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Side Pocket

Arcade

Arcade

The primary play mode, called "Pocket Game", is a straight pool game set within a limited number of lives; the player must achieve a predetermined score to advance through four or five levels, each with increasing number of balls. The player earns points by potting balls, potting balls on consecu...

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Developer
Nihon Bussan

Released on
1986

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Sports

Publisher
Data East

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

The primary play mode, called “Pocket Game”, is a straight pool game set within a limited number of lives; the player must achieve a predetermined score to advance through four or five levels, each with increasing number of balls. The player earns points by potting balls, potting balls on consecutive shots, and potting balls in numerical order. On occasion, a flashing star appear in a pocket, and if the player pots a ball into that pocket in the same shot, a bonus will be awarded in the form of points, extra lives or a bonus round. One life is lost if the player scratches or fails to pot a ball in two consecutive shots.

In the two-player mode, the player can choose between Pocket Game or 9-Ball Game. In two-player Pocket Game, the game plays similarly, except the two players take turns and there are no lives; if one player misses or scratches, control of the ball simply changes to the other player. In 9-Ball Game, each player have three lives and one life is lost if a foul is committed. However, the lives will be restored if the player pots a ball on the next turn.

Side Pocket

Overview & History

Released by Data East in 1986, Side Pocket is a stylish, pocket-billiard arcade simulation that redefined how cue sports were presented in gaming. Departing from the drab, static simulators of the era, this title injected a cool, jazz-infused atmosphere into smoky digital pool halls. Players traversed various urban levels, aiming to clear pocket billiards tables against escalating AI difficulty. Unlike traditional ports, the original coin-op version stood out for its crisp sprite work, satisfying acoustic clacks of colliding ivory, and an iconic soundtrack that made waiting for your turn a groove-laden pleasure. It became a cult classic, later spawning numerous home console iterations, but the arcade original remains the definitive, purest test of digital trick-shot mastery.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Side Pocket focuses heavily on precision, positioning, and puzzle-like table clearance. Across its standard stages, players must sink every ball on the felt before running out of attempts. However, raw sinking isn't enough; players earn bonus points by executing stylish trick shots, pocketing balls in specific numerical sequences, or using the innovative "Pocket" feature that illuminates random holes for massive point multipliers. As you progress through venues ranging from local lounges to VIP championships, the cue ball's physics demand rigorous attention to english (spin), power gauges, and collision angles. Failing to clear a table or scratching the cue ball costs precious lives, adding intense arcade pressure to a traditionally leisurely sport.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Adjust cue angle, aim, and fine-tune cursor position
Action Keys: Hold and release to set shot power, and apply English (spin) to the cue ball
Enter: Start / Pause