Hustling

Hustling Slot Review

Slot Provider: Red Tiger

RTP: 95.69% | Variance: High | Maximum Win: 3,151x

Our Score: 6.8

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About Hustling

Reviewed by:

Published Date: 8th December 2021

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One of the more interesting trends in online slots from 2021 has been games themed around Hip Hop culture. Titles like Top Dawg$ from Relax Gaming, and the more obvious comparison in this case, East Coast vs West Coast by No Limit City, have drawn inspiration from a hitherto untapped source. And what a great source it is too. The sights, sounds and narratives of the rap scene have enthralled us since the 1980s and as NLC proved this summer they make a stunning backdrop for your gameplay.

As ever with slots developers, once one is inspired to do something a bit different, so others follow. And after Relax Gaming’s turn with Top Dawg$, now it’s Red Tiger who deliver their own Hip Hop game in the form of Hustling, a streetwise number which weaves one particular story from the genre’s rich history into its fabric in a straight up ‘battle of the coasts’ experience.

In this nicely rendered game, the graphics feature graffiti-covered streets and palm trees, taking us straight to LA on the left side of the screen, and a much more gritty New York backstreet on the right side. In each case there is a blinged-up rapper to represent.

The action takes place with 5 reels and 3 rows of symbols in a very traditional layout, whilst the words beneath the reels remind us that this is a win both ways game with matching icons required across a payline from left to right OR right to left to trigger a win.

Hustling will be available from the slot sites recommended on this page from early December 2021.

Hustling Game Information

  • RTP: 95.69%
  • Variance: High
  • Maximum Win: 3,151x
  • Progressive Jackpot: No
  • Reels: 5
  • Rows: 4
  • Paylines: 10
  • Minimum Stake: £0.10
  • Features: Wilds, Stacked Wilds, Free Spins, Multipliers

Hustling Review Scores

  • Gameplay and Features 7
  • Maximum Win 5
  • Theme and Design 8
  • Paytable 7
  • RTP and Variance 7

Hustling Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Cool hip hop theme and artwork
  • 2 Stacked Wilds lock in place
  • Progressive multipliers in free spins
  • Simple gameplay
  • Nice soundtrack

What We Didn't like

  • Less features than rival games
  • High volatility too risky for some

RTP and Variance

Our Score 7

What is RTP?

RTP (Return to Player) refers to the amount a game will pay out in cash prizes expressed as a percentage of all the money wagered on that game. For example, a 96% RTP means a game will pay out £96 for every £100 wagered. This is an average number and will vary from one session to the next.  Read more here.

What is Variance?

Variance refers to how far a game will deviate from its RTP over time. High variance games deviate a lot and produce uneven win distributions and unexpected windfalls. Low variance games provide a more stable and even distribution of wins. Read more here.

Following in the footsteps of other games in this newly-formed genre of slots, Hustling is very much a high volatility game. It is rated as a 5/5 by Red Tiger themselves and when combined with a minimum stake of 20p, it’s going to be a tough one on your bankroll. You can burn through cash chasing down those wins easily in this one so tread carefully. In short, this game is most suited to higher rollers and those who enjoy living slightly on the edge. Meanwhile, the RTP is set at 95.65% which is a little under average for the industry.

The top payout will be disappointing for some set at just 3,151x stake. Getting even close to this can only be achieved in the free spins round where Stacked Wilds lock and a progressive multiplier comes into play.

Symbols and Paytable

Our Score 7

The symbols in Hustling are themed on rap culture.

The lower paying symbols are high cards that are designed to look like graffiti. They can award from 0.4x to 1.2x stake for 5 of a kind. The premiums feature classic icons such as ghetto blasters, gold chains with dollar signs and graffiti spray cans. There are also shoes, hats and 2 microphone–wielding rap stars on the reels. These premiums can award from 3x to 20x stake for 5 of a kind.

The rappers act as Wilds and can appear stacked to cover the entirety of the 1st or 5th reels. They are key to the narrative of the game and scoring big wins as we shall find out.

Features and Gameplay

Our Score 7

Stacked Super Wilds

There are 2 Wilds in this game – the red rapper is the West Wild, appearing on reel 1 and the blue rapper is the East Wild, appearing on reel 5. The Wilds can substitute for all the other symbols in the game. Both these Wilds are also Stacked to cover their entire respective reel.

Whenever the Wilds appear on the screen, they lock into position and become sticky for 1 spin. Plus, when both land on the screen together, they will trigger the Free Spins round.

Free Spins

Landing both Wilds on the reels at the same time will trigger 10 Free Spins. Before they begin, you need to select the East Wild or the West Wild. Both the Wilds are held in position for the duration of the Free Spins round and you’ll receive a Multiplier of 1x from each Wild.

Whenever a Wild takes part in a winning combination, it increases its Multiplier by 1. Plus, if both Wilds participate in a combination, their Multipliers are multiplied together. At the end of the round, if your chosen Wild has achieved a higher Multiplier, you will receive another 10 Free Spins to go again. If your chosen Wild has a lower multiplier, then the round ends.

The Final Verdict

Our Score 6.8

It’s impossible to review this title without comparing it to No Limit City’s East Coast vs West Coast which is one of the games of the year in 2021. In typical NLC style that slot is feature-packed with xWays, xNudges, Linked Reels and two different Free Spins rounds. For Hustling, Red Tiger offer something different and much sparser in its features, reducing it down to a simple battle between Super Stacked Wilds across the reel set in both base game and free spins round.

So, at first glance this may come across as a lower-grade product, but does a game need to be stuffed with features to be fun to play? That would all depend on your tastes and preferences. The variance here is still pretty high and for those who prefer simpler gameplay and a laser focus on unlocking one or two events to trigger the big wins, Hustling could be a better option.

Elsewhere, in terms of graphics this slot measures up well against its direct competitor. The flavours of New York and LA are nicely manifested in the graphics and (albeit slightly weaker) soundtrack whilst super-cool representations of gold-studded rappers make for an eye-catching introduction when you open the game. And after a few spins the rhythm of the gameplay and matching beats drew us in and we started to really enjoy the vibe.

So, in summary we would say Hustling might not pack the punch of East Coast vs West Coast but it still offers a compelling experience for anyone who is a fan of Hip Hop and high risk slots. It may be lighter on features but the Free Spins with Locked Stacked Wilds with Progressive Multipliers can still deliver some epic moments, and overall, Hustling can offer a fun ride while you cruise round the ‘hood.

 

Useful Resources

Red Tiger Gaming Slot Profile Page

Our Slots Variance Guide

Who Made Hustling?

  • Name: Red Tiger
  • Established: 0000-00-00
  • UK License: 043114-R-321951-014
  • Total Games: 100 +
  • Known For: Megaways games, Oriental slots, high variance games
  • Popular Slots: Gonzo's Quest Megaways, Jackpot Quest, Totem Lightning, Phoenix
Find More Red Tiger

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