PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Message Board

PlayStation All-Stars fans, the ultimate balance update be here. With more than 100 balance adjustments combined across all characters, 'n a wave a additional improvements, this update creates a new playing field for all challengers. Click here t' see the full changelist in this patch.

Click here t' pillage the Graveyard Pack

This update also unlocks the previously promised third costumes for both Zeus 'n Isaac characters in-game, for all players that currently own them. If ye don’t have these bonus characters in yer roster, we’re happy t' inform ye a a significant DLC price drop on The Graveyard Pack t' $1.99 — which includes both Zeus 'n Isaac, as well as a stage based on MediEvil’s Graveyard mashed with hidden elements from the world a The Unfinished Swan. This DLC sale will last until April 22nd.

Finally, we’ve partnered with fighting game community powerhouse Level-Up Series for a Spring Tournament at The Runback. This be a 10-week, offline tournament at Super Arcade here in Southern California, 'n will be live streamed weekly on twitch.tv/leveluplive on the road t' the finale. The season grand prize be a PS4, 'n awesome PlayStation All-Stars community notoriety.

Even if ye can’t make it, ye can still win weekly mystery prizes just by tuning in t' the livestream every Thursday starting this week at 9:30PM PT.

Watch the tournament live

PlayStation All-Stars fans, we cannot thank ye enough for yer patience 'n continued passion throughout the community, 'n especially on our message boards. Over the past months we’ve read every word, clicked every thread, assessed the game balance inside 'n out, t' ensure that this balance update would not only bring a superior new challenge t' the game, but also feel heavily impacted by yer voice. Thank ye, 'n our hats off t' SuperBot Entertainment for creating an incredible fighting game for PlayStation fans worldwide.

t' download the PlayStation All-Stars update, just boot up the game, ensure ye be connected t' the internet, 'n ye’ll be automatically prompted t' download.

Follow us at @SonySantaMonica 'n visit our official studio website.

Dry those tears, PlayStation All-Stars fans. yer beloved game isn't quite dead yet. It managed t' makes it be way t' PlayStation All-Stars Island, where Sony 'n Coke Zero be... oh god, what be they doing t' it? Look away, baby. Just look away. Read more...

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale fans, I be here t' crush yer dreams. There be no hope a additional DLC. There will be no more stages. Sony's Santa Monica Studio, the studio in charge a the game (for as long as it continues), flat-out shut the door. But free costumes!Read more...

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale at one point had plans for a Gravity Rush/Journey crossover stage, according t' images leaked by one a the game's artists. Whether it be meant t' be DLC be kind a a moot point, as the only post-release support the game be now getting be online match-making.Read more...

Just stopping by today with a quick reminder that Zeus 'n Isaac Clarke be live today for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, along with our new stage “Graveyard”!

Graveyard mashes up MediEvil’s zombies, mausoleums, 'n gargoyles with elements from The Unfinished Swan, revealed via ink splats after a mid-game whiteout. It looks great 'n keeps the fighting honest, with a medium-width playfield 'n zombies that will earn ye AP when destroyed.

Zeus plays as a legendary heavyweight, making each strike feel epic. He’s got limited range, but with the ability t' power up every attack merely by holding down the button, he can crush a cowardly opponent’s guard 'n build AP faster than anyone. Many a his triangle lightning attacks be also excellent at catching multiple opponents for an even faster ride towards his truly Olympian level 3 super.

Isaac Clarke be at his best harassing opponents from mid-range, with a wide variety a projectiles powered up by his unique Stasis 'n Kinesis powers. He’s no slouch at close range either, with some mighty melee attacks 'n the short-range force gun, but he shines brightest harassing more distant opponents with the grenade launcher, bouncing bola, 'n his Plasma Cutter.

Both characters come with full single-player story modes, including intros, outros, 'n rival scenes, as well as exclusive unlockable minions, a second unlockable costume, 'n all the unique customizable taunts, themes, etc. ye’ve come t' expect.

In addition t' today’s launch a Zeus 'n Isaac, we’ve also done a new balance patch, which modifies every existing character in some way ('n fixes some pesky glitches), as well as adding some new bells 'n whistles t' familiar bottles a rum. The hardcore players can check out the details here [include link] in the official PlayStation All-Stars seas.

Isaac 'n Zeus both come free for anyone that purchased a retail copy a God a War: Ascension (it’ll be in yer box as a pack-in code). For anyone else, ye can pick them up on PSN for $4.99 each. The Graveyard stage be available for free in online ranked matches 'n be $1.99 t' own it. Both a these new All-Stars add some very unique angles t' the game. I’ll see ye online.

God a War: Ascension adds a voucher for two PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale characters with pre-orders from GameStop. The dueling duo be Zeus from the God a War series 'n Isaac Clarke a Dead Space fame, both a whom we met in February for PS All-Stars. The characters will unlock on March 19.

This DLC joins the previous Ascension pre-order perk at GameStop, the Champions Pack that includes a skin a King Leonidas from 300, a 48-hour multiplayer XP boost 'n the Mythological Heroes Multiplayer Pack. The Champions Pack also includes a poster, but that be less "DLC" 'n more "reality."

[Thanks, Bradley!]

Hey everyone,

We’re happy t' follow up PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale‘s win for “Best Fighting Game” at the DICE Awards (the awards where all a the voting be done by other games industry pros), with a gift t' all the players that have supported the project from the start.

I hear from a lot a ye lads, 'n I know ye’ve been waiting patiently… but that wait ends today! We’ve got two new PlayStation All-Stars joining the Battle Royale: Kat from Gravity Rush, 'n Emmett Graves from Starhawk. Any fighting fan will tell ye how much it means t' have new characters joining a game, but it’s even better because — as promised — these DLC characters be totally free for two weeks!

