Sharkey's 3D Pool

Hidden messages

The code for the Amiga version contains this plea from the programmer:

Maltese Joe plays 3D-Pool. Designed & Programmed by Orlando (lucky geezer, eh?) ...I know this should be a scrolling message, but, well, times are hard. Please don't pirate this game - my last three games bombed out and I'm on the breadline, paying off debts. "Millionaire whizz coder prangs Porsche" - HA! ... no chance of that! I don't even own a pushbike, let alone a car. This is my first 16-bit game: if you rip it off, it'll be my last. For what it's worth though, I hope you really enjoy the game - I've been working on it for a year now, and I still love it. Before I disappear, some quick 'thank you's.... Thanks to Colin Fuidge, and Joe 'Big Q' Bonar for all their support and encouragement during gestation (I s'pose)... Also, ta Gary Liddon for his 'specialist' knowledge (without him the world would be an emptier place). Generally, thanks to all at TelecomSoft (as was) - it's the end of an era, folks. Thanks to MicroProse - let's take it from here. Biggest thanks goes to a certain small furry animal. (((I'll see you later))) Many thanks to all the people who shelled out money for this - you're the people this is really for. Stop reading this! go back and play the game!! There is no cheat-mode!! * MESSAGE ENDS *

Re-licensing

This was one of the games under development for Firebird when MicroProse bought the label and its IPs. However, they chose not to continue with the intended tie-in license with pool player 'Maltese' Joe Barbera, perhaps feeling that he was not well-known enough (pool is not a big spectator sport in the UK, with snooker much more popular).