Lunar Pool vs Side Pocket
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Lunar Pool brings classic billiards to the home computer with an unprecedented 60 unique tables, each offering its own layout and challenges. Players set up an electronic cue, aim, adjust power, and watch the ball ricochet across the virtual felt to sink in the pockets. The game tracks scores automatically and supports both solo play and head‑to‑head multiplayer, letting you hone your skills or compete with friends across its expansive stage system, an expansion over the original 32‑stage PC‑8801 version.
Side Pocket is a pocket billiards arcade game originally released by Data East in 1986. It brings realistic pool physics and simple controls to arcade cabinets and home consoles. The game offers both single-player challenges and multiplayer matches, preserving the nostalgic feel of 80s arcade sports titles while remaining accessible to modern players.
- Huge variety with 60 tables
- Automatic score tracking
- Supports both solo and multiplayer
- Authentic retro presentation
- Easy to pick up and play
- Authentic arcade feel
- Multiplayer support
- Low system requirements
- Limited to PC platform
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No online matchmaking
- Limited visual fidelity by modern standards
- No online matchmaking
- Few game modes beyond core pool
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Alternatives to Lunar Pool
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Alternatives to Side Pocket
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSide Pocket offers a classic, low‑cost arcade pool experience with solid multiplayer, while Lunar Pool delivers far more content with 60 unique tables but lacks price transparency.
Key differences
- •Lunar Pool includes 60 distinct tables versus Side Pocket’s unspecified, smaller selection.
- •Side Pocket lists a clear price of $19.99; Lunar Pool’s price is not provided.
- •Both support local multiplayer only; neither offers online matchmaking.
- •Side Pocket emphasizes retro pixel‑art graphics; Lunar Pool also uses retro graphics but both are dated by modern standards.
Gameplay & fun factor
Lunar Pool’s 60 unique tables and stage progression give far more variety than Side Pocket’s core pool modes.
Platform availability
Both products list only PC‑related details; no other platforms are mentioned for either.
Pricing & value
Side Pocket has a disclosed MSRP of $19.99; Lunar Pool’s price is not specified, making Side Pocket the clearer value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support single‑player and local multiplayer; neither provides online matchmaking.
Content & replayability
Lunar Pool’s 60 tables and stage progression outweigh Side Pocket’s limited game modes.
Graphics & performance
Both use retro, dated graphics; Side Pocket uses pixel art, Lunar Pool emulates 1985 arcade visuals.
Choose Lunar Pool if…
Buyers seeking extensive table variety and progression despite unknown price.
Choose Side Pocket if…
Buyers who want a cheap, straightforward arcade pool game with local multiplayer.
Common questions
What is the cost of each game?
Side Pocket costs $19.99; Lunar Pool’s price is not listed in the provided information.
How many different pool tables are available?
Lunar Pool offers 60 distinct tables; Side Pocket’s exact number of tables is not specified.
Can I play online against others?
No. Both games only support local single‑player and multiplayer; neither includes online matchmaking.