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.

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.

Rumble is back with the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for PLAYSTATION 3. These are shipping to store shelves as we speak, so be on the lookout for them next week. Now I know that the list of compatible games is the most important thing to you, so we’re including that at the bottom of this post. The titles with an asterisk in the list below will require a patch in order to activate the rumble feature. The patch will automatically download to your PS3 if your console is connected online. If you are not connected online, check our PlayStation Knowledge Center for more information.

We will be launching have launched a web page on the PlayStation website later this morning dedicated to informing you of what titles use force feedback. This list will be expanding as new titles become compatible, so be sure to be sure to check back. You can also keep an eye out for this icon:

This will be located on all new software releases that are DUALSHOCK 3 compatible.

Just to give you a small refresher course, the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller includes pressure sensors that rumble with each action. SIXAXIS technology is also included, so you can still use motion control, and the controller features Bluetooth technology for wireless gameplay. You can pick it up at any of the major retailers and at a cost $54.99 MSRP.

Here’s the complete list of titles supporting the DUALSHOCK 3 at launch:

• SCEA – Formula One Championship Edition* (PS3)
• SCEA – MotorStorm* (PS3)
• SCEA – Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3)
• SCEA – PAIN (PSN)
• SCEA – High Velocity Bowling (PSN)
• SCEA – MLB 08: The Show (PS3)
• SCEA – Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3)
• SCEA – Resistance: Fall of Man* (PS3)
• SCEA – Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3)
• SCEA – Go! Sports Ski* (PSN)
• SCEA – Folklore* (PS3)
• SCEA – Heavenly Sword* (PS3)
• SCEA – Warhawk* (PSN / PS3)
• SCEA – Super Stardust HD* (PSN)
• SCEA – Snakeball (PSN)
• SCEA – Toy Home (PSN)
• SCEA – PSOne Emulation (PSN)
• SCEA – Piyotama (PSN)
• SCEA – PixelJunk Monsters (PSN)
• SCEA – Blast Factor* (PSN)
• Sega – Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3)
• Ubisoft – Lost: Via Domus (PS3)
• Ubisoft – Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2* (PS3)
• EA – Burnout Paradise (PS3)
• KOEI – Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3)
• Capcom – Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)
• Atari – Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3)
• Disney Interactive – Turok (PS3)
• Sierra Games – TimeShift (PS3)