Break Time: The National Pool Tour (1993-)

• Developer: Opera House

• Publisher: FCI

• Genre: Sports

• Composer: Takeshi Yasuda

Break Time: The National Pool Tour for the NES was developed by Opera House and released in 1993. The game was published by FCI. Break Time focuses on the sport of pool, aiming to provide a realistic simulation experience on the NES. Unlike many arcade-style sports games of the time, it sought to appeal to fans of cue sports with its detailed gameplay mechanics and tournament structure.

The game is centered around various pool games, including standard 8-ball and 9-ball formats, offering players the chance to compete in a series of increasingly difficult matches as part of a national tournament. Players control the cue stick, aiming and adjusting power to sink balls into pockets on a top-down table view. The gameplay requires precision and strategy, with options to apply spin and control the cue ball’s path, adding layers of depth for more experienced players. The National Pool Tour likely drew inspiration from the popularity of pool halls and televised cue sports during the early 90s.

The soundtrack of Break Time is modest, featuring simple but effective music and sound effects that complement the slower-paced, strategic nature of the game. There is no prequel to this title, but it fits within a niche of sports simulation games on the NES that emphasized realism over fast-paced arcade action. The game was designed primarily for solo play, although it supported two-player matches, enhancing its replay value for those interested in competitive pool.

Promotion for Break Time: The National Pool Tour was relatively low-key, with Data East focusing more on specialized gaming audiences rather than mainstream advertising. Reception was mixed; some appreciated its attempt at realistic pool simulation on the NES, while others found the gameplay slower and less engaging compared to more action-oriented titles. Despite this, it holds a place in the library of sports and simulation games from the NES era, particularly for players seeking a more thoughtful and skill-based challenge.

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