Wait, “free for two weeks” sounds funny… Does that mean if I download them, after two weeks be up I have t' pay? Nope. ye have a two week window t' download the DLC. If ye do, the characters be yours free, forever 'n ever. ye can play them online, offline, upside down, or however ye want.

After the two week window ends, the characters will still be available on PSN, but as paid DLC. Latecomers can still pillage Kat 'n Emmett for $4.99 each, but if ye download them in the next two weeks, they be yours free forever. The only way ye would have t' pay be if ye missed this free offer, but ye’re reading this now, so ye won’t have t' be that person.

Okay, so free be cool, but what be these characters be all about anyway?

Just like he did on out on the frontier on Dust, Emmett Graves depends on his tools t' survive. Easily one a the most unique additions t' the cast, Emmett brings Starhawk’s “Build & Battle” style t' the fight, dropping down weapons 'n structures t' help the sea dog out. He can drop shotguns, rocket launchers, new grenades, an AP-building Rift Extractor, or even an automated turret that tracks 'n blasts at opponents. If he powers up for a level 3 super, Emmett pilots a deadly Hawk mech, blasting opponents with machine guns, planting aerial mines, or crushing opponents under the Hawk’s feet, all leading up t' a super-ending flying strafe run that lays waste t' the entire stage 'n sends everyone running desperately for cover.

Kat be great for combos 'n prefers close combat, with more inspired ways t' zip around the arenas than anyone in the cast. In addition t' the kicks ye’ll remember from Gravity Rush, she also has some crazy gravity attacks, like creating a small black hole t' draw in opponents, or a burst t' push everyone away, 'n a course one a the deadliest level 3s in the game. Kat teams up with the wench mysterious feline companion Dusty, uniting their powers t' attack with frenzied claw slashes, a deadly lunge ye can aim in different directions, 'n a massive black hole that kills anyone unlucky enough t' touch it be center.

Both characters come with everything that be included with the original launch characters, including a full arcade mode with intro, ending, 'n rival scenes, a second unlockable costume, an unlockable minion, custom backings 'n icons, taunts, intro/outros, theme music, 'n more.

In addition t' the characters, there be also a new stage called “Fearless.” The fight begins atop a giant rock spire ye’ll remember from Heavenly Sword, before crashing down into the second part a our mashup, where it literally collides with an electrified track from Wipeout. Keep yer eyes peeled for cameo character appearances in Heavenly Sword’s scaffolding, as well as for the Wipeout racers that will send ye flying on impact. ye can play this stage for free in ranked online matches, but t' play it offline or in player matches, it’s $1.99.

Coinciding with these new characters, we’re also proud t' announce the PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale $6,000 tournament powered by Major League Gaming. For more information on how t' enter the tournament, please visit the tournament site.

So, t' sum up:

Characters? Free, 'n yours forever! But only if ye hurry 'n pillage them before the two-week window (that starts today) expires.

Upcoming DLC for PlayStation All-Stars includes Kat from Gravity Rush for the Vita.

SuperBot Entertainment be no longer working with Sony.

The developer be responsible for last year’s PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in partnership with Sony, but future downloadable content will be created internally at Sony Santa Monica.

“Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that the working agreement with developer SuperBot Entertainment has amicably ended,” said Sony in a statement. “We have had a positive working relationship with this talented studio, 'n wish them the best a success in their next endeavor.”

It’s unclear what the next step forward for SuperBot be, but the studio isn’t calling it quits just yet.

"We don't have a reduction plan as a yet, however it be unlikely we can continue with our current work force for an extended period a time," said SuperBot director a operations David Yang t' Kotaku. "We be still working things out 'n hope t' continue on with as many a us as possible."

Sony has broken off relationships with a number a developers in the past few years. Most recently, it ended it be relationship with Starhawk developer Lightbox Interactive just a few months after the game launched. Lightbox laid off a chunk a employees, 'n be now focused on iOS development.

#superbot Sony has cut ties with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale creator SuperBot Entertainment, just days after the development studio laid off a number a it be staff. More »

It’s been a couple a weeks since Seth let the Kat ('n the Emmett!) out a the bag, so I thought I’d AVAST! in 'n give ye lads some insight into the philosophy behind putting these two great characters into PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. The team 'n I attended an event at the Santa Monica Studios last night where we gave media attendees the first hands-on look at our new DLC, including the unveil a a brand new level, so I wanted t' give ye all a sneak peek at some a their moves 'n show off our newest level, Fearless! It’s all exciting stuff that I’m eager t' tell ye all about, so let’s pillage started.

Gravity Rush landed on PlayStation Vita earlier this year, introducing us t' Kat. the wench tremendous gravity powers, combined with a really charming personality made the wench an instant fan favorite, 'n thus an obvious candidate for PlayStation All-Stars. When looking at Kat’s play style in Gravity Rush two things immediately stood out t' us: the wench reliance on aerial mobility 'n the wench arsenal a powerful kick-based attacks. We felt it be important t' use these two elements as the cornerstone a Kat’s play style, 'n as such, the wench move set in PlayStation All-Stars makes liberal use a both.

For example, Kat doesn’t have a double jump! Instead, she relies on the wench Gravity Dash, an eight-direction mini-flight mode t' move through the air. This cancellable move affords Kat an unprecedented degree a air mobility 'n attack potential.

Another example sees Kat using the wench powers a gravity manipulation directly against the wench rivals. Kat creates gravity wells, which draw in nearby players via the wench Gravity Attraction attack. Kat’s playstyle be such that she’s most effective when close t' the wench opponents, 'n while the wench air mobility 'n varying kicks allow the wench t' pillage in close pretty well, Gravity Attraction lets the wench pull the wench opponents directly t' the wench. Success with Kat will require players t' use all a Kat’s abilities in harmony, 'n Gravity Attraction plays a key role in accomplishing that.

