A good party game really shines when they’re easy to pick up and are designed to play into players’ competitive edge. Lakeview Games’ Pool Party certainly has that going for it, as the cute party game is quite simple, taking the same controls into each minigame and offering a fun way for players to test themselves. While there’s not quite enough depth for it to be a new classic in the genre, it does fit in well to a rotation.
The setup is simple, you play as some rotund creatures and compete in different sports ranging from pool to soccer and tennis. The controls are rather simple in each minigame as you can kick other characters or objects with one button and can quickly roll yourself using another button. That’s it. There’s a bit of extra nuance as you can hold the button down in order to aim each action, but it keeps things on the simple side.
Overall, there are seven different minigames to play. My favorite of the bunch was sumo, which is quite like the classic bumper balls minigame from Mario Party, where you are trying to knock the other players off a small platform. Two others — jinx and idol — are about avoiding other players as you are cursed in one and try to keep wearing a crown in the other, while the rest are sports-focused, alongside a free-for-all mode that has you trying to knock the other players into pool table holes. It’s a decent variety, although there’s not really enough depth in each game to make it feel like an overly satisfying amount of content.
There are two ways to play Pool Party, either through local play or in tournaments (there’s no online, sadly). Tournaments are definitely the more enjoyable way as it has players going through a series of minigames (after an unskippable tutorial section each time) and gaining points after each. You can do party mode, where you vote on which minigame to play next, or you can just have it repeat one minigame if you really like one or just want to grind the game’s trophies out.
Besides its pick-up-and-play nature, the biggest thing Pool Party has in its favor is that it just looks cute. The pool ball characters are adorable, and there are lots of pastel colors on display in the levels. While not a visual marvel by any means, it’s got a good style and that goes a long way to make the game more appealing. I just wish there were more customization options for the characters or some sort of unlockables to get, as that would add some extra replay value and would play into its charming presentation.
Pool Party is a good but not great party game that is a welcome addition to any family gaming night. Each minigame is enjoyable, especially the sumo one, but it lacks the depth for it to become a game you’ll play for hours in a sitting. Instead, it’s best fit for quick 30-minute spurts with friends every once in a while. If you play it that way, it serves its purpose as a fun distraction meant for friends.
SCORE: 7/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 7 equates to “Good.” A successful piece of entertainment that is worth checking out, but it may not appeal to everyone.
Disclaimer: Our Pool Party review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Reviewed on version 1.001.000.
