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PS Vita: The Ultimate FAQ

Sid Shuman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:45:23 +0000

With all eyes on the PS Vita’s US launch date of February 22nd, we wanted to begin providing definitive answers to your many questions about PS Vita. Behold: The PS Vita Ultimate FAQ! Of course, this list of Frequently Asked Questions is only a start and certain details are still being finalized. Rest assured that we’ll continue to update this FAQ leading up to launch, integrating new answers to your questions and additional details as they are verified and confirmed.

Read on to get answers to your questions regarding PS Vita, covering everything from the specs of the state-of-the-art OLED screen to support of Bluetooth peripherals and more. And remember: Please leave your burning questions in the comments and we’ll address them in a future update.

General Questions

Q: When will PS Vita be available?
A: In North America, Latin America, and Europe, PS Vita launches on February 22nd, 2012. A limited-run First Edition Bundle launched on February 15th in the US. In Japan, PS Vita launched on December 17th.

Q: How much will PS Vita cost?
A: The Wi-Fi version will retail for $249, while the 3G/Wi-Fi version will retail for $299.

Q: How many software titles will be available at launch in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with 26 games on its February 22nd launch date in the US, and every PS Vita system will be packed with six AR Play Cards. You can use these cards to play a selection of Augmented Reality mini games that will be available soon on PlayStation Store. You can watch videos showing off AR minigames Table Soccer, Fireworks and Cliff Diving in action.

Additionally, there will be a selection of 275 legacy PSP titles available to download from PlayStation Store at PS Vita’s launch and 117 PlayStation minis titles, with more legacy PSP and minis titles to come in the future. See the full list of currently supported PSP and minis titles here.

The full list of launch-day PS Vita titles is as follows:

SCEA Launch-Day Titles
Escape Plan (PSN Only)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Hustle Kings (PSN Only)
Little Deviants
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Super Stardust Delta (PSN only)
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss
wipEout 2048

Third-Party Publisher Launch-Day Titles
Army Corps of Hell by Square Enix, Inc.
Asphalt Injection by Ubisoft, Inc.
BEN10 GALACTIC RACING by D3 Publisher of America
Blazblue: Continuum Shift EXTEND by Aksys Games Localization, Inc.
Dungeon Hunter Alliance by Ubisoft, Inc.
Dynasty Warriors Next by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
F1 2011 by Codemasters
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer by Electronic Arts, Inc.
Lumines Electronic Symphony by Ubisoft, Inc.
Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft, Inc.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
Plants vs Zombies by Sony Online Entertainment LLC
Rayman Origins by Ubisoft, Inc.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs (PSN Only) by Drinkbox Studios
Touch My Katamari by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 by Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition by Sega of America

Worldwide, there are more than 70 PS Vita games currently in development. What’s more, some of the most popular third-party franchises in gaming will appear on PS Vita, including Assassin’s Creed, BioShock, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat.

Q: What will software pricing look like?
A: Pricing for PS Vita software ranges from $9.99-$49.99 (MSRP) and will be available for purchase at retail locations as well as downloadable on the PlayStation Store.

Q: Does the First Edition Bundle come with a digital or physical copy of Little Deviants?
A: The First Edition Bundle includes a copy of Little Deviants on a physical PS Vita game card.

Q: What accessories will PS Vita launch with in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with a wide array of accessories. For gamers looking for a complete solution, a Starter Kit with Memory Card will be available for $39.99 (MSRP), which includes a 4GB Memory Card, Pocket Pouch, Protective Film, Game Card Case, Headphones, and Cleaning Cloth. Standalone Memory Cards will start at $19.99 (MSRP), providing plenty of options for storing games and save data, videos, music, photos and more.

