NGP Preview: Hustle Kings

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NGP Preview: Hustle Kings

It’s amazing what a new interface can do for a game. When Hustle Kings came out for PS3 in late 2009, it was lauded for its visuals. And for good reason – it’s the finest looking billiards game ever created.

Hustle Kings for NGP

But in playing Hustle Kings for NGP, I was struck by how much more satisfying the pool hall action becomes with the integration of touchscreen controls. After choosing my game type and table, I used a combo of touch- and analog stick-controls to set my shot using a customizable guide-line. Then I pulled the cue stick back with my index finger on the screen and fired. The result: a straight, solid shot with a satisfying “clack!” I did it again and again. Sure, you can use the analog stick to shoot, but touch is the way to go with the NGP version of Hustle Kings. It makes the game more immersive, and, dare I say, a lot more fun.

The difficulty of taking a shot is widely variable. You can set a guide that will tell you exactly where your ball will go, or just eyeball it. Cueing methods vary from a pinball-like pull-and-release motion to the traditional poolhall motion. But Hustle Kings NGP takes advantage of more than just the NGP’s touch screen. On the PS3 you can chalk your cue by shaking the DualShock 3. Here you can apply chalk by “rubbing the cue” via the backtouch panel. Instead of selecting a pre-made avatar, you can snap a photo of yourself using the built-in camera. Other functionality abounds: You can use your NGP’s screen as a window into the pool hall by rotating around the ball with the six axis motion sensing, and chat in-game using the NGP’s built-in microphone.

Hustle Kings for NGPHustle Kings for NGP

Things get even more creative on the multiplayer side. Yes, you can compete live via Wifi against other NGP-equipped players. Hustle Kings also features interoperable cross-play with the PS3 version of the game, ensuring plenty of built-in competition on day one. None of your friends online right now? Here’s something I think you’ll see a lot of moving forward: asynchronous multiplayer. You take your shots, then the NGP messages your friend. When they pick up the game next, they view your last turn, then take their shots. It’s kind of like playing via text message, or Words With Friends on a smartphone.

I was also informed that all DLC presently available for Hustle Kings PS3 (like the ever-popular snooker) will be made available on NGP as well. I thought I knew what to expect before going hands-on with Hustle Kings NGP, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. A new interface can make a big difference.

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21 Comments

  • geez jeff so much news stop flooding my brain!

  • A lot of NGP updates today! Hope to see more :D

  • Can’t wait to try out the new Hustle Kings game on the NGP.

  • Why no video?

  • You must be really busy today Jeff so many posts!

  • Please stop posting so much NGP stories, it’s making me really want to buy one right now :P

  • Sharingan_itachi

    Its basically the same game.. I don’t see why can’t NGP run PS3 PSN games.

  • The NGP is just ranking up on amazing hopefully launching games it is going to DOMINATE when it comes out at the end of this year

  • Jeff Rubenstein FOR PRESIDENT!

  • save them for E3 stop spoiling me :(

  • Stop making me want one. I guess PlayStation Vista can be called PSV which sounds kind of cool. FIre Marcus!

  • not bad at all. I just hope the npg comes witha screen saver so it cant be scracthed .

  • Was hoping for a video this time. :(
    NGP’s graphics looks very close to the PS3’s! Any details on price yet?

  • All these games that are playable between ps3 and ngp players is making me very excited.

    Love the turn based multiplayer, not everybody has time to play a whole game in one sitting.

  • Hustle Kings was one of the first games I bought for my psp and had a lot fun with it. Yet another title that will be high on my list if/when I pick up a ngp. Really just waiting for pricing info to make that call right now, this year has been kicking my wallets ass so far and its only gonna get worse, for my wallet that is lol.

  • NGP = <3 !
    No really, you have no idea how excited I am that one portable console is doing it right this generation! NGP looks like a conglomeration of all my favorite parts of gaming – great games with great aesthetics, great control layout, innovative features, AND portable!
    So what exactly is replacing UMD? I assume the UMD is out of the picture, yes? Please tell me it's something like SD…err…..memory stick pro duo flash cartridges? Any response would be wonderful Mr. Jeff, or anyone else Sony =) Thanks!

  • I want an NGP exclusive fps by EA

  • where is the black ops escalation map pack?come on sony if your not gonna release it today then at least update us on when it will come out.give us a timeline for once!

  • Now with all of the NGP game updates Im even more excited to get the NGP.

  • you know what i might get this i wasn’t interested before but the NGP make me want it

  • Q: DOES THE NGP PLAY UMDS?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER THAT QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

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