Yes I am from the UK too, hence my concerns with the 8-ball game. This is the first time I have ever downgraded my review after an update (4 stars now instead of 5), due to all the points I mentioned above. I am deeply disappointed
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Virtual Pool
- Thread starter arn
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Yes I am from the UK too, hence my concerns with the 8-ball game. This is the first time I have ever downgraded my review after an update (4 stars now instead of 5), due to all the points I mentioned above. I am deeply disappointed
just installed the update..
personally, i think you can't zoom out enough... and you still can't line up a long shot..
it is getting a bit better though..
like others have said... an 8 ball option would be good too...
personally, i think you can't zoom out enough... and you still can't line up a long shot..
it is getting a bit better though..
like others have said... an 8 ball option would be good too...
I personally don't have a problem lining up a long shot, and if that's an issue, the Aim Line button is supposed to help there. "an 8 ball option would be good too"- there is an 8 ball option. It's just it needs working on when nominating a pocket for the 8 ball- that's my issue with it.
I updated my review from a 4 star to a 5 star rating. Some of you should recognize the developer is attempting to resolve our issues. Show me another big developer out there that not only listens to suggestions but also provides personal feedback to us.
These guys deserve some credit, and I for one appreciate it.
OK, so some things got messed up in the update. Go back and read these posts, they really added a ton of stuff that we asked for. What more can you ask of them?
These guys deserve some credit, and I for one appreciate it.
OK, so some things got messed up in the update. Go back and read these posts, they really added a ton of stuff that we asked for. What more can you ask of them?
Firstly, you shouldn't knock other developers. There are plenty more who listen to suggestions and provide personal feedback on the Touch Arcade forum.
I DO recognize he is attempting to resolve issues. But my gripe is the fact that he has created other issues instead and not resolved them before releasing the update, and the update feels half finished as a result. Hell, I only played this for 5 minutes to find the problems I listed in my earlier post. You've just said so yourself, "some things got messed up in the update". The way I see it, if the game's not perfect, then it doesn't deserve 5 stars.
It's a pretty decent update. The sounds of the balls hitting each other and hitting the rails, is now correctly synced with the visuals.
I feel almost guilty of nitpicking, as the app as it is, is already awesome, but It would be cool(not vital) if we could see the balls actually going down the holes, rather than just disappearing.
The sounds of the balls hitting each other and hitting the rails, is now correctly synced with the visuals.I feel almost guilty of nitpicking, as the app as it is, is already awesome, but It would be cool(not vital) if we could see the balls actually going down the holes, rather than just disappearing.
It would be cool(not vital) if we could see the balls actually going down the holes, rather than just disappearing.
I agree there. Vegas Pool Sharks can do that, and it would add to the satisfaction of potting a ball if you actually see it sink into the pocket instead of vanishing. Like you say, not essential, but preferable if it can be done at some point.
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VirtualPool
Guest
OK, I feel pretty bad about the problems in 8-Ball call shot. I'll get these fixed tonight, but it will take Apple at least two days to approve the update.
I like a couple of the suggestions (hiding the status bar) and I will look at putting those in.
As far as the Aim Line issues, I am really not sure how that happened. I am guessing that has to do with how the dev version of the game loads its settings and how the new 'updated' version reads the same settings. The aim line is a new option in the saved preferences, so I guess it loaded differently in the update than it does for a new install. The Aim Line should behave as described in "wastedyuthe's" post. (which is how it behaves for me).
Also, I am looking at putting a 'ghost' ball in as well. This is a semi-transparent cue ball that is projected to where the cue ball will meet a ball/rail. This is a helpful tool to learn how to visualize the angles. It is also nearly cheating... so, should it be in practice mode only or as an option in real games (ie; against CO and Humans)?
I like a couple of the suggestions (hiding the status bar) and I will look at putting those in.
As far as the Aim Line issues, I am really not sure how that happened. I am guessing that has to do with how the dev version of the game loads its settings and how the new 'updated' version reads the same settings. The aim line is a new option in the saved preferences, so I guess it loaded differently in the update than it does for a new install. The Aim Line should behave as described in "wastedyuthe's" post. (which is how it behaves for me).
Also, I am looking at putting a 'ghost' ball in as well. This is a semi-transparent cue ball that is projected to where the cue ball will meet a ball/rail. This is a helpful tool to learn how to visualize the angles. It is also nearly cheating... so, should it be in practice mode only or as an option in real games (ie; against CO and Humans)?