The full list of upcoming PS Vita accessories is as follows:

Product Name
Starter Kit with Memory Card
4 GB Memory Card
8 GB Memory Card
16 GB Memory Card
32 GB Memory Card
In-Ear Headset
Carrying Case
Travel Pouch
Protective Film (2 pack)
Card Case
Cradle
AC Adaptor
Car Adaptor
USB Cable
Portable Charger Release Date
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
Spring 2012 MSRP
$39.99
$19.99
$29.99
$59.99
$99.99
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
$9.99
$5.99
$19.99
$14.99
$14.99
$14.99
$49.99

Q: What wireless 3G plans will be available for the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita?
A: The AT&T Data Connect plans are month-by-month and are not contract based, and all plans include complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot access in the United States. There are two plan choices:

1. 250MB for $14.99, 30-day recurring opt out, which starts at the date and time of purchase.

2. 3GB for $30.00, 30-day recurring opt out, which starts at the date and time of purchase.

Q: What are the advantages of choosing the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita? What will I get with it that I can’t get with the Wi-Fi model?
A: With access to AT&T Broadband Network you can game with real-time connection, immediately socialize with your gaming community through news feeds, multiplayer game sessions, and compete for in-game achievements (Trophies). You can also stay up-to-date with continuous LiveArea news feeds, and cross-game text messaging with Party. 3G connectivity also benefits social apps such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare, Skype and more, all optimized specifically for PS Vita.

PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model also includes GPS for the most accurate geo-location reading, giving you an advantage when using “near” in that you can interact when you’re away from a Wi-Fi hotspot, whether you’re scooping up new track parts for ModNation Racers or accepting a new lap-time challenge in WipEout 2048.

Q: Do all PS Vita users have to sign up with a cell phone provider?
A: No. Users can enjoy either model of PS Vita using only Wi-Fi functionality.

Q: What is “near”?
A: “near” is PS Vita’s integrated social networking app that enables you to check in to real-life locations and pick up or leave gifts for other gamers to find and use in their games. You can also locate and connect with your PlayStation Network friends and other gamers nearby for ad-hoc communication and multiplayer sessions, whether you set up lap-time challenges in WipEout 2048 or trade costumes with a competitor in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. Using “near,” you can also see which games are the most popular and highest rated by fellow gamers near your location, which can help you locate new and interesting games..

”near” can calculate your location using a Wi-Fi location service; the 3G/Wi-Fi model includes GPS technology, which enables you to be the first to find valuable game gifts by logging into “near” via 3G with more precision…and no need to wait for a Wi-Fi hot spot!

Q: Do you need 3G network connection to enjoy “near”?
A: No. PS Vita users can enjoy “near” using Wi-Fi, but a 3G connection is preferred in order to maximize “near”’s capability. By using a 3G connection, users will be able to obtain more information and encounter new players in real time via “near”. Think of it as a geo-social gaming network that taps into your location, wherever you might be.

Q: What kinds of “gifts” can you give and receive using “near”?
A: ”near” enables PS Vita owners to access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations that other PS Vita users have also visited. The virtual items can come in many forms: new character costumes, weapons, and treasures, just to name a few. Sharing these items between users adds a unique dimension to the portable gaming experience on PS Vita while enhancing the social connectivity among the PS Vita community.

Q: What is “LiveArea”?
A: Every PS Vita game features a space called “LiveArea” where you can access new game information from Sony Computer Entertainment and third-party developers and publishers via PlayStation Network. You’ll also be able to view an “Activity” log that includes your PSN Friends, which is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication and gameplay among users.

Q: What is “Party”?
A: “Party” brings the flexibility and power of cross-game chat or text chat to PS Vita’s online gaming, and it’s available even when users are playing different games or using different applications such as the Internet browser . Users who are chatting together can also seamlessly join an online game to play together, making it easy to hop into a quick match of Unit 13 or wipEout 2048. You’ll also be able to bookmark your favorite groups so you can easily reconnect with them later. Combined with near, a powerful geo-social gaming network, Party will give PS Vita owners more options to interact, communicate, and compete than ever before.

