OVERALL RATING		4.5
Presentation		4.0
Control		4.0
Gameplay		5.0
Fun factor		5.0
User Rating		4.0

Pool Pro Online II is Namco’s newest game that improves their original and highly successful billiards title.  Not that there was anything wrong to begin with, but considering it was released a good 1 1/2 years ago, it was probably due for an update.

As with the first title, one or two players can partake in 8 and 9-ball games by passing the phone around.  This plays like just about every other pool game available where users choose the direction of the shot and power of the stroke.  There’s also a zoom feature for a close-up look at the action and the ability to add a little English to the ball.  Nothing new obviously since it’s still very solid in that respect and with three difficulty settings, but this title has always been about its online head-to-head component and this is where it leaves all other pool games in the dust.

By using the Online mode, players open up a world of competition where the opponent can be halfway across the country.  First, you create a personal profile and very own avatar to then enter a virtual pool hall of players all vying for fame and money.  Once logged in, the five choices available are Quick Game, Challenge, Waiting Room, Tournaments and Community. 

Quick Game immediately picks an opponent for you to play against. Challenge allows you to seek specific opponents based on Skill, Money, Win Ratio or Experience.  Accessing the Waiting Room passes the time away in a one-player game while someone becomes available.  In Tournament, you participate against others for exclusive items and in-game cash prizes.  Finally, with Community, you can track ranks, edit your profile, or spend on and store cool stuff like new cue sticks, pool tables and in-game backgrounds with all of your cash winnings.