Side Pocket

Side Pocket is a pool billiards video game released into arcades by Data East in 1986. The arcade version was eventually ported to six home console platforms and two sequels to the game were produced, as well as a spin-off series called Pocket Gal. The Game Gear port was released in 1994.

The primary play mode, called Pocket Game, requires that the player clear all the balls off the table in a limited number of shots, as well as achieve a predetermined score. The player earns points by sinking balls, sinking balls on consecutive shots, and sinking balls in numerical order. On occasion, a pocket will light up, and if the player sinks a ball into that pocket on that shot, a bonus will be earned in the form of points or extra shots. There is also a two-player nine-ball mode. A variety of trick shot challenges are also available to the player.

I play the 9-ball mode, then the Pocket Game mode, then the Trick Game mode.