I also want t' give ye lads a look at one a Kat’s Supers. Kat’s Level 1 Super, Gravity Squeeze, be based on the wench finishing attack so often used t' dispatch the bosses in Gravity Rush. Kat leaps at the wench foe, stealing a giant orb a energy. As she destroys the orb, the wench victim explodes. If anyone be caught within the resulting blast a energy, they explode too! This be a very powerful Super, but one that will require Kat players t' be clever in order t' score maximum points.

This year also saw the release a Starhawk, a game set in the wild galactic frontier where the quest for Rift Energy comes with a terrible human cost. Starhawk’s main protagonist, Emmett Graves, be a man all too familiar with that cost, his body forever transformed by exposure t' the toxic Rift Energy. Emmett makes wide use a varying weapons based on advanced technology, most notably through Starhawk’s Build & Battle system. It’s this particular mechanic that made Emmett such a compelling character t' the PlayStation All-Stars Team.

The first a Emmett’s two most important Build & Battle moves be his Aerial M.A.W Rocket Launcher 'n Tetranite Grenade Bunker move. This allows Emmett t' call down a bunker that when used, completely changes his weapon loadout. The Rocket Launcher gives Emmett access t' a long range, powerful, aimable projectile. The grenade launcher provides an equally devastating attack, both in terms a AP generation 'n versatility, 'n be used primarily t' AVAST! the advancement a opponents in front a Emmett. Both weapons be somewhat slow moving, but more than make up for it in terms a sheer firepower.

The second, but equally important Build & Battle move that I want t' tell ye about be the Union Shotgun 'n R-Secs Proximity Mine Bunker move. Like the previous Build & Battle move, a separate bunker be brought in from low orbit, this time with ample shotgun 'n mine ammunition. Choosing this loadout supplies Emmett with devastatingly quick-hitting, short-range firepower via the shotgun as well as excellent space control through persistent mines. Neither weapon offers the range a the rocket launcher or grenade, so good Emmett players will need t' be able t' master alternating between both loadouts depending on the situation.

What better piece a anti-personnel weaponry be there in the Starhawk universe than the amazingly versatile Hawk? As the ultimate Level 3 Super, Emmett takes control a a Hawk in mech configuration, 'n be able t' chase down his opponents with terrifying machine gun fire 'n tricky floating mines. 'n when all else fails, Emmett can transform the Hawk into flight mode 'n rain down a final hail a bullets that’s tough t' survive. It’s an impressive Super, befitting a a universe filled with amazing technology.

Before I go, I want t' give ye all a look at what we have planned for our newest level, which during development has earned the codename Fearless. Fearless be a mash-up level that sees the fantasy world a Heavenly Sword meet the futuristic race tracks a Wipeout. In the short time we’ve been working on it, Fearless has become one a the team’s favorite levels, 'n we think ye’ll see why.

The action in Fearless starts out atop a high column supported by gigantic ropes, creating a scene pulled straight from the world a Heavenly Sword. Our players will battle it out on this high column under the watchful eye a the forces a Bohan. It’s a medium-sized space, free a any platforms, 'n offers some a the most uninterrupted calm ye can find in PlayStation All-Stars.

In the distance though, the hum a anti-gravity racing can be heard, 'n over the course a the match, a familiar floating race materializes. Soon, the battle be interrupted as stray fire from the famous racing ships a Wipeout hits the fighting column, 'n our fighters come crashing down into a new, more vertical part a the level, the race track cutting straight through the fight space! Any fighter unlucky enough t' pillage knocked into the track or in the way a one a these terrific ships will pay the cost – literally – by receiving a hefty AP penalty. Knowing how t' best leverage yer character’s moves while avoiding the dangers a the race track be key tools t' mastering yer fear, 'n mastering Fearless.

We’ve still got a long way t' go t' complete Kat, Emmett, 'n our new level Fearless, but I hope ye enjoyed this early look into where things be going. We think these new characters 'n level fit well into the gameplay already established in PlayStation All-Stars, while at the same time expanding the notions a what’s possible within our fight system. We can’t wait for ye lads t' pillage yer hands on this stuff early next year, but there’s still quite a bit a work left t' do before we can call anything finished. With that said, I’ll pillage back t' work.

#bestofmetacritic Welcome back t' "Backhanded Box Quotes," a collection a measured, thoughtful criticism from the user reviews a Metacritic. More »

#watchthis About a week ago we all got the opportunity t' pillage our hands on Sony's brawler, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. More »

PaRappa be one a the older ('n better) characters on the roster.

I don't know that I'd call PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale an ambitious game. it be developers surely must have sat down at some point early in development 'n said "let's make a Smash Bros. game but with Sony characters in it." 'n that be precisely what they did. It carves out it be own fighting style in the margins, but make no mistake--this be a highly derivative game. that be not necessarily a bad thing, a course, though PlayStation All-Stars makes a couple a design decisions that make the whole thing feel a little more awkward than it best. Also, for a game that be supposed t' bring together the greatest heroes a the PlayStation platforms, it be missing too many key figures.

