👋 Hello again, Pool fans!
Welcome to Pure Pool Pro’s second Dev Diary. This week, we’re lifting the lid on some of the key features that set Pure Pool Pro apart; including its new modes, some of its technical improvements, and a first look at our all-new UI.
Before we dive in, a huge thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we head toward our first gameplay reveal.
Production is currently focused on rendering and UI, with our team working hard to optimise both visuals and gameplay ahead of the full reveal in the coming months!
As always, we’re keen to hear your thoughts, so drop us your questions in the comments and we’ll answer them in future diaries.
What's New in Pure Pool Pro?
A lot of you have been eager for more details on what makes this a true and worthy sequel to Pure Pool.
While Pure Pool Pro builds on the solid foundations of the first game, it’s much more than just a visual upgrade. Here’s a high-level overview of some of the things coming your way:
Overhauled Opponent AI
We’ve reworked AI opponents from the ground up to feel more human and challenging at every level using adaptive logic to simulate realistic shot selection and pressure play. A lot of your feedback on the first Pure Pool expressed that some opponents could feel like infallible pool-playing robots! This time round we want you to expect varied personalities, risky plays, and intense high-stakes matches. Expect the odd mistake, too; even Pure Pool Pros fluff their lines sometimes.
All-New UI & Presentation
Another key point of criticism from the first game was that its UI wasn’t up to the same visual standard of the gameplay.
For the sequel, we’re making navigating menus, career, online lobbies and customisation, stylish, and much more modern.
Our goal? To give Pool a slicker user experience, putting it on par with other industry-leading sports games.
👇 Here’s an exclusive pre-alpha look at our redesigned Career UI:
The 'Hustler's Hangout' event features early on in our 8-Ball career. In it, you'll face off against a handful of Amateur opponents and test your skills in Challenge modes such as Perfect Potter, Speed Pot, and Checkpoint.
Deeper Career Mode
A big focus for us! This time round, Pure Pool Pro features a full single-player Career with over 25 AI opponents spanning multiple pool disciplines:
- 8-Ball
- 9-Ball
- Blackball
Each career has its own progression path and structure, with branching difficulty tiers, unique opponents and varied challenges.
Seamless Cross-Platform Online Play
In Pure Pool Pro, you’ll be able to play against friends across all supported platforms including Steam, Epic, PlayStation 5 (incl. PS5 Pro), and Xbox Series X|S - with streamlined ‘friend code’ matchmaking.
Pure Pool Pro ‘DNA’ profiles will also be returning from the first game. For those unaware, a DNA profile will be built as you play creating an accurate AI interpretation of yourself, your friends and your foes’ playstyles - which you can still play against, even when they’re not online.
Two New Venues
The game will feature two dynamic playing environments at launch, both of which will subtly change things like advertising boards, and lighting depending on the event.
The TetraDome Arena
This is the 1,000 seat venue seen in the first screenshots we've released. This is a big departure from the cozy jazz club found in the original Pure Pool - but we think players will really enjoy the heightened atmosphere for competitive play.
‘The Penthouse’
A more intimate, stylish space for those craving classic Pure Pool vibes. We haven't revealed this one just yet; or even named it! We're calling it the 'Penthouse’ in production. It's a modern, cozy, open plan apartment at the top of a skyscraper. In vibe, this one has been designed to feel a lot more like the Pure Pool jazz club. We had a lot of feedback from players saying they enjoyed that venue's relaxing vibe - so we've made sure to include something similar!
Let Us Know What You Think!
We’ll be diving deeper into specific features - including online play, personalisation, and our work on physics - in the diaries.
In the meantime, if you’ve got a burning question or feedback on what you’ve seen so far, hit the comments below or join us over in the Discord.
Oh, and don’t forget to wishlist Pure Pool Pro!
It helps us massively - and ensures you won’t miss a beat as we get closer to launch.
Thanks again for all your support so far!
– The Ripstone Team 🎱