Action Games
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is a crossover fighter. The game brings together character from different PlayStation franchises. Released in 2012 by SuperBot Entertainment (for PlayStation 3 & PlayStation Vita). It’s often compared to Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros series. That said, it flaunts its own longevity with its mechanics and has its own charm.
As for now, we will get into the gameplay, characters, visuals, and general experience. We will also talk about what is enjoyable about the game and where it misses the mark.
Gameplay: Basic But Strategic
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PlayStation All-Stars is a fast-paced game. You move characters in a 2D arena and fight enemies. The objective is to score points by using super moves that hit and kill rival players. Unlike with other fighting games, you don’t win by depleting a health bar. Instead, you create a meter called the AP (All-Star Power) gauge.
Attacking others fills the AP gauge. Once it’s full, you’re able to unleash a super move. There are three levels of these moves. Level 1 builds easily but is more difficult to land. Level 3 ensures several knockouts, but it requires time to get. It establishes a risk-versus-reward system.
This system makes each battle feel dynamic. You have to strategize your attacks without getting hit by your opponents’ supers. The more you play, the better you gauge timing and strategy. It prevents the game play from feeling stale.
PlayStation All Stars Character Roster: A PlayStation Party
The character roster is one of the best aspects of the game. At launch, it features 24 iconic PlayStation characters. Nariko from Heavenly Sword, Kratos from God of War, Nathan Drake from Uncharted, and Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet. Each character feels unique.
For example, Kratos is all about close-combat. The other, Sackboy, employs gadgets that influence the battlefield. Associates of both franchises would relish the chance to see their most beloved heroes in motion.
But the list isn’t flawless, either. Certain characters seem awkwardly positioned. Big Daddy from BioShock and Dante from Devil May Cry don’t feel like PlayStation icons. Saying that, it is a really big shame that we’re not getting Crash Bandicoot or Spyro either. These figures helped shape the early books of PlayStation history.
All of the diversity in the roster guarantees a favorite for every player.
PlayStation All Stars Stages: A Creative Mix
Next, let’s discuss about the stages. The stages in All-Stars are colorful and creative. They splice together bits and pieces from various games into unique mash-ups. And one takes place in Ratchet & Clank’s Metropolis. Halfway through, God of War’s version of Hades drops into the fight.
These mash-ups bring a degree of surprise to the fights. You have to adjust to environmental changes. Certain stages also feature hazards. For instance, PaRappa the Rapper’s Dojo contains an obstacle that will cause you to be knocked down.
But these dangers can seem frustrating. At times they interrupt the flow of combat. Those who are averse to the pure fighting might get annoyed. That said the stages do add a charm to the overall experience.
PlayStation All Stars Visuals and Sound
The game is visually vibrant. Characters appear true to their original designs. The developers clearly worked to replicate their unique animations. For example, Sackboy’s jolly moves suit his personality. The same goes for Kratos’ ruthless attacks, which remain faithful to his God of War roots.
The stages are also visually appealing. The mixture of the different styles of art works surprisingly well. Each chapter has its own narrative.
Another highlight: the sound design. Yeah, every character comes with their own voice lines from their games. The music includes remixed tunes from old school PlayStation. This has an appeal to long time PlayStation fans nostalgia.
But the game’s graphics don’t necessarily test the boundaries of the PlayStation 3. It looks dated compared to other games that came out in 2012. The art style does its part, though more polish might have made it sparkle.
Multiplayer: Fun With Friends
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The really fun part is in multiplayer mode. You can play locally or online with up to four players. Matches are hectic and a blast — especially with friends.
We are currently having ranked matches as well as casual play. But internet issues can spoil that on occasion. In several matches, lag is noticeable. That proved frustrating, particularly in a game that moves quickly.
Still, the multiplayer is the core of the game. It’s easy to pick up and play with other people. Matches are kept fresh thanks to the number of characters and stages available.
PlayStation All Stars Weak Points: Where It Falls Short
There are flaws with PlayStation All-Stars, but it is fun. It’s sad there are no classic characters like Crash and Spyro. These omissions make the roster seem incomplete.
Even the single-player mode leaves much to be desired. This has arcade and practice modes. But there is no story to make this magic. Each character has a brief cutscene, though it feels very rushed. Also, it seems like solo players might get bored soon.
The combat system is unique, but divisive. Some players are not a fan of the overemphasis on super moves. They are a fan of old-fashioned health bar mechanics. This narrows the game’s audience to hardcore fighting fans.
Finally, there are issues with balancing. Certain characters feel overpowered; others falter. This way, for example, Kratos wins in almost every game. That can make battles feel less than fair.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag
The roster and creative stages and the multiplayer mode are standout features. PlayStation fans will love seeing their beloved characters in one place.
But the game is not without its obvious flaws. Absence of iconic characters, weak single-player mode and balance issues make it lag behind. It isn’t the ideal fighting game, but it has its charms.
This game is worth trying if you’re a casual gamer or a PlayStation fan. It might not be the best option for hardcore fighting fans. All in all it’s a decent party game but could use some improvements.
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