Let’s be real: Sometimes we just wanna take a break from RPGs and just kick back with a simple and fun arcade game. Subpar Pool is a little physics puzzler that’s a cross between pool and minigolf. It’s convenient in every sense of the word — You can play it on your desktop or your phone, for three minutes or three hours. For those of us with little self-control and a lot of time to kill over the weekends, this has proven to be a dangerous game.

The idea is simple: Pocket the billiards. Sink the balls on pool tables that come in all shapes and sizes before you run out of shots or lives. Figure out the trajectories and vectors that come with a classic game of pool, but with a minigolf-esque obstacle course layout.

It’s straightforward, but not basic… you have your standard pockets, ones that open and close, portals, and little sushi conveyor belts to make your job just a little more complicated. As you play, you unlock trick shots that open up a world of challenges to fulfill. Rebounds, long shots, posthumous shots (pocketing a ball after you’ve pocketed yourself), multiple sinks with one shot…there’s a wealth of mechanical achievements to unlock.

The Newtonian physics makes sense, the clicking and clacking of the billiards are satisfying, and because the game is so simple, even with the graphics, there’s never any lag or sticky images, even on your phone. The premise is a no-brainer, yes, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to unwind and take a rest from all the complicated mechanics of open worlds, crafting, and strategy.

Did we mention our favorite bit about it being available on your phone’s app store? You won’t believe this but once you buy the game, there are no in-app purchases, and no ads to interrupt your game — even between lives or levels. This is a given for PC and console games, but it’s been a while since we’ve been able to enjoy an app store game this way. It almost brings tears to our eyes.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: Variable.

? Price: USD 9.99 on PC and Nintendo Switch, and USD 4.99 for Android and iPhone.

? Platforms: Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS App Stores.

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