This reminds me of the same rendering technique described in Hustle Kings for the PS3. There was a write up done, however shader code was not included.
That's very interesting. Thank you for the link. From what I read and see in the images, I gather he's done the same thing I have, as you guessed as well. Obviously he's going much further. The author is using a subtle bump map (simulating balls scratches and imperfections), a reflection map with a gradient and indecent angle, what looks to be a faux sub surface scattering effect.
Also he is placing his balls in a 3D environment with nice shadows that really help to sell the illusion.
That's a good find and an interesting read. Thank you.
https://web.archive.org/web/20130913033312/http://www.voofoo...