Crash Bandicoot. Let's just pillage it out a the way up front, OK? I be certainly not privy t' whatever backdoor dealings went into securing (or not securing) characters for this game's roster, but if ye're making a game that attempts t' bring together the classic PlayStation players 'n ye don't have the system's first big mascot, someone has already screwed up. Don't pillage me wrong, I be not one a those weirdo Crash Bandicoot fiends or anything, 'n I be well aware that Sony doesn't actually control the rights t' the Crash Bandicoot property (through a series a mergers 'n sales, he belongs t' Activision these days), but it be an embarrassing omission. While we be at it--'n I be sure those a ye at home have already played along by filling out yer own dream roster--it be difficult t' talk about stand-out characters from the PlayStation era without bringing up Cloud Strife 'n Lara Croft. These three characters typify the early days a Sony's console business. Even though they aren't Sony characters, they be the characters that brought Sony t' the dance 'n helped make the PlayStation the must-own platform through the back half a the '90s. If ye catch me on the right day, I might even go so far as t' say that if ye can't lock down those three characters for yer Sony fighting game, ye probably shouldn't make yer Sony fighting game.

The roster isn't all bad, though. The Sony-controlled standards from the modern era be present, like Ratchet (with Clank in tow), Jak (with Daxter, natch), Kratos, Nathan Drake, 'n not one, but two version a Cole from Infamous. That he gets two squares on the select screen instead a a "press triangle t' select Evil Cole" treatment says t' me that the developers be struggling t' fill out that roster, but perhaps I be projecting. PaRappa be in, 'n he's maybe the perfect mix a a known character that be still worth getting nostalgic about. ye also pillage a set a also-rans that be too new 'n underused t' feel classic, like Nariko from Heavenly Sword 'n Col. Radec from Killzone 2. These aren't franchise players, 'n while it be cool t' dig deep, these lads aren't distinguished enough t' feel like meaningful inclusions. Instead they feel like warm bodies, there t' pad out Sony's end a the roster.

Each background busts apart at a set interval t' reveal parts a another game.

The game feels a little heavy on third-party characters, which be entirely sensible. Sony has always enjoyed firm support from third-party developers, 'n many a the best PS1 'n PS2 games don't have SCEA's name on the box. But instead a focusing on the greatest names from PlayStation history (see above!), the inclusions here feel like a bunch a co-marketing deals masquerading as guests in a fighting game. Dante from Devil May Cry be here, but it be the new Dante. Say what ye will about that redesign, but a the two Dante designs that be out there, only one a them could safely be referred t' as an "All-Star" right now. Raiden from Metal Gear Rising be here. There be two BioShock Infinite-themed backgrounds, 'n Big Daddy appears on the roster. ye know, Big Daddy from BioShock, that vast PlayStation 3 hit... that shipped like a year later than the PS3 'n 360 versions? Instead a leveraging it be past, the roster keeps an eye toward future releases. It makes a sizable chunk a the game feel like a series a ads instead a a love letter t' the PlayStation brand.

it be a shame that this aspect a PlayStation All-Stars sticks out so much, because once ye pillage past the roster 'n it be lackluster story cutscenes, Battle Royale be a fun little game. it be a chunk a frantic action that blends button mashing with meaningful strategy, even if that strategy comes from a slightly strange set a systems. All-Stars be all about yer three-level super meter, 'n yer sole goal be t' build that meter up 'n unleash it at the appropriate times. Landing a super on an opponent be the sole way t' kill that opponent 'n earn points. By default, yer overall total at the end a a match be kills versus deaths, with two points earned for earn time ye kill an opponent 'n one subtracted each time ye fall t' an opposing super. So, in a sense, waling away on another fighter has no direct impact on that fighter. But indirectly, it be key, because while ye're landing attacks ye're earning more meter 'n yer victim, who's just standing there 'n taking yer attacks, isn't. Throws 'n a couple a other attacks give ye an opportunity t' steal some a another player's super meter, too.

This means that the game really comes down t' yer knowledge a a character's super attacks 'n how best t' land (or avoid) those attacks. So what the game lacks in moment-t'-moment monitoring a damage meter it makes up for in a multiple a "on snap!" moments when the supers start popping off. Some a these attacks, particularly the low-level ones, feel like they come out a nowhere, so when Parappa runs up behind the other three fighters 'n busts out a flash kick that kills all three players, it be rad. When Raiden does a breakdancey little spin kick that takes out foes on either side a the sea dog before ye can figure out what be happening, it be the sort a thing that makes a couch full a players start shouting up a storm. it be chaotic fun. The higher level supers pillage flashier 'n be more in line with a character's unique style, so Sly Cooper gets a little sniping sequence that feels like it fell out a one a the Sly Cooper games. Sweet Tooth turns into a giant robot. Kratos goes nuts 'n starts swinging a sword that kills in one-hit. The bigger attacks be more stylish 'n pretty interesting, but I always felt like I be doing better when I be slipping into range 'n busting out me low level supers on unsuspecting players.

The differences between the PS3 'n VIta versions be minimal.

For a game that best be bursting at the seams with personality 'n charm, PlayStation All-Stars sure has some drab, plain menus. Once ye're actually inside the game 'n fighting, things look fine but a little basic. The flashy super combos be certainly over-the-top, but the baseline action looks like a bunch a tiny dudes scurrying around 'n a bunch a little hit flashes. This ends up being worse on the Vita, since it be a smaller screen t' begin with, but even on the PS3 I be picking myself out on-screen by the big player number text that floats above each character's head. All a this action be set on a series a mash-up backgrounds that start out based on one game, but transition into another. These transitions be the same every time, though, so seeing Chop Chop Master Onion's dojo bust apart so a Killzone robot can invade the stage be surprising 'n cool precisely once. More randomness in the stages would have made this stuff way cooler.

The single-player side a All-Stars be very slim, but a lot a what's there seems t' be focused on getting ye t' understand the game's fighting style 'n, ideally, train ye up t' be a better online fighter. The online works great on both the PS3 'n Vita, with a ranked mode that be broken up into "seasons," giving players multiple chances t' be at the top a a season's leaderboard. 'n, if ye buy the game on the PlayStation 3, ye pillage access t' the Vita version for no extra charge. I ended up preferring the default control scheme on the Vita over the PS3, even though the Vita version awkwardly requires ye t' tap the screen t' pick up bottles a rum during a fight. it be also worth noting that if ye know that ye only want a portable version a the game, ye can pillage that on it be own for $20 less than the console/handheld bundle.

