Description

"Side Pocket 3" for the Sega Saturn is a virtual pool (billiards) video game that serves as the continuation and enhancement over its predecessors, Side Pocket and Side Pocket 2 (known as Minnesota Fats: Pool Legend in the US), putting players at the tables with more realistic physics, better graphics, and more refined gameplay mechanics. Released only in Japan in 1997, this iteration was developed by Data East, a company known for their arcade classics. The game allows players to engage in different varieties of pool, including 9-ball, 8-ball, and a unique "pocket game" mode that integrates trick shots and challenges across various skill levels.

In "Side Pocket 3", players navigate through multiple stages, each increasing in difficulty and complexity. The game features both a single-player mode, where gamers work their way through various levels of pool halls, and a multiplayer mode, where they can compete against friends. One of the notable enhancements in this version is the graphic upgrade, utilizing the Sega Saturn's capabilities to offer a more immersive 3D experience with detailed environments and realistic pool table dynamics. Additionally, the game incorporates a storyline in its single-player mode, adding depth and a sense of progression as players hustle their way from rookies to professional cueists. These elements combined to give pool enthusiasts and gamers an engaging simulation of the sport, though the game remains a rare gem due to its limited release outside the mainstream gaming regions.