Game Review: On Cue (ZX Spectrum, Mastertronic)

The Games

On Cue is based on two classic games of snooker and 8-ball pool (both on same side-of the cassette).  Both games don’t load in at the same time as they are both separate loaders.  The reverse flippy side of the cassette is the Amstrad CPC version.

Should you not know how to play Snooker or 8-ball pool, then the inlay card does explain the rules and how to play both games.

Editing The Table

From the main menu, it is also possible to edit the table.  You could therefore set-up your own practice table or in even attempt to perhaps create some of your own trick-shot routine.  This is a good customisable feature.

You can do this by moving the cursor over to a ball, selecting it and then placing it where you wish.  There is an option to delete certain balls or even reset it should you wish to do so.

Graphics

As you’d expect, there is obviously some colour clash as the balls collide with each other.  Immediately, before taking a shot, this is evident on when moving the aim pointing within the D and along the baulk line.  Not therefore a programming error, just a limitation of the colour palette attributes.  The pointer is also a different colour, resulting in this too.

The snooker has the colours which should be with the exception to the brown ball.  The brown ball, shown as a red ball but diagonal line through it so you can differentiate between the two.  Humorously, think of it like the late, Edwin Lowe’s legendry commentary quote, “and for those of you who are watching in black and white, the pink is next to the green.”

With 8-ball Pool, also has its colour limitations.  Except for the black ball (to pot at the end and finish the game), all the other balls are red.  To differentiate between the two, one player aims at the full red balls and the other aims at the red balls with diagonal lines through them.

There is some slight flicker when hitting the balls too.

Playability

The games both have three different skill levels when you play against the computer.  These are Novice, Average and Expert.

When playing against the computer, it can a lot of time between shots in either game.  Across the top of the screen, “Trying” followed by a number will appear.  So, if there are 15 reds on the table, it can take a while to count through each combination of shot.  Showing Trying 1 then Trying 2 etc…  Some take a few seconds to think about, but some are considerably longer (depending on the difficulty level).  Even in novice mode, some can take around 10 seconds per ball to think about.  As the game progresses, with less balls on the table, each shot reduces in time which is a relief.

Once a red has been potted, it will show in text what colour ball it is considering for its next shot.  As in real-life, practice does improve your game as it does require some skill.  It is very unlikely to play a hit n’ hope.

Aim, Side and Power

Before you hit the cue-ball, you go through the process of aiming the pointer, selecting the side to play from the top-right hand corner of the screen and then holding down the fire button when it reaches the level of power which you wish to play your shot.

Playing Side on the ball seems very accurate and works well. This all takes place at the top of the screen and applies to both snooker and pool.

Motion of the Balls and Scores

Depending on what is happening on the table, the more balls that are hit and moving around does affect the motion of the balls.  When less balls are moving, it flows better than if you slam the ball into the 15 reds at the start.  This is fully understandable as a lot of calculations going on as to where the balls are travelling too, if there are any collisions and the speed of each one too.

If a few balls are moving and then a few stop, you see the remaining balls move more quickly.

Your break score is and the highest break during the game are shown during the snooker too.

Sound Effects Only

There is no music in either game but there tapping noises when a ball is hit or collides with another ball.

When a ball touches a cushion, a slightly higher chirpy beep is heard and when a ball is potted, a another beep noise is heard.

Flippy Side

This game is a Flippy release meaning that both the Spectrum and Amstrad versions were on the same cassette.  One side of the tape is labelled Spectrum this side also stating Amstrad other side.  If you owned both machines, this is clearly an extra value bonus!

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