Hustle

Gremlin • 1977

Hustle — Title screen
Title screen
Hustle — Gameplay
Gameplay

Hustle challenges players to a frantic race against time and each other in this early maze-style arcade game. Two players control arrows maneuvering across the screen, attempting to capture randomly appearing targets before they disappear. Each arrow leaves behind a trail that can be strategically used to block an opponent’s progress, adding a layer of competitive interaction. Some targets are mystery values – their point worth revealed only upon impact – introducing an element of risk and reward to target selection. As players score points, the game speeds up, creating increasingly challenging scenarios where quick reflexes and tactical blocking become essential for success. Collisions with walls or an opponent’s tail result in a loud crash, awarding points to the other player while simultaneously lengthening both tails, fundamentally changing gameplay dynamics. A single-player mode offers a similar experience against oneself, eliminating the opponent's tail but introducing penalty scores for crashes. The game features adjustable difficulty settings that alter the timer duration and can award free games based on score thresholds, providing added incentive for skilled players. Hustle’s escalating pace and unique blocking mechanics offer an engaging challenge for both casual and competitive arcade enthusiasts.

Details

Manufacturer
Gremlin
Year
1977
Players
2
Genre
Maze / Surround
Display
raster
Emulation status
imperfect
MAME ID
hustle

Machine data derived from the MAME project.