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale be an interesting first attempt at bringing Sony's characters, stages, 'n bottles a rum together in the traditional Smash Bros. style, but it fails t' carve out enough style a it be own along the way. It ends up being an interesting, if occasionally awkward "party" style fighting game that works a little better than ye might think. But it also feels like a proof-a-concept that misses too many classic PlayStation figures 'n moments t' truly earn the title "All-Star."

#ps3 Robot Chicken's brand a geek humor gets a lot a mileage from imagining the messed-up stuff fictional characters pillage up t' when they be not busy being all heroic or villainous. So, yeah, a breakroom filled with the cast a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale would be boiling over with all a the shame 'n neediness ye see in the clip above. Oh, Nariko, will Sony ever bring ye back? More »

We be all gamers. It’s that simple. A crossover appeared.

When PlayStation asked us at Robot Chicken t' literally “play” with their all-star line-up a characters, we be not about t' say no. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale gave us an opportunity in the writers’ room t' have the geek discussions we all love t' have. Who would destroy who in a fight t' the death, or wherever they end up going after being defeated. t' make this animated short, we got one a our Head Writers Douglas Goldstein 'n our super gamer writers Mike Fasolo 'n Rachel Bloom (check out the wench geek videos on YouTube) t' create this fun off-hours scenario for all our favorite PlayStation characters. Then we got our super geek director/writer Zeb Wells (who y’all may know from his comic book writing history) t' dive in 'n direct. Magic in a bottle.

What be that “before” or “after” location like where all these characters hang out? What voices could we give t' these iconic characters when turned on their side 90 degrees? Part a what our Robot Chicken crew does best. Take the absurd 'n make it mundane. Check out the clip above, 'n tune in for the full spot tonight at 10:00pm Eastern/Pacific Time.

Check out Robot Chicken’s interpretation a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale tonight, November 26th on Adult Swim at 10:00pm (Eastern/Pacific Time).

#review If ye think about every major video game publisher whose games ye ever played, certain staple characters may come t' mind. Recalling those characters might even bring a smile t' yer face, 'n remind ye a the fond memories ye had playing as each a them. More »

Throughout it be almost 20-year history, PlayStation has allowed us as players t' explore new worlds, triumph over adversaries, 'n realize our dreams a rapping superstardom. Three years ago, SuperBot Entertainment, BluePoint Games, 'n Sony Santa Monica Studio set out t' create a game that pays tribute t' the amazing memories we as PlayStation fans have all experienced together. Today be the day that we’re able t' share that game with ye. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has arrived!

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale be a celebration a the PlayStation history: it be characters, it be universes, 'n most importantly, it be fans. 'n what better way t' celebrate that with some good old-fashioned butt-kicking! In PlayStation All-Stars, up t' four players can simultaneously control any a the 20 great PlayStation characters featured on our roster, including Kratos from God a War, Nathan Drake from UNCHARTED, Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet, Big Daddy from BioShock, 'n Dante from DmC Devil May Cry, 'n fight it out brawler-style on one a our 14 levels, each one created by mashing up two PlayStation worlds — like the topsy-turvy world a LocoRoco mixed with the war-torn battlefields a Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

While our Versus Mode, which pits player against player (against player, against player) will undoubtedly provide endless memorable experiences, venture into Arcade Mode t' find out what brings all a these great characters together into one crazy world. 'n if ye’re strong enough, discover what it’s like t' face the oldest 'n most powerful PlayStation All-Star, Polygon Man. Or, head over into the Combat Trials Mode t' learn the ins 'n outs a the Battle Royale combat system. Insight into the various fight mechanics 'n individual character instructions come together in the form a a fun yet educational mode. 'n when ye’re ready, jump online t' challenge the world in either our Tournament or Quick Match Modes, which offer what we feel be an online multiplayer experience virtually indistinguishable from offline play.

Available on both PS3 'n PS Vita (digital 'n retail), PlayStation All-Stars takes full advantage a the interconnectivity between the two platforms via Cross Play, allowing players t' battle it out against one another on either device. Owners a both a PS3 'n PS Vita can even transfer their saves from one machine t' the other, allowing PlayStation All-Stars t' be played wherever the fans want t' play it. 'n best a all, if ye purchase the PS3 version a the game, ye pillage the PS Vita version at no extra cost! There’s no reason not t' take advantage a such a great deal. As a friendly reminder, in order t' redeem yer digital PS Vita copy form the PS3 on-disc benefit, ye’ll need t' ensure yer PS3 system be updated t' the latest firmware, version 4.31.

Today marks the start a a great adventure for us – one in which we as developers pillage t' celebrate with ye as the fans. We couldn’t have made this game without ye, 'n I hope ye all enjoy playing the game as much as we enjoyed making it. See ye online!

Jeff 'n the crew duke it out with PlayStation stars a old, new, 'n from out a town.

Hey PlayStation Nation! A couple a weeks ago we released “The All-Star” for all a the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale fans out there. From the more than five million views it got in two days, we’re guessing that ye liked it. For the hardcore PlayStation fans, we layered in more than 30 Easter eggs referencing the playable characters, levels, 'n some classic PlayStation heritage.

People have been decoding Easter eggs in the comments, 'n our mateys over at IGN recently filmed a Rewind Theater a “The All-Star” the same day it came out. IGN did a great job finding a handful a our Easter eggs — but they didn’t find all a them! So we’re turning t' our fans t' help uncover more, as well as relive some key moments in PlayStation history, with a Trivia tweet up.