Q: What system software will come pre-loaded on the final retail version of PS Vita in North America?
A: PS Vita comes pre-installed with Welcome Park, “near,” “Party,” Trophies, Friends, PlayStation Store, Remote Play, Video player, Music player, Photos and Camera, Group Messaging, and Content Manager.

Q: What is PS Vita’s battery life?
A: Officially, PS Vita is rated at approximately 3 to 5 hours of gaming, 5 hours of video playback, and 9 hours of music playback. Recharging the battery from 0 percent will take approximately 2.5 hours.

From a gaming perspective, you’ll notice that the most graphically intense games such as UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss are slightly more demanding on battery life, while simpler games such as Escape Plan are less demanding. To further maximize battery life, you can employ measures such as reducing the screen’s brightness or deactivating Wi-Fi. By and large, PlayStation employees who have used PS Vita extensively in the real world have praised the unit’s battery life – if you pick up PS Vita on day one, be sure to let us know what your experiences are.

Technical Specifications

Q: I’ve heard that PS Vita uses OLED display technology. How does it work? What are the benefits of OLED? Why is it superior to traditional LCD-based displays?
A: OLED technology is the most cutting-edge display technology on the market, boasting higher contrast and brighter color than LCD-based displays found in other devices. This next-generation display technology makes PS Vita games look dazzlingly bright.

Q: What are the specs of the OLED screen?
A: PS Vita’s OLED screen measures 5 inches, with a resolution of 960×544 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) and a color depth of approximately 16,770,000 colors.

Q: Is a memory card required for game play?
A: You will need a memory card for those games that require game saves or have downloadable content. You will also need a memory card in order to take photos or videos using PS Vita’s integrated cameras.

Q: Does PS Vita support Bluetooth headsets or Bluetooth headphones?
A: Commercially available headphones/headsets supporting A2DP, HSP and AVRCP can be used on PS Vita, however they may function differently depending on the device’s specifications. Stereo Bluetooth is also supported, an important feature for users of Bluetooth headphones.

Q: Can you use a commercially available Bluetooth keyboard or mouse? Can you connect the PS3 wireless controller to PS Vita like PSPgo?
A: No. You won’t be able to connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or a PS3 DualShock 3 wireless controller with PS Vita.

Q: Can you access the Internet by connecting PS Vita to a Bluetooth-supported cell phone?
A: No.

Q: What video and audio formats will PS Vita support?
A: PS Vita supports a wide array of audio files, including: MP3 (MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3), MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC), and WAVE (Linear PCM). Video formats supported include: MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High/Main/Baseline Profile (AAC). Image and photo formats supported include JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF, and PNG.

Q: Do you have any plans to introduce a video output cable? Will PS Vita have HDMI output?
A: No, PS Vita does not have a video output feature.

Q: Can you take out the battery from the system?
A: No. PS Vita’s rear touchscreen requires the use of an internal embedded battery.

Q: Is there a possibility of certain PS3 games using PS Vita as a second screen or peripheral at some point in the future?
A: Remote Play on PS Vita will allow you to see and control your PS3 from your PS Vita; we’ll have further details to share in the future.

Q: What colors will be available for the North American launch?
A: Crystal Black will be available for launch.

3 Great Reasons to Try PS Vita/PS3 Cross-Play Content

Wilson Cheng — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:02:23 +0000

The day is approaching for you to finally get your hands on PlayStation Vita! For some of you, that day is already here with the delivery of the First Edition Bundle. As we’ve discussed in several previous Blog posts, the connection between PS Vita and PS3 is one of the most compelling features that sets gaming on PS Vita apart. Because we want all of you early PS Vita owners to check out the cross-platform gameplay experience, we’re offering content on both platforms for one promotional price with two launch titles, Hustle Kings and WipEout 2048. Our friends at Capcom are also offering shared content for no additional cost with Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Here’s how it works:

If you purchase Hustle Kings for PS Vita, you will get Hustle Kings on PS3 for free. If you already own Hustle Kings on PS3, you’ll be able to download the PS Vita version for free.

