The gaming landscape in 2026 has taught a valuable lesson: a great IP alone doesn't guarantee a hit. The story of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is a cautionary tale. It leaned way too hard on brand recognition, hoping the sheer power of PlayStation's roster would carry it to victory, but it ultimately fell short where it mattered most—gameplay. Fast forward to today, and the meteoric rise of Marvel Rivals has shown the formula for success. It’s not just about having a killer cast; it's about building a killer game around them. For a potential PlayStation All-Stars sequel, the path forward is clear: ditch the platform fighter genre and go all-in on the hero shooter arena that Marvel Rivals has so masterfully dominated. It's time for Sony's icons to get a real shot at the big leagues.
The Hero Shooter Genre: A Perfect Fit for PlayStation's Legacy
Let's be real, the hero shooter genre is having a major moment. After a shaky period with cancellations like Hyenas and the short-lived Concord, Marvel Rivals came in and totally changed the game. It proved the genre still has massive legs. For a hypothetical PlayStation All-Stars 2, this is the golden ticket. The original game tried to carve its own niche in the platform fighter space, but let's face it, competing with Super Smash Bros. is a tough gig. The irony? Many of PlayStation's most iconic characters, like Nathan Drake or Joel from The Last of Us, literally come from shooter or action-adventure backgrounds. Transitioning them into a hero shooter wouldn't just be easy—it would feel organic. Their skillsets, from Kratos's Leviathan Axe to Aloy's Focus and bow, are practically begging for hero shooter ability kits.
A hero shooter format would allow these characters to shine in a way the original game never could. Imagine the possibilities:
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Tank: Kratos (God of War) or Atreus with summoned animal companions.
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Damage: Jin Sakai (Ghost of Tsushima) with his ghost weapons and stances.
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Support: Ellie (The Last of Us) crafting health kits and using her listening skills to reveal enemies.
The genre is a better vehicle for celebrating what makes these characters unique in their own worlds.
Building the Ultimate PlayStation Crossover Roster
If there's one thing the original PlayStation All-Stars did right, it was the roster. But that was over a decade ago. PlayStation's first-party catalog has exploded since then, giving a sequel an absolute treasure trove of characters to draw from. