PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (from this point forward PASBR) is the cause of quite the uproar in the gaming community. PASBR can best be described as Sony’s version of the Nintendo franchise Super Smash Bros. Smash Bros is a Nintendo classic that is enjoyed by Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo fanboys alike but it only makes an appearance once every generation. The question every gamer has to ask themselves is “How is more of what you enjoy a bad thing?” We’ve heard your gripes but in these next few paragraphs I’ll explain why PASBR has the potential to even make Smash Bros a better game.
The GTA Argument
Grand Theft Auto is one of the most popular videogame franchises. On its own it defined the open world genre and because of its success it has to the creation of some great games. Anyone that doesn’t agree with PASBR’s existence must also question their affinity for the following franchises.
Saints Row
Just Cause
Infamous
Prototype
Assassins Creed
True Crime/Sleeping Dogs
Mafia
Batman
Guitar Hero (not because of GTA, just question your affinity.)
The Sega vs. Nintendo Argument
If you’ve been a gamer for some time or if you at least know your history, you’d know that Sonic and Mario haven’t always been the best of friends. The Sega vs. Nintendo rivalry eventually became a little crowded with the new kids on the block but we eventually learned something. We CAN get along! Sonic has appeared on every major console and the pair that is Sonic and Mario often collaborate in titles. The most pertinent collaboration is Sonic in Smash Bros which at one point was unheard of. Now with PASBR, look at all the unheard of matchups we’ll be able to enjoy. Keep in mind that the full roster is yet to be revealed.
The Innovation Argument
I can already hear the scoffs with this argument but hear me out. As much as PASBR resembles Smash Bros, it is still unique enough that we’ll all get a fresh experience beyond new characters. Cross-Play, Cross-Controller and Cross-Buy are all innovative ways for gamers to save money and experience this type of game in brand new way. With all that PASBR borrows from Smash Bros, ask yourself a few questions.
Would you like a free 3DS version of the newest Smash Bros just for buying the Wii U version?
Would you also like to play using 3DS against Wii U opponents?
Would you like to play the Wii U version of Smash Bros with a touchscreen contro…never mind!
In Closing
It would be nice to see Mario and Sackboy duke it out and settle this once and for all but that’s unlikely. It would be nice if we could have a new NFL 2K but EA paid to get rid of their competition. It would be nice if shows like “Heroes”, “Misfits” and “Alphas” didn’t have to eventually jump the shark but we don’t always get what we want. Success breeds imitation and competition breeds innovation. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “Gamers benefit in the end!”