If you purchase WipEout 2048, you will be able to download WipEout 2048’s DLC packs, WipEout HD and HD Fury for free when they launch on PS Vita later this spring (if you already own the PS3 versions)

DLC purchased for the PS3 version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 can be used on the PS Vita version for free (and vice versa).

As we’ve noted previously, WipEout 2048 owners on PS Vita will be able to race against WipEout HD owners on PS3 across four tracks beginning at launch, which is separate from this promotional pricing. Hustle Kings also offers turn-based multiplayer pool between PS Vita and PS3 at launch. And Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 offers the “Ultimate Controller,” an exclusive configuration in which you can use PS Vita as a controller to play the PS3 version of the game, complete with touchscreen special move selection. All of this cross-play functionality is among the unique, new ways to play that we are ushering in with PS Vita.

Let us know which games you are most excited about below, and be sure to check out the full list of launch titles here.

NGP Preview: Hustle Kings

Jeff Rubenstein — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:13:11 +0000

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.

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.

Hustle Kings – On the Move and More!

Michael Pulst — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:00:26 +0000

Hey everyone, Michael Pulst here, back to give you an update from our friends (and developers of your favorite billiards game, Hustle Kings) at VooFoo Studios. They wanted to pass along about some very exciting news! Check it out..

When PlayStation Move was first publicly announced, we noticed that many of you suggested that Hustle Kings would be a game to make the most of this new control method.

It was a sentiment everyone on the team agreed with, and even as we started the development process, we could see from early tests that it would elevate the virtual pool experience to a whole new level. PlayStation Move enables you to take shots using a real-life cueing action, which feels natural and fun! There have been some heated hustle matches in the office recently, resulting in some very amusing forfeits. Suffice to say, the added realism Move provides is immense and we can’t wait to hear what you all think!

To continue our assault on your senses, I’m delighted to say that Hustle Kings now supports stereoscopic 3D, and while the visuals of the game have often been praised, 3D has taken the graphics and sense of immersion to a whole new level. It feels like you can reach out and pick up a ball! When combined with the PlayStation Move, the experience is pretty incredible.

Since launching Hustle Kings several months ago, we have been astounded by the ongoing support that we’ve received from the PlayStation community. After carefully listening to your feedback we have worked hard to provide tweaks and improvements, along with some very cool new game content. Here’s a quick list of the goodies we have coming up for you:

AVAILABLE VIA FREE TITLE UPDATE THIS WEEK ON PSN:

PlayStation Move and Stereoscopic 3D support

COMING VERY SOON TO THE PLAYSTATION STORE:

Carom & U.K. Billiards Pack
Ball & Cue Pack
Trickshot Pack

As a closing note, I’d just like to say a big thanks from myself and the rest of the team – Hustle Kings wouldn’t be the game it is without your contributions and feedback. Feel free to let us know what you think by e-mail, or just keep up to date with VooFoo and Hustle Kings via our blog and Twitter page!

As you can see the folks at VooFoo are really excited about your huge support and great response to their game and are working hard to continue supporting it with a lot of very cool content! I’ll be watching below for any questions, and in the meantime, here are a few new screens from the upcoming “Carom and U.K. Billiards Pack.”

Thanks!

Hustle Kings: Patch and Snooker Pack Coming Soon to PS3

Michael Pulst — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:01:07 +0000

Hi Everyone! For all you Hustle Kings out there, we have two great bits of news for you.

Firstly, on May 19th a new patch will be made available which contains the following features and changes:

Improved Breaking! Instead of the rack being perfectly spaced every time, a very slight variance has been introduced between the balls which causes almost every break to be different.
You can now replay the shots that are played in attract mode.
You’ll see more stats during loading screens.
Game options can be modified in online rooms.
You can watch other people’s matches in the all new Spectator Mode!
Plus a new loading icon, viewing player’s profiles during an online match, and more.

But that’s not all, there is a brand new chalk coming to the in-game store: The Second Sight chalk allows you to see the path of an additional ball… really helpful on those tough trickshots and plants.

