What is Pool Shark?
Imagine 8-ball pool mashed up with a full-on roguelike deckbuilder. You're hustling to pay off a massive debt using a kit of cards to manipulate the table. It's a weird, free-to-play gem that actually works.
Gameplay
You're basically a hustler trying to pay off a $12,500 debt for a friend, and you do it by playing pool. Every rack is a combat encounter where you aren't just potting balls, but chaining combos and stacking multipliers to hit scoring targets. Between tables, you build your kit. You'll find cards that manipulate physics or give bonuses for specific shots, and the synergy is where it gets addictive. It's not like Slay the Spire where you're managing health; here, you're managing money and momentum.
The run variety is decent since the stakes rise as you move through the six rooms. You start with basic shots and end up with a kit that makes you feel like a god of the felt. Meta-progression is simple: win money and don't go broke. It's not as polished as Balatro, but it's got that same 'just one more round' energy. Once you clear the single-player campaign, you can jump into ranked online play to test your deck against other people.
It's not all smooth sailing. Since it's a small indie project from Motivation Stack LLC, you'll notice some rough edges. The UI is clunky in spots and there's an AI-generated content disclosure that might be a red flag for you. It's a bit derivative of the standard roguelike structure, but applying it to billiards is a genuinely fresh twist. Because it's free on Steam, the rough edges don't hurt as much, but don't expect a AAA experience.
Key Features
- 8-ball pool with real physics
- Physics-manipulating card synergies
- Ranked online multiplayer
- Six-room roguelike campaign
Video Review
Screenshots
Verdict
7.5/10. If you love deckbuilders and want something weird and free, grab it. Skip it if you can't stand clunky UIs or AI-generated content.
Play for Free →* Price at time of publication (checked 11.09.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.