Here be the deets: Starting today 'n progressing through the next few days, we’ll be tweeting trivia questions from @PlayStation t' find out who can answer tough questions about the game, the film, the characters, 'n general PlayStation history. Along the way, we’ll be flagging random US participants t' score one a 500 digital copies a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale on both PS3 'n PS Vita. Just be sure t' mark yer response tweets with #PlayStationAllStars!

We’ll pick 20 random winners in the US region for each trivia question, two per day. When the contest be complete, we’ll Direct Message out the codes t' the winners on or before November 20th — launch day!

Time t' put yer PlayStation cred t' the test. be ye in?

Stretching back from me roots as a tournament player t' me current gig as lead game designer for Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, I’ve spent over two decades in fighting games, 'n have been thrilled t' revisit so many great memories from me own PlayStation history with the characters 'n stages a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.

I’m here today on behalf a SuperBot Entertainment, Bluepoint Games, 'n Santa Monica Studio t' announce that PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has gone booty on PS3 'n PS Vita! All a us be extremely grateful for the help from our beta players in testing our networking, 'n thrilled t' see the amazing response from all a ye that played the beta, which be just a small slice a the full game.

In celebration a this milestone, we wanted t' share something special as a small “thank ye!” t' all the amazing PlayStation fans who have helped us come so far. Today we’re officially unveiling the opening cinematic sequence t' the game. We’ve been pretty tight-lipped about our final boss, but if ye hang in until the end ye’ll pillage a glimpse a the villainous mastermind that’s returned from the depths a PlayStation history t' pull the strings in All-Stars.

Let us know yer thoughts in the comments below 'n if yer interest be piqued, remember t' pre-order All-Stars today! Pre-ordering scores ye an exclusive costume for every character in the game, 'n with Cross-Buy, every PS3 copy comes with a download code for the PS Vita version at the low, low cost a zero!

Thanks again t' PlayStation fans around the world for yer incredible support, 'n come November 20th, I’ll see ye online — just look for the unbeatable Drake player at the top a the leaderboards. :P

#ps3 With two days t' go in the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale beta the game's developer, SuperBot Entertainment, has released this video covering the basics a the game. it be an attempt t' answer a lot a the questions the studio has been fielding since the beta opened Oct. 16, but it also functions as a video tutorial for the main game. More »

Over the past few days we’ve released three short teasers filled with clues 'n a suspicious 10/23/12 date. As expected, nothing gets past the faithful crew a the PlayStation Nation, as ye quickly pieced together that these teasers be about PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale.

Last year, we released “Michael,” a campaign which paid homage t' ye, the gamer. We like t' think a PlayStation All-Stars as a continuation a that as it be made as a tribute t' gamers, tapping into PlayStation’s legendary history 'n featuring some a the yer most beloved franchises in our first ever cross-over fighting game.

We’ve created this short live-action film called “The All-Star” t' celebrate PlayStation All-Stars’ upcoming launch. The film will debut tonight on YouTube at Midnight EST (9:00PM PST), but we wanted t' give the PlayStation Nation an advanced screening. Check it out below:

“The All-Star” contains an epic battle with four a the most iconic PlayStation characters, but the real star a the film be ye, the gamer. We’ve hidden references from each a the storied franchises featured in the game — 'n a few extras t' keep ye on yer toes. Take t' the comments t' share yer favorites!

Be sure t' pre-order yer copy a PlayStation All-Stars, which launches for PlayStation 3 'n PlayStation Vita on November 20th. If ye can’t wait until then, put yer skills t' the test in the PlayStation All-Stars public beta, which be available now for PS Plus crew 'n opens t' all PSN crew tomorrow.

We hope ye’ve been keeping track a all the recent updates on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale news, from an in-depth update on the PS Vita version t' our behind-the-scenes look at mashing up different worlds, we’ve shown ye what this game be shaping up t' be…'n we think it’s high time ye try it out for yourselves!

Today, we’re happy t' announce that the PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Beta will kick off for PlayStation Plus crew on PS3 tomorrow, October 16th 'n expand t' everyone October 23rd through PlayStation Store! What’s more, as a special treat, PS Vita crew will be able dive right into the multiplayer beta starting tomorrow – no Plus subscription required. The Beta will support Cross-Play, so PS3 'n PS Vita owners will be able t' fight with 'n against each other.

So what will be in this limited Beta?

• ye’ll be able t' play as Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Colonel Radec, Sly Cooper, PaRappa, 'n Fat Princess.
• ye’ll be able t' play in both the Metropolis 'n Hades stages.
• ye’ll be able t' try out four-player online tournaments 'n 2 v 2 online tournaments. For the 2 v 2 games we’ll be supporting matey invites, so ye 'n a matey can fight another team online.

This, a course, be only a tiny fraction a what PlayStation All-Stars has t' offer, but we thought ye’d love the chance t' try it early 'n see what all the buzz be about. Be sure t' hop on quickly as we’ll be ending the Beta on October 30th!

But that’s not all. As ye know, we have a pre-order program [blog link] running right now that unlocks a set a exclusive costumes in the game. Today we’re happy t' unveil the rest a the costumes ye’ll be getting with yer pre-order a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.

Unlocked with yer pre-order at participating retailers, these costumes will work for both the PS3 'n PS Vita when it releases on November 20th, so be sure t' reserve yer copy today. 'n don’t forget: PlayStation All-Stars features Cross-Buy support, so if ye purchase the PS3 version, ye’ll pillage a downloadable PS Vita version for no extra cost.