Finally (and the best bit in my opinion) is that the Hustle Kings Snooker Pack will be launched for PS3 on June 8th. Included in this great pack is a brand new environment, new ball set, with the full Snooker rules and scoring. As well as traditional Snooker, if you get this pack you will also get an offline tournament mode, more music, and a brand new game mode called “Snooker6” where there are only 6 red balls allowing for a much quicker game.

The Snooker Pack will be available for $2.99 and the full game of Hustle Kings is required prior to installing the Snooker Pack. Once you get the Snooker Pack there will also be a batch of new trophies for you to try and unlock. To help with this we have included a free pack of Eagle Eye chalk if you purchase the Snooker pack! Overall I have really enjoyed the time I have spent playing snooker and can’t wait to get online to pit my skills against the rest of the community!

Since the Snooker game type of billiards isn’t quite as popular here in the US, I wanted to give a very brief overview into the game. May I present, The Brief Intro into the World of Snooker!

Snooker is a completely different style of game from how a game of pool is traditionally thought of in the US. It has different balls placed in a new layout, is played on a different table, and the games last much longer. Snooker tables are much bigger (approximately 6ft by 12ft) and they have rounded pocket corners.

Each colored ball has a specific point value. Red (1 point), Yellow (2 points), Green (3 points), Brown (4 points), Blue (5 points), Pink (6 points), Black (7 points).

The ball placement is as shown in the following image:

How to score points in Snooker:
The player must first pocket a red ball for one point and the ball is then left off the table. Then you must pocket a ball colored other then red. The point value of that colored ball is awarded to you and then that ball is placed back on the table at its original placement point. Then you pocket a red ball and alternate pocketing between the two groups of colors (Reds and all the others) until all the red balls are pocketed. Now you must pocket the remaining balls in their point order so, Yellow followed by Green, Brown, Blue, Pink and finally Black. When you have more points than there are left on the table you can then call that frame.

In an ideal world with a perfectly skilled player (aka. someone besides myself) you would pocket a red followed by the black ball and continue that until all the red balls are off the table. That would give you 8 points each cycle (1 point for the red plus 7 for the Black).

Fouls:
The minimum penalty is always four points. So should you scratch the cue ball, then you concede 4 points to the other player. If you pocket a ball of the wrong color you concede at minimum four points to the other player. If you incorrectly pocket a ball with a point value greater than four then you concede the point value of that ball to the other player instead of the minimum four points. If you strike a ball of the wrong color first and pocket a different colored ball, you then concede the minimum penalty or the value of that ball.

That in a nutshell is the game of Snooker. It’s an extremely challenging type of game style in billiards. Although it is really rewarding to play due to the increased amount of strategy needed to play the game. A “give-away” hint for you… don’t hit a non-red ball if you are breaking. I learned that one the hard way and gave away 6 points to my opponent for striking the pink ball my first time playing. Oops.

We hope you enjoy the new features as much as we do and we’ll see you online!

Hustle Kings Adding Video Chat, Voice Chat, Game Launching and More

Michael Pulst — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:32:42 +0000

Since the game launched, the Hustle Kings team has been watching with interest how the game has been received and where you guys think it can be made even better. After weighing up a lot of commentary from the community and how we’ve seen the game played online, we’re gearing up to release our first title update for the game. First out of the gate, we’ve added some amazing new features that will greatly enhance your experience with Hustle Kings, as well as some general updates to the game as listed below:

General improvements to game stability
In-game Voice Chat
In-game Video Chat
Game Launching from PlayStation Home
More stats for the loading screens
The sound effect for the chalk has been turned down
Chalk can now be used by pressing the R3 button as well as shaking your SIXAXIS
Free Play mode
Blue chalk only online rooms
Online: Opponents are now allowed to change view while watching the player at the table
Online: The player that breaks is now randomly chosen
A new, “minimal” aim line
Dampening effect on the pockets, to stop accurate high powered shots from always bouncing out of the pockets
Small adjustments to the fine tune aiming to make it easier to use

Soon after this update is out and you’ve had a chance to experience it all, we have more features coming via the PSN Store. First up will be the Time Saver Pack which is aimed at the Hustle Kings player who wants to experience everything the game has to offer, but doesn’t have the time to unlock all the items. This pack unlocks all the cues, avatars, balls, and the unlock packs from the in-game Hustle Kings Store.

