Hustle
Hustle is a video game created by Milton Bradley for the TI-99/4A home computer system. It was releaseed on Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module cartridge during the first quarter of 1981. It was programmed by Elaine Henshon and Bob Harris and originally sold for $24.95 as part # PHM 3034.
| Hustle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Publisher(s) | Milton Bradley |
| Original Retail Price | $24.95 |
| Programmer(s) | Elaine Henshon & Bob Harris |
| Part# | PHM 3034 |
| Format(s) | Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module |
| Release | 1981 (1st Quarter) |
| Genre(s) | Action |
Contents
Gameplay
Hustle is either a 1- or 2-player game where the player(s) control snakes around the field trying to avoid running into the opposing player and the end of their own snake. Each game lasts for 90 seconds. Periodically during the game, targets will appear with an attached point value. Players should aim for these targets to increase his/her scores. There are three options for the targets during the game: 1. targets that don't change value, 2. countdown targets where the points decrease over time, and 3. and finally a count-up target where the value slowly increases over time.
There are also 3 skill levels to choose from which alter the speed and the intelligence of the computer player during the game. During 2-player gameplay, crashing into the opposing player awards them 400 points. Occasionally, targets will display with a question mark instead of a point value. Sometimes, these will award your opponent points instead of you.
Advertising Blurbs
Front Cover of Manual
A challenging game of coordination and quick thinking! Score points by outmaneuvering your opponent or the computer.
Back Cover of Manual
The games in the Hustle module challenge your ability to make split-second decisions and maneuver a "snake" on the playing area. Try to outscore the computer in a one-player game or your opponent in a two-player game.
Hustle module activities include:
- Hustle - Hustle is a one- or two-player game. You score points if your snake reaches a target box first. The three versions of Hustle are Normal, Countdown, and Countup.
- Snakefight - You score all points displayed in the playing area if your snake hits the opponent's snake. Be careful! If you hit a target box your opponent scores the points. The three versions of this two-player game are Normal, Countdown, and Countup.
- Blockade - In this two-player game, you score points by making your opponent crash before you do!
Activities in the module are designed to work with the optional Wired Remote Controllers. These units provide added flexibility in playing the games.
Triton Catalog - Spring 1984
This speedy challenge requires fast, fast, fast reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Direct a snake-like object to hit targets. But you've got to avoid not only your opponent, but the edge of the screen - and even yourself! For ages 10 and up. (Wired Remote Controllers recommended.)
Fun Fact
Hustle is a port of the Taito/Gremlin arcade game by the same name. The game is almost an exact replica of the arcade version.[3]
For unknown reasons, Elaine Henshon stopped working on Hustle. Bob Harris picked up the project and completed it.[4]
Manual
Introduction
If you like a fast-moving game with plenty of action, then the Hustle Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module is for you! You and your opponent direct "snakes" in a small playing area. Developed for Texas Instruments by the Milton Bradley Company, the object of Hustle is to outmaneuver your opponent and score the most points.
With the Hustle module plugged into your computer, you can:
- Play a one-player game with the computer as your opponent. There are three versions of Hustle - Normal, Countdown, and Countup. Each may be played on one of three levels of difficulty.
- Challenge a friend to a two-player game. Choose a version of Hustle or Snakefight, or play a third one - Blockade.
The module automatically keeps score for you, while colorful graphics and computer music add to the fun.
Certain keys on both sides of the keyboard are designed as directional keys. Movement on the screen can also be controlled by the Wired Remote Controllers or from the keyboard. With the controllers. you simply move the lever in the direction you want your snake to go. The snakes cannot be moved diagonally.
Getting Started
After you select the module, the Players selection list appears. Press 1 for a one-player game or 2 for a two-player game.
If you haven't played Hustle before, you can see a short demonstration of the features in this module. Just wait a few seconds without pressing any key and a sample of Hustle begins.
When you finish looking at the demonstration, press any key to return to the Players selection list. (The computer returns to the Players selection list automatically, if you wait for the specified playing time to run out.) You are now ready to try a game for yourself.
If you press 1 while the Players selection list is shown, you can choose one of three versions of Hustle, or press AID for help. If you press 2 for a two-player game, Hustle, Snakefight, and Blockade are available, plus the option to press AID for help.
Help
If you press AID when any selection list is displayed, the module shows you which keys move the snakes. Player 1, the blue snake, moves by pressing ↑ (E), ← (S), → (D), and ↓ (X). Player 2, the white snake, moves by pressing I (up), J (left), K (right), and M (down). The display also indicates that you can maneuver the snakes with the optional Wired Remote Controllers by moving the controller lever in the direction you want your snake to go. Note: In one-player games, the computer is the white snake, and pressing I, J, K, and M has no effect on the arrow.
When you finish looking at the display, press any key to return to the selection list.
Downloads
1981 Prototype Hustle Cartridge
1981 Hustle Cartridge
1982 Hustle Cartridge
1983 Hustle Cartridge
Hustle Manual Cover
Eauropean Hustle Manual Cover
HustleMAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)
Hustle Manual Complete (pds format)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.jpg)
