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ColecoVision

Video Hustler

ColecoVision

ColecoVision

With an overhead view of the table, you play a billiards variant called "Pocket Ball" with just six object balls. Imprecise control over the aim and velocity of your shots. You'll discover the exicetiment of ball colliding. The silence and concentration of the billiard room, as well as the e...

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Developer
Konami

Size
1–2 Players

Version
ColecoVision

Requirements
ColecoVision

Downloads
Sports

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

With an overhead view of the table, you play a billiards variant called “Pocket Ball” with just six object balls.
Imprecise control over the aim and velocity of your shots.

You’ll discover the exicetiment of ball colliding.
The silence and concentration of the billiard room, as well as the enthusiasm of the players will all be there for you.

Video Hustler

Overview & History

Released by Konami in Japanese arcades in 1981, Video Hustler made its way to home consoles via the ColecoVision in 1983. Unlike standard sports or action adaptations of the era, this title brought the smoky, underground atmosphere of a classic pocket billiards hall directly to the living room. While Konami originally handled arcade distribution, Coleco adapted the game to showcase the ColecoVision's superior graphic capabilities, capturing the realistic physics and strategic depth of straight-pool better than most contemporary 8-bit counterparts. Players take on the role of an aspiring pool shark aiming to clear the felt and beat the clock in a race of precision and angles.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Video Hustler focuses entirely on timed straight-pool gameplay where players must sink all designated balls before a strict countdown timer expires. The game features an overhead 2D perspective of a standard green felt billiard table complete with six pockets and precise cushion physics. Success requires meticulous calculation of bank shots, cut shots, and power adjustments. Before taking a shot, players use a rotating directional cue line to aim the white cue ball. Adjusting the power meter determines the velocity of the strike, while hitting the ball off-center applies English (spin) to alter its rebound trajectory upon contact. If you scratch by sinking the cue ball or fail to sink a ball within the time limit, you lose a precious life, adding intense pressure to every single rack.