Pocket Pool rolls provocatively towards PSP

We could go generic and start this by commenting on how sad it is to have to dress up a pool simulation in an adult theme as a way of getting it to stand out from the crowd.

But that'd be a remarkably pretentious attitude. So what if you happen to want a little titillation with your cue action? Provided you're old enough to play Pocket Pool and it's your thing, you have every right to be interested. The whole point of living in a supposedly free society is that you have the ability to make these kinds of choices.

What remains important, however, is that the pool experience hasn't been compromised by the naughty content and, happily, this doesn't seem to be the case. From the look of the trailer you're able to download here (by clicking on 'Watch It!') the ball physics seem to be accurately recreated, and the 3D engine appears more than able to solidly display the action from every conceivable angle.

Equally, the 13 types of pool games (including 9 ball, 8 ball, Rotation, Black Jack and Snooker) should provide sufficient entertainment – not least because of the wi-fi multiplayer and wireless head-to-head options.

Further amusement comes in the form of those scantily clad lady players. When not appearing as in-game characters (a selection of considerably less attractive men is also available), the Dream Models, as they like to be known, turn up in the form of unlockable and undressed content provided by premier glamour photographer J Stephen Hicks – 20 videos and 100 steamy pictures, as well as 'extra special online downloads' are promised.

And in the same way that you wouldn't display, say, the finest Paul Gauguin painting in your downstairs loo, the game's surroundings should play a considerable role with regards to the overall glamour of the proceedings. As such, expect to be hustling your way from a downbeat bar through progressively more stylish settings, such as nightclubs, casinos, a cruise ship, a yacht and mansion playrooms. Along the way you can apparently customise everything, from balls and cues to some of the more interesting baize options we've come across.

Pocket Pool is currently scheduled to warm up the wintery nights with a January 2007 release.