Bankshot Billiards 2

 Xbox 360
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. Game Chronicles
    94
    By far the best pool game I have ever played on the PC or console. Visually, the game is beyond reality with gorgeous textures and lighting effects, flawless physics, all the popular (and not so popular) game variations, and an outstanding online component that maintains leaderboards and even offers online tournaments.
  2. AceGamez
    90
    All the modes, added challenges, full online support - it's a Snooker fans dream and only adds an exclamation point to Xbox Live Arcade's brilliance.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. TeamXbox
    80
    Aside from difficulty lining up the long shots, Bankshot Billiards 2 is an extremely fun title for all ages, and one that can be enjoyed via Xbox Live or solo-style.
  5. GamerFeed
    80
    The only real problem with Bankshot Billiards 2 is its requirement for multiple players to each have their own controller. With a turn-based game like billiards, I was hoping I'd be able to play with two of my friends by just passing the controller back and forth. Instead, I'm forced to wait for those three player sessions until I can afford another controller.
  6. Planet Xbox 360
    77
    Bankshot Billiards 2 soundtrack is best left muted. Pixelstorm gives the player a choice between styles such as rock, pop and funk but none are particularly pleasant.
  7. IGN
    75
    Where the game shines is in multiplayer mode as you can hustle your friends in person or via Xbox Live. $15 is kind of a stretch for the game, but if you know and enjoy pool, you'll get to know and enjoy Bankshot Billiards 2.
  8. MS Xbox World
    75
    This game shines at its best with the head-to-head online game modes though.
  9. WHAM! Gaming
    73
    There really isn’t much here that you haven’t seen before in a digital pool game, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a fun way to spend a few minutes killing time.
  10. GamesRadar+
    70
    Thanks to easy multiplayer integration, this surprisingly sturdy download is sure to keep you playing long after that.
  11. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    The weak pseudo-jazz music would embarrass a grot movie director, but apart from that, this is good stuff. [Issue#5, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Talk Xbox
    67
    This would be a good purchase for anyone with a Live account if it wasn’t for one thing. Price. Bankshot Billiards is 1200 Microsoft Points. That translates into fifteen dollars, more than any other game on the Live Arcade. While Bankshot Billiards is good, it isn’t that good.
  13. Gaming Target
    63
    Plays an average game of pool while also offering some variable game modes and functional online play.
  14. GameSpot
    42
    Bankshot Billiards 2 doesn't play a great game of pool, and as the most expensive Xbox Live Arcade game available, it represents lousy value for the money.
  15. Official Xbox Magazine
    40
    Three deal-breakers emerge in this weak pool game. [Jun 2006, p.62]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Xbox Evolved
    28
    The only saving grace of the game is the leader boards, the ability to play with another player on your system, or online. Still, it is a pretty boring proposition and most billiards fans will probably get rather annoyed by the game.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2005
23
#23 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2005
21
#21 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. antikleptocracy
    Jul 5, 2015
    1
    I realize this is 9 years after its release, but technology hasn't improved that much since then and this game is a piss poor example of realI realize this is 9 years after its release, but technology hasn't improved that much since then and this game is a piss poor example of real billiards. I'm not saying this graphics wise, but I purely mean accuracy. I have been playing pool for 26 years and play very well, so I can tell you from experience that this game is highly inaccurate to what you will see on a real table. The pockets seem to have some kind of gravitational pull towards them making it much easier to sink balls, as well as scratch of course. Breaking is just a joke and nothing like real life if you did it the same exact way, and English can only be used to less than half of what you would be able to do on a real table. Not sure what other billiard games are out there, but I would highly recommend staying away from this one. If you're trying to learn what the balls do after contact, playing Bankshot Billiards is about the worst thing you can do for your game. Don't waste your money!… Full Review »
  2. ScottP.
    Mar 15, 2006
    8
    Great game of pool to be had here especially in mulitplayer online and offline with friends. A testament to how addictive and good this game Great game of pool to be had here especially in mulitplayer online and offline with friends. A testament to how addictive and good this game is the amount of time i have spent playing it when I have 'next gen' 360 games sitting on the shelf. The graphics are good with a perfect birds eye view of the table. The ball physics are superb the only thing you can't do is make the ball jump! Swerve shots backspin and topspin are all easily implemented with the equally excellent if not a touch sensitve control system. Ok a little pricey compared to other XBL Arcade games but if you a fan of pool I think its worth every penny.… Full Review »
  3. SpencerH.
    Mar 7, 2006
    10
    If you like to play pool, this game is super sweet. Most of the time i'm playing online with friends or multiplayer. the one player mode If you like to play pool, this game is super sweet. Most of the time i'm playing online with friends or multiplayer. the one player mode is really challenging and fun but this is more the SOCIAL SPORT game. this is ome of my most played ARCADE games so far.… Full Review »
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