It's been a few months since Inferno Pool was released on the PlayStation Network, and now it's time for the high-speed frenzy to make its way to Xbox Live Arcade. If you played the PlayStation 3 version or read my review of it, know that there are virtually no differences between the two versions. All the strengths and weaknesses are present and accounted for. If you can find some friends to rumble with, Inferno Pool is a worthy (if somewhat shallow) addition to the growing stable of Xbox Live Arcade games.

Inferno Pool is the kind of game that relies more heavily on its physics engine than its visual prowess. Fortunately, the physics are pretty good. Each shot plays out the way you'd expect it to, and the guide arrow is a very efficient shot indicator. For what it's worth, the underground look is a very good fit for this kind of game.

Now that I think about it, Inferno Pool relies more heavily on its physics engine than pretty much anything else. The sound design isn't bad, but there's simply not much to speak of. I still dig the Mortal Kombat - esque announcer, and the pool balls clack as nicely as ever. The opening music is energetic and the Menu-surfing sounds are intense; like I said, there's really not much to talk about when it comes to sound.

Inferno Pool features a number of pool games that you can play by yourself and with others. You can go for the classic 8-Ball, or you can try your hand at 9-Ball. Due to the pacing of these modes, they are not exactly spotlight-grabbers. After all, the game is called Inferno Pool. If you want something to replace Bankshot Billiards 2, Inferno Pool offers a few nice alternatives. But again, this game wasn't released as "just another pool game."

When you were young, did you really know how to play pool? I simply got a kick out of rolling the balls around the table until each ball had been pocketed. Of course, I did this with a bunch of other kids, which made it pretty crazy. The mode from which Inferno Pool gets its title takes the chaotic approach, but it gives each player a table of his/her own. The objective of Inferno Pool is simply to pocket as many balls as you can before the time expires. The game gives you the tools you need to get that done, but your skill level and reflexes play the biggest part in achieving victory. This mode is not nearly that cut-and-dry; the sense of competition cannot be accurately captured without discussing the mechanics that fuel the excitement... so I'll save the specifics for that section.

I'll try to save you some pride: don't buy Inferno Pool and then jump straight into an online match... unless you enjoy getting destroyed. This game demands quick reflexes and careful planning. Every time you make a shot, don't sit back and watch the results. The second you hit the cue ball, immediately plan your next move. Use the camera to line up each shot before the game gives you control over the cue stick. The only Ballzooka-related strategy I can give you is to gauge how aggressive your opponents are. If someone seems to be only targeting you, expand your Ballzooka and fill it up completely. Wait until it seems your opponent is in a tough spot, and then completely empty your Ballzooka on his table.

I've warned you not to get right into Inferno Pool's online component, but in no way am I encouraging you to forgo the entire multiplayer experience. In truth, there isn't much else to this package than its multiplayer modes. Just fiddle around with the single player long enough for you to get acclimated.

If you play against bots, Inferno Pool's opponent A.I. is competent enough to knock you down several times. If you crank the difficulty high enough, you'll bear witness to some truly unbelievable trick shots. You can learn how to make these shots in time, but learning how to do so on the fly is quite a feat.

Inferno Pool's controls are tight and responsive; any physics-based error is yours and yours alone. If you want to make a jump shot or a ridiculously complicated bank shot, you've got to be aware of the risks.

Inferno Pool wouldn't be what it is without the Ballzooka. Furthermore, each game would only last a minute. You see, each time you pocket a ball, the Ballzooka decides where it goes. If your Ballzooka is collapsed, it will automatically fire each pocketed ball onto a random table. If it is expanded, however, you choose your target. Interestingly enough, each competitor is color-coded. Each color corresponds to a face button on the Xbox 360 Controller. Pressing the (A) button will send a ball to the green player, while pressing the (B) button will send one to the red player. Of course, simply holding down the button will cause the Ballzooka to fire until it is empty. This interesting mechanic adds an urgent sense of competition, it adds a puzzle game flavor to the game. Most importantly, it keeps this game from being generic.

If you already own Inferno Pool for the PS3, the only thing this release offers you is the ability to play with your friends who only own a 360. It's a decent arcade game that has a lot of potential, but it lacks depth and is short on content. Try the demo first.