Long before flashy sports simulations and online multiplayer leagues dominated gaming, there was something timeless about a simple game of pool. A cue, a table, a handful of balls and the pressure of making the next shot count.
Now that arcade-era experience returns to modern consoles with Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP, as HAMSTER continues its mission to preserve gaming history. Originally released by Konami in 1987, this billiards classic is now available for Xbox Series X|S, complete with modern features designed to make the old-school experience more accessible than ever.
At A Glance
- Game: Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP
- Developer: HAMSTER Corporation
- Publisher: HAMSTER Corporation
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
- Price: £7.49
- Genre: Sports / Arcade / Billiards
Back To The Pool Hall
First released into arcades in 1987, RACK’EM UP focused on one thing and one thing only: pocket billiards.
Players can tackle matches using either Nine-Ball or Rotation rules, with the original arcade cabinet standing out thanks to its ability to display ball positions using a 3D-style perspective. At a time when many sports games were still fairly basic visually, that extra viewpoint helped players better judge angles and plan shots.
Nearly four decades later, the core appeal remains exactly the same. Line up the perfect shot, clear the table and prove your mastery of the cue.
More Than A Straight Arcade Port
As with the wider Arcade Archives range, this isn’t simply a case of dropping an old ROM onto modern hardware.
Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP includes a host of modern conveniences alongside the faithful recreation of the original game. Difficulty adjustments, save slots, rewind functionality and online leaderboards all make a return, allowing players to tailor the experience to their liking.
The newer Arcade Archives 2 framework also introduces additional features, including a dedicated Time Attack Mode, joining the established Original Mode, Hi Score Mode and Caravan Mode options. Meanwhile, support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) aims to bring the game even closer to its original arcade performance, helping preserve the feel of Konami’s 1987 release.
Time To Break The Rack
Not every retro release needs explosions, aliens or high-speed action. Sometimes a game can survive for nearly forty years simply because its core concept remains enjoyable. Arcade Archives 2 RACK’EM UP offers exactly that. This is a straightforward, faithful recreation of a classic arcade billiards game, enhanced with enough modern features to make it easy to enjoy today.
Whether you’re a longtime arcade fan or simply fancy a few frames of virtual pool, it’s now available on Xbox Series X|S for £7.49. Head to the Xbox Store.
