In the early 90s, the Amiga was at the height of its powers, and Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker was the snooker simulation game that everyone was talking about. Released in 1991, it was the closest thing to playing real snooker without actually having to chalk a cue.
Sharpshooter
For its time, the graphics were nothing short of revolutionary. The 3D snooker table was rendered with an attention to detail that was almost unheard of in those days. The way the balls moved, complete with realistic shadows and reflections, was mesmerizing. It was like having a mini snooker table in your computer – a feat that seemed almost magical back then.
How did Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker play?
It wasn’t just a pretty face; the gameplay was where it truly excelled. It managed to capture the essence of snooker in a way that no game had done before. The controls were intuitive, allowing players to easily adjust the power and spin of their shots. But don’t be fooled – the game was as challenging as it was accessible, requiring skill and strategy just like the real game.
The sound design was minimalistic but effective and is the games weakpoint. The satisfying clink of balls colliding and the gentle thud of a successful pot added to the immersive experience though.
We suppose the lack of background music only heightened the tension, replicating the silent concentration of a real snooker match so as for a sim, this is add to the realism.
Long term appeal
With its challenging AI, based on Jimmy White’s own playing style, and a variety of trick shots and practice modes, this game had longevity. It wasn’t just about beating the game; it was about mastering the art of snooker.
At the time, Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker was a pioneer in sports simulation. Its physics engine was ahead of its time, and the game even had a sense of humour – if you took too long for a shot, the balls would start to yawn, pull faces or fall asleep!
Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker on the Amiga is a classic that stands the test of time. While modern games surpass it in graphics and sound, they struggle to match its charm and realism. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who played it back in the day and a surprisingly engaging find for retro gaming enthusiasts discovering it for the first time.
This game was, and still is, a great representation of snooker and a testament to the Amiga’s capabilities as a gaming and simulator machine.
