Not too long ago, I gave some early thoughts on a game I’m looking forward to, PS All-Stars Battle Royale. It looks like Sony’s answer to the Super Smash Bros. franchise on the Nintendo (although I don’t think the question was ever asked). The beta went online about two months ago to invitees only. But now it’s finally going public. Playstation Plus members can jump right into the action today, while regular Playstation gamers will have to wait until October 23rd in order to get a chance to mess around with the game.So what does the Beta actually let players participate in? You have your choice of Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Fat Princess, Sly Cooper, PaRappa the Rapper, and Colonel Radec. Only two stages, Metropolis and Hades, are available to play. You can participate in four-player tournaments (similar to the style of Super Smash Bros.) or a 2v2 tournament (also something you could do with Super Smash). For the 2v2 matches you can invite your friends to jump on and get some 2v2 action going, friend style.

Obviously, this is only a beta, hence its limitations. After all, it’s for the benefit of the developers. But I’ve been eagerly waiting for this game ever since I heard about it, and I’m happy to play a new brawler that is in the vein of my favorite fighters ever, Super Smash Bros. Melee. I hope it will fill the void in my heart left by Super Smash Bros. Brawl (I’m still pissed at the stupid “smash ball” bullshit and how Snake is in the game even though he has nothing to do with Nintendo besides having a few ports for the Gamecube. I mean, did Metal Gear Solid 4 come out on the Wii? Yeah, that’s what I thought.) As far as I’m concerned, October 23rd can’t come soon enough now. The beta ends October 30th so get your time in now, Playstation Plus members.

And, I’m not making any guarantees, but if I get some decent play-time, I’ll try to write up some of my thoughts after getting some hands-on time with the game.