If that weren’t enough, we’ve then got not one, but two awesome freebies to give away! Two bizarre and challenging Crazy Tables Packs are heading your way soon, adding a whole new dimension to your game when you want a fun challenge aside from regular pool. To whet your appetite check out these pics of the tables.

Crazy Tables are coming soon and they’ll be absolutely free! We’re already hard at work on even more exciting content for Hustle Kings for release later this year. If you haven’t already downloaded Hustle Kings, be sure to grab it today and start enjoying first-ever billiards simulator made exclusively for the PlayStation 3.

Coming to PSN this Week: Hustle Kings

Aaron Orsak — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:01:45 +0000

Hello all! My name is Aaron Orsak, US Producer of Hustle Kings, and I’m here with some good news. The wait is finally over…Hustle Kings hits PSN this Thursday, January 28 for $9.99! Developed by UK-based VooFoo Studios, in collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment, Hustle Kings is undoubtedly the most realistic and entertaining billiards game available anywhere…period. I don’t say this lightly, as being a tournament 8-ball player myself, it takes a lot to impress me. Well, color me impressed, because I can’t stop playing this game! From just straight-up pool to intensely complicated masse, swerve, bank, and spin shots, Hustle Kings gets it right from top to bottom. It’s so realistic that I’ve yet to find a shot that could be done on a real table, even shots I’ve seen the old pros pull off, that couldn’t be pulled off in Hustle Kings. Not one! Oh yeah, and did I mention the game is beautiful?

But Hustle Kings isn’t just a straight sim. VooFoo and Sony have packed it full of fun and unique features and stimulating game modes. Features such as uploading your best shots to YouTube, XMB music so that you control the jukebox, and game modes such as Career, Tournament, Trick Shot modes, and even online and local Tournaments!

And, of course, for all you trophy fans out there, we’ve got something special for you! There’s been a lot of discussion internally about how we can do something a little different with the trophy system, and we finally decided to make one of the silver trophies stand out from the rest of the bunch. This trophy can only be unlocked by playing online and beating someone else who already has it. Sounds simple enough, right? The catch is that the developers are the only ones who will start with it, and that means the only way to get it is by beating them at their own game!

So for all you pool fans out there, the wait is almost over! Stop by the PlayStation Store this Thursday and grab a copy for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Hustle Kings – The King of Pool Games

Mark Williams — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:09:33 +0000

Hi, I’m Mark Williams, Technology Director at VooFoo Studios, developers of the soon to be released Hustle Kings for PSN and PS3. We really wanted to make sure Hustle Kings was something special right from the start, and the response from the unveiling at E3 has exceeded all of our initial expectations.

Everyone who has seen and played Hustle Kings so far has been incredibly impressed, and one of the things that many people have commented on is how brilliantly the AI plays. We have such a comprehensive selection of online and multiplayer game modes in Hustle Kings, I was keen to ensure that our single player career campaign was just as challenging and enjoyable. I initially sat down and played a lot of other pool and snooker games, and it really struck me as to how tiresome and predictable the AI generally was. I found myself wanting to skip past the shots played by my computer controlled opponent as they just weren’t fun to watch. Hustle Kings needed something different, I thought, we needed to make our AI both challenging and entertaining.

Pool, and snooker probably even more so, are not games simply about potting balls. When lining up to pot a ball, you ideally want to leave the cue ball in a position that makes your next shot easier. Conversely, if you’re not able to pot a ball, you want to make the next shot difficult for your opponent, and in games such as Killer, this is even more important because the next shot will always be taken by your opponent. When a computer controlled opponent is lining up its shot in Hustle Kings, it can read where all the possible pots are within an instant, but instead of always opting for the easiest and most obvious shot, it will consider the alternatives, and how different shots will affect the table.

