Publisher: Voofoo Studios / Sony Computer Entertainment
Cert: 3+
Platform: PS Vita, PS3
Genre: Sport
Simply put, Hustle Kings is a competent pool simulation for your PS Vita. I haven’t played a pool / snooker game since the Jimmy White version back on the PC in the 90s but if this game is any indication then very little seems to have changed with the core mechanics. I do not have the background knowledge to say if this is because Hustle Kings is a throwback to yesteryears gameplay or that the snooker / pool genre has had pretty much no innovation since the early 90s.
Using the left stick to control the cue and the right stick to aim where you will strike on the ball, you can compete in a number of modes (US 8 Ball, 9-Ball, Black-Ball, and Killer) in exhibitions, tournaments and online competition. Presentation wise, graphically everything works fine but is hardly going to set the world alight. Controls are easy to pick up and it should provide some entertainment even if you dislike the real life game. I can only think of two major flaws overall. First, I found the soundtrack to be rather grating and second, snooker is only available as paid DLC which I found annoying as I more familiar with it.
There is nothing I can say here to make this game seem spectacular / a must buy nor could I honestly claim that it was bad or a waste of money. It is a good solid game but with no real innovation or an outstanding reason to buy. Probably a good purchase for a pool fan planning on travelling.
Buy or Rent: Download Only
Graphics: 3/5
Gameplay: 3/5
Replay: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Reviewed By: JP Gallagher