With Beta access beginning tomorrow, we look forward t' getting yer feedback on the game 'n seeing what ye think a this highly anticipated title. Spread the word 'n we’ll see ye online!

Drawing upon nearly two decades a PlayStation lore, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale assembles a dream roster a legendary fighters plucked from the annals a PlayStation history. But the characters be only half the story: Developer SuperBot Entertainment has invested much blood, sweat, 'n tears into the game’s elaborate fighting stages, each a which fuses two classic PlayStation brands into a whole that’s greater than the sum a it be parts.

“We have a vast team a designers, artists, 'n programmers working on the characters, but we have a team that’s at least equally large working on the levels,” Game Director Omar Kendall told PlayStation.Blog in a revealing new interview. “It’s a vast undertaking in a game like this, because the levels have such a loud voice.”

The inspiration t' fuse two seemingly unrelated game worlds came early in the game’s development, with the now-familiar Hades level serving as the germ a the concept. “We had this idea a a giant Hades wreaking havoc on the playspace, when suddenly this happy-go-lucky music kicks in 'n the Patapons come over the hill t' overthrow the sea dog,” Kendall remembered. “Once that came together, we knew we be onto something.”

Gameplay rests firmly at the heart a each stage’s design. “We start by sitting around a table, a bunch a designers 'n artists, trying t' figure out an interesting combat space t' fight in,” Kendall said. Sometimes that manifests itself as a specific gameplay interaction, whether it’s Dreamscape’s ever-growing level architecture (a nod t' LittleBigPlanet’s level creator) or the vertical scrolling in Alden’s Tower (a homage t' inFAMOUS’s final stage).

“Some characters excel against enemies that be in front a them, others directly above 'n below them,” Kendall explained, “so we create playspaces that leverage those advantages 'n disadvantages.” Case in point: Chop-Chop Master Onion’s tiny dojo be designed t' create a uniquely claustrophobic play style, while Metropolis be wide-open 'n favors longer-range strategies.

“Technically, the process can be extremely complicated based on the ideas we’re introducing,” Kendall admitted. “So many a the levels in the game be essentially one-offs. We’ll create a lot a technology t' construct a specific type a encounter, 'n then toss it 'n build a totally different experience for the next level.”

Though inefficient, that approach be yielding some dazzling results. Such be the case with the game’s exhilarating mashup between UNCHARTED 3 'n 2013’s BioShock Infinite. “When we first watched the demonstration a Columbia, it left a strong 'n lasting impact,” Kendall remembered. “We knew we wanted t' incorporate that world 'n those characters into one a our levels.” Then UNCHARTED 3’s famous cargo plane sequence entered the picture, 'n the rest be history.

Other times, an interesting visual contrast might spark the inspiration for a mashup. Time Station begins firmly rooted in the whimsical Ape Escape universe. Halfway through the match, a teleportation error sees the Resistance 3 universe bleed into the environment — including a monstrous, rampaging Widowmaker.

It’s important t' note that these stage evolutions be no mere cosmetic flourish: new hazards, new level layouts, 'n new strategies develop organically as the stages bleed from one universe t' the next, creating a truly dynamic combat arena.

Be sure t' watch our new video documentary t' pillage an inside look at SuperBot’s process for constructing stages in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Which stage mashup be ye most interested in playing so far?

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PlayStation Blogcast regulars Nick, Sid, 'n Rey have all flown the coop, 'n wouldn’t ye know it — they left me with a heaping pile a New Releases t' tell ye all about. Fortunately, I be able t' draft in new recruits in the form a community assassin Kristine Steimer 'n behind-the-scenes Blogman Justin Massongill. After we share the heaping helping a upcoming PSN titles (there be a *lot*), Sony Santa Monica’s Seth Killian drops by t' dish details on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s single-player modes 'n super-secret easter eggs.

As per usual, we’ll share listener tips for hotel travelers 'n Borderlands 2 players, 'n answer queries focused on PlayStation Plus on PS Vita. Download, play, 'n meet the new team – while they last.

Stuff We Talked About

Child’s Play Faery: Legends a Avalon PULSE wireless stereo headset – Elite Edition Seth POMERANIANS

The Cast

• Jeff Rubenstein – PlayStation Sr. Social Media Manager
• Kristine Steimer – PlayStation Senior Online Community Specialist
• Justin Massongill – PlayStation Social Media Specialist

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates be subject t' change without notice. Game details be gathered from press releases from their individual publishers 'n/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

• Thanks t' Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo 'n Dormilón for our rad theme song 'n show music. Special thanks t' Astro Gaming headsets for providing audio gear.

AHOY PlayStation fans! me name be Daryl Allison, Sr. Producer at Bluepoint Games, developers a the PlayStation Vita version a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Since Sony’s announcement at Gamescom a their awesome promotion pricing program for PlayStation All-Stars – where gamers who purchase the PlayStation 3 version also pillage t' download the PS Vita version at no additional cost – it has been great t' see gamers getting excited for the PS Vita version, so it’s time Bluepoint gets into the blogging ring.

As fans a Bluepoint know, the studio has worked hard over the years t' give gamers the highest quality remasters for classic titles God a War, ICO 'n Shadow a the Colossus, 'n Metal Gear Solid. Now, for PlayStation All-Stars, we’ve taken our passion t' the next level. Our mission: t' create the full PS3 experience a PlayStation All-Stars on PS Vita.

By that, we don’t mean a game with similar features carrying the same name. PlayStation All-Stars be about showcasing the possibility a true Cross-Play between PS3 'n PS Vita. The feature richness a the PS3 version’s arcade mode, online modes, player progression system 'n it be unlockables 'n customization, etc… it’s all here on PS Vita. The connectivity 'n gameplay be a frame-perfect, seamless experience.