In Hustle Kings, bonus credits are also awarded for skillful shots that involve swerves or jumps, and pots that include plants or banks, so the AI is always trying to look for the best shot possible, to leave the cue ball in the best possible position, and earn as many bonus credits as possible along the way. But this is only the beginning. At the top end of our difficulty scale we are able to entice it to go much further, to attempt crazy and seemingly impossible shots. Try leaving the insane-level AI tight up against a cushion, awkwardly snookered on its only remaining ball, with no possible path of escape. Somehow, more often than not, it will manage an escape. It’s quite a sight to see the AI smash the cue-ball into the jaw of a pocket so hard that it bounces up along the rail, rolls past the obstructing balls, spins back down onto the table, pots the remaining ball and leaves itself perfectly positioned on the black – and you know that it was all planned. Some AI opponents will even show off and purposely leave themselves in these tricky situations, only to make the next shot appear just as trivial as the one before it.

There’s no cheating here – the AI is in no way defying the laws of physics and every single shot the AI pulls off is one that any human player could also pull off. When watching the AI play Hustle Kings, you get to see how much spin and power is being applied – trying the same shot yourself will yield exactly the same result.

There is one problem with this AI though: as it stands, it’s pretty unbeatable. It might be entertaining to watch, but if you can’t beat it, then where’s the fun in that? Thankfully we have a variety of AI characters in Hustle Kings, at various skill levels, all set to play in different ways. Some make occasional mistakes, others are fiendishly difficult, but whether you’re a beginner or an expert pool player, you’ll find a suitable opponent for an enjoyable game. Once you’ve conquered the easy, difficult and expert level career modes, you get to play against the incredibly challenging insane-level AI. Even the most hardcore pool players will have a tough time completing the insane career mode!

Keep your eyes peeled for more Hustle Kings news coming your way soon.

Introducing Hustle Kings for PSN

Aaron Orsak — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:05:03 +0000

Hello all! My name is Aaron Orsak, and I’m the US Producer of Hustle Kings coming this winter exclusively to PSN and the PLAYSTATION 3. As my esteemed colleague at SCEE illustrates, Hustle Kings is without a doubt the most realistic and, frankly, impressive billiards game I’ve ever played. As an avid pool player myself, from 8-ball leagues to smoky snooker halls in the UK, I’ve just gotten used to billiard video games always “missing something”…that “something” is hard to quantify.

But I can honestly say that Hustle Kings gets it completely right! I wasn’t yet assigned to the project when a couple of my colleagues and I got our hands on it here around the office. I was initially quite skeptical given my history of video billiard disappointments, thinking it was going to be just another pool game, but after hitting a few shots I was sold. The amount of ball control is simply astounding, giving the player any and every shot option in the book…from masse shots to subtle swerves and tricky English, you can do anything to the cue ball in Hustle Kings that you can do around a real table. So the realism was there, but how would the game fare for a more casual gamer? Turns out everyone around the office, from the hardcore to the weekend warrior, to people I’ve rarely seen play games, found something to absolutely love about Hustle Kings.

I’ll save elaboration on all the game modes and technical ins and outs now. I can assure you there’s A TON of stuff in Hustle Kings that we’ll be announcing in the next few months. In the meantime, please visit our game details page, and check out the what the PlayStation.Blog.Europe has to say about it. And continue checking back here on the PlayStation Blog for the latest updates on Hustle Kings.

E309 The Trailers

Jeff Rubenstein — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:02:35 +0000

By now, you should have seen the PlayStation E3 press conference, either by streaming or downloading from the PlayStation Store (yes, it’s there now!).

But if you haven’t had the chance, we’ve snagged a few of our favorites for you here. Enjoy!

Gran Turismo 5

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves gameplay

Gran Turismo for PSP

Hustle Kings

Echochrono