flashing pockets or executing trick shots. In the browser emulator, use the Arrow Keys (D-pad) to aim your shot and adjust english (spin), press Z, X, or C (A, B, C buttons) to confirm your aim and set the shot power on the meter, and use Enter (Start) to pause the game.
Tips
- Mastering English: Applying spin to the cue ball is essential for positioning it for your next shot. Topspin helps the ball roll forward after contact, while backspin (draw) stops it or pulls it back.
- Trick Shots: Whenever a trick shot challenge appears, take your time to calculate the angles. Successfully completing these challenges often rewards you with extra lives, which are crucial for the later, more demanding stages.
- Watch the Power: Hitting the ball too hard can lead to unpredictable bounces and scratches. Use only as much power as necessary to sink the target ball.
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