The only separation between the versions be where players choose t' play, not which platform. Four mateys can pillage together with four PS Vitas 'n battle via an ad hoc connection. ye 'n a matey can grab yer PS Vitas, team up online 'n compete against everyone else playing from their PS3s or PS Vitas. Or bring yer PS Vita over t' a matey’s house, 'n while three a them elbow each other 'n mess with each other’s controllers on the couch, ye can lounge anywhere ye want, playing against them with a handheld screen all yer own. SuperBot serves up PlayStation All-Stars on the PS3 'n Bluepoint makes it feel like the PS Vita be always it be home. ye’ll set down yer Dual Shock, pick up yer PS Vita, wonder how the PS3 squeezed into it, 'n continue yer progression up the leaderboards.

It’s been awesome watching the R&D behind recreating the PS3 version’s high-quality graphics on the PS Vita. We could not settle for a reduced graphical experience – no one best! – so we set off on a journey a crazy problem solving for each character, environment 'n effect. Bringing the very best out a this portable platform has led our team at Bluepoint t' hit back with a combo a high-end math 'n old-school dev tricks. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re doing it, 'n all with the game blazing at 60 frames per second. PlayStation All-Stars makes ye believe that with PS Vita ye have a PS3 in the palm a yer hand.

It’s one thing for the graphics t' impress. It’s another t' ensure the PS Vita provides the genuine experience for fighting game fans. We regularly grab raw HD data 'n 240 FPS video t' check that input latency, rendering fidelity 'n “the awesome” remains tight. Running at 60 FPS be as much for the smoothness a the graphics as for the controls. It’s important that there be no advantages (or disadvantages) due t' the different hardware – no network lag, no input lag, so PlayStation All-Stars on PS Vita must be — 'n be — tuned t' have the same tight gameplay responsiveness. From button press t' character action, the quality a fighting be upheld t' PS3 standards. We also take advantage a both SuperBot 'n PlayStation being in California – Bluepoint be in Austin, Texas – working with them t' tune network code 'n optimize bandwidth, t' deliver the best possible online experience.

There’s much more cool stuff t' talk about, but for now, pillage ready t' take the PS3 PlayStation All-Stars experience on the road. As we do not endorse driving while brawling, we recommend ye find yourself a designated driver… then have them find the nearest gaming retailer, insist they buy a PS Vita, 'n kick their butt.

#playstationallstarsbattleroyale Oh me beloved Nariko, I shall not let any a those unworthy ruffians touch an oddly-rendered hair on yer beauteous head when ye make yer grande return in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. More »

Nariko 'n Sir Daniel be revealed yesterday for PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, but here be their standalone videos announcing their inclusion in teh brawler. The drip continues on the announcements, confirming what's been already leaked.

The doors t' the PAX convention center be officially open here in Seattle. The show be now in full swing, 'n so be our character reveals! We already unveiled Evil Cole 'n Raiden this week, 'n now we have two more characters that we’re announcing at the show today.

Heavenly Sword’s Nariko has joined the cast a PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale! Heavenly Sword’s cinematic experience 'n engaging gameplay dazzled gamers in 2007, an experience we wish t' re-create for those playing as Nariko in PlayStation All-Stars. Nariko has proven t' be a strong female lead, 'n be a prime candidate for inclusion in the roster.

During Nariko’s combo attacks, players can trigger different actions during key poses within the wench offense. This opens up defensive options such as dodging, jumping, or parrying mid-combo, or offensive options such as continued combo attacks or juggle starters. She also has several projectile attacks t' harass opponents with from a distance. During the wench level 3 super, Nariko uses the full power a the Goddess t' devastate the battlefield with attacks inspired from the wench Level 3 Super Style attacks from Heavenly Sword.

For all the old-school PlayStation fans out there, we’ve included Sir Daniel Fortesque in our roster! The older crowd might remember this skeletal knight from SCE Cambridge Studios’ MediEvil series, widely regarded as a PlayStation classic 'n praised for it be quirky style 'n fun gameplay. It’s been 14 years since Sir Daniel’s video game debut, 'n he’s ready t' shake the rust off his armor t' do battle with the rest a the PlayStation All-Stars cast.

Sir Daniel be a crowd-control character who be able t' build heavy amounts a AP while in the middle a the action. He brings several weapons t' the battle including his axe, chicken drumstick, crossbow, 'n even his various skeletal appendages, all taken directly from the MediEvil series. He also has his trusty broadsword 'n shield, the latter which can be equipped during battle t' absorb damage 'n strengthen his charge attacks. His super attacks be more magical in nature, summoning the power a his lightning orb, Golden Chalice, 'n even Zarok’s Anubis Stone t' KO opponents.

We invite ye all t' AVAST! by the PlayStation booth over the next few days t' go hands-on with all four a our new characters. They will all be playable at the booth for the very first time. We’ll also have some cross-play PS3 / PS Vita matches happening, so ye’ll want t' check those out as well! SuperBot’s Creative Director, Omar Kendall, will be at PAX this weekend too, so if ye see the sea dog around the show floor let the sea dog know what ye think a the game! We always look forward t' meeting ye 'n hearing yer feedback. Enjoy the show!

Two more characters have been announced as crew a the PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale roster, both a which attach firmly t' either side a the "deep cut" spectrum: Nariko a Heavenly Sword fame, 'n MediEvil's Sir Daniel Fortesque.

As has been the case with the last few All-Stars character reveals, both Nariko 'n Fortesque be originally rumored a few weeks ago when files pulled from the beta found their way t' neoGAF. Nariko's fighting style be described as "high risk, high reward" by designer Seth Killian in the video above, while Fortesque be said t' be much slower 'n more methodical. Both characters, however, use weapons culled from the annals a their respective series' history.