Gremlin's addition to the range of green baize simulators includes snooker and pool on opposite sides of the cassette, although control methods and options are the same for both games.

From the title screen, a one or two player mode is selected, with the computer providing an opponent at an adjustable skill level from amateur, novice or professional.

A practice mode is also available to sharpen potting skills. Both games are viewed from the standard overhead viewpoint, with two-thirds of the screen displaying the table and remaining third containing an information panel.

This shows the players' scores, the current break and highest break, the current ball in play and on-screen instructions.

Graphically the game is okay, with a reasonable representation of a snooker table dominating the screen and small but clear balls. The familiar control method is reasonable comfortable in use, but when the desired ball is struck, it spins around the table in a most unconvincing manner.

The harsh sound effects only help to dampen the already wilting realism. Even with the addition of the practise mode, I would advise even the budding snooker players among you to take a good look before you part with your readies.

The sound is abysmal: the noises fail to mimic the delicate click of ivory and subtle sounds of ball striking cushion. A serious flaw is the small ball size which renders the angles of collision imprecise - it's too often a case of luck rather than judgement and the speed with which balls move after collision is frustratingly inaccurate. Not a very worthy purchase, I'm afraid, even for the blue chalk brigade.