I am not knocking other developers, I am saying that among MAJOR developers most feedback and back and forth conversation usually doesn't exist. I am talking about the Pangea's, EA, and the big companies that make games. For the most part they don't have the level of communication as Celeris. Besides it was meant as a compliment, no need to put a negative slant on it.
I am on that other board, so I know what those developers do.
As for the five stars, this game is by far one of the top apps on the iPhone. There isn't one game that I can think of that is perfect, not even close.
EDIT: please fix the game so it works like 1.91 when you take your finger off the screen in the middle of a shot. That used to be a "change your mind" move, now it results in a foul.
Hi again VP. I am glad you are looking into the Call Shot problem. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of all the things I have commented on earlier (plus a couple of others), so they are altogether in one post-
1) When nominating a pocket, Call Shot has to be selected twice when it should only need to be tapped once (As you say, you will work on this for the next release, thanks)
2) Ideally change the yellow square that highlights the nominated pocket to something more polished/attractive.
3) After pressing Call Shot, you are returned to the cue aim view, but it should then automatically aim at the 8 ball.
3) Now in Over Head view the buttons look messy as some are still partially visible when they shouldn't be (see my earlier screen shot I posted).
4) Remove the Aim Line button from the game UI if the function is disabled in the settings.
5) For some reason, enabling Aim Line doesn't take effect until you quit the current game and start a new one.
6) When you click Aim Line while in Over Head view, it returns you to the cue aim view rather than just showing the aim line in the over head view.
7) Adversary view in the settings seems broken. The other settings yellow arrows can be tapped to toggle, where-as Adversary view can only be toggled by dragging.
8) I agree with others about taking your finger off the screen. It shouldn't be counted as a foul, but rather a cancellation of the shot.
9) If at all possible in the future, might we be able to actually see the balls sink into the pockets instead of vanishing?
I hope I have helped. I just want this to be the best Pool game ever, as I am sure you do too.
To Nickels- point taken about other developers. I didn't spot the word 'main' before 'developers' in your post. I agree with what you are saying there. Apologies on that point.
[EDIT] I forgot to mention about the 'ghost' ball. Yes, I think it would be ok to have it in the game proper so long as it is an option that can be turned off for those who don't want it (just like the Aim Line).
I think its ok to have a ghost ball in games if people want it, yes its kind of cheating but if someone wants to do that it doesn't hurt me!
Glad you are still listening to us and planning on changes, yes there will be negative points from your customers but the fact you can talk about it and do something about it makes you stand out from the crowd.
One other issue I have found... When the opponent is shooting towards your view the cue tip is behind the cue ball, yet you can see it through the cue ball, is this something you can fix? Not sure if it happens all the time, but certainly a lot.
Is that new in this update? If so yes, that will drive me nuts too!
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VirtualPool
Guest
Sorry, didn't know that you couldn't "change your mind" anymore. After ten years of playing this game, I really don't notice things like that. I can almost make balls without looking and run 9 games straight, so I do miss a lot of issues. The other testers are the same way (actually, some are better).
Hopefully Apple will get 1.93 approved and posted soon.
Hopefully Apple will get 1.93 approved and posted soon.
Why not offer a free 4-ball demo, like you do with VP3 on the PC?
Once people experience the gameplay, I'm sure you'd get even more sales.
Once people experience the gameplay, I'm sure you'd get even more sales.
What William writes above is my main concern with the game and appears to have been worsened by update. If you are pulling cue back and then want to change angle or not shoot, you get charged with a foul shot if you simply release the cue. I did not recall this happeneing in the previous version and it has resulted in a dozen fouls in around three games. I have already given this game 5 stars on iTunes, but really hope this "foul" glitch is fixed as it does affect the gameplay and forces you to have to shoot when you may want to step back and take another look.
Show-off!
I guess I shouldn't be so pleased with myself when I run 5 or 6 balls then.
Do you shoot a lot of pool in real life, and has this game made you a better player?
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VirtualPool
Guest
It made me a *lot* better player until I had three kids and stopped playing.
Now when I play in real life I have a hard time for the first rack or two. The field of view on the game is about 24 degrees (so that the balls can be seen better) while real life is wider. In real life the balls appear further away, in the game, much closer. As a result I tend to hit the balls too thick (under cut) in real life.
Virtual Pool taught me to move the cue ball. When I played my friends in the pub it wasn't of much concern to have shape on the next shot. The COs in VP are much better so you have to have shape, play safe and put together runs to win.
I miss in the game like everyone else, but I try real hard to have good shape going into the last few balls. Remember, runs of only 4 balls is not a problem... as long as it is the *last* 4 balls.
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VirtualPool
Guest
Version 1.93 was submitted to Apple yesterday. It fixes this problem. It usually takes Apple two days to approve updates. I am very sorry this issue cropped up as it is clearly worse than before.
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VirtualPool
Guest
Why not offer a free 4-ball demo, like you do with VP3 on the PC?
Once people experience the gameplay, I'm sure you'd get even more sales.
Looking at that right now. On other mobile platforms we have a trial that is Quick Play for 10 games. I was thinking about 6-Ball against up to 10 different COs, but unlimited play.
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VirtualPool
Guest
OK, 1,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 are fixed.
I'll try to track down the artist and see about #2.
In VP3 we actually run a full physics simulation of the ball falling into and banging around in the pocket (it can even hit the back and come out). Thus it is very easy to have the ball fall into the pocket and look normal. The physics engine for VP1 (which is what the mobile version is based upon) only works in 2D. The is mainly because it was designed for computers 10 years ago and written in fixed point. No way the 3D engine will run on the iPhone... so we would need to fake the ball falling into the pocket. Not that big a deal, but we really, really, really hate faking things. I'll get the math guru to see if he can put enough 3D in to handle the ball falling into the pocket. Of course... this just delays work on online play.
I'll try to track down the artist and see about #2.
In VP3 we actually run a full physics simulation of the ball falling into and banging around in the pocket (it can even hit the back and come out). Thus it is very easy to have the ball fall into the pocket and look normal. The physics engine for VP1 (which is what the mobile version is based upon) only works in 2D. The is mainly because it was designed for computers 10 years ago and written in fixed point. No way the 3D engine will run on the iPhone... so we would need to fake the ball falling into the pocket. Not that big a deal, but we really, really, really hate faking things. I'll get the math guru to see if he can put enough 3D in to handle the ball falling into the pocket. Of course... this just delays work on online play.
I don't know if it's the same game, or even the same company, but I vividly remember playing Virtual Pool waaaaay back when on the old 486.
This version for iPhone is, hands down, my favorite app yet. And the fact that the developer is on here, taking suggestions and improving the game makes it even better.
The only thing I don't like is the price...it should be more expensive. I feel like a criminal--the hours of entertainment I've gotten from this don't equal the money I paid. I hope the people working on this are making it up with a large amount of purchases.
This version for iPhone is, hands down, my favorite app yet. And the fact that the developer is on here, taking suggestions and improving the game makes it even better.
The only thing I don't like is the price...it should be more expensive. I feel like a criminal--the hours of entertainment I've gotten from this don't equal the money I paid. I hope the people working on this are making it up with a large amount of purchases.
OK, 1,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 are fixed.
I'll try to track down the artist and see about #2.
In VP3 we actually run a full physics simulation of the ball falling into and banging around in the pocket (it can even hit the back and come out). Thus it is very easy to have the ball fall into the pocket and look normal. The physics engine for VP1 (which is what the mobile version is based upon) only works in 2D. The is mainly because it was designed for computers 10 years ago and written in fixed point. No way the 3D engine will run on the iPhone... so we would need to fake the ball falling into the pocket. Not that big a deal, but we really, really, really hate faking things. I'll get the math guru to see if he can put enough 3D in to handle the ball falling into the pocket. Of course... this just delays work on online play.
The iPhone is more powerful than the PSP. Have you heard what John Carmack, the guy who created Doom, has said about the iPhone? He said it's more powerful than a Dreamcast, among other glowing things. I'm sure the iPhone can handle the math. There are already some rather impressive 3d games for the iPhone. You just might have to optimize some of your code. Just don't discount it because it's a cell phone.
I played a bit last night and noticed an annoying bug. When shooting at the 8-ball in career mode, sometimes there is a "Shoot" button on the right of the Adjust spin button. There is no meter to adjust the shot speed, like in practice mode with the Aim enabled:
Pressing that button results in a foul. This happened in a few of my games, and cost me an accidental loss to The Hammer - who's butt I immediately whooped after taking that bad loss.
Pressing that button results in a foul. This happened in a few of my games, and cost me an accidental loss to The Hammer - who's butt I immediately whooped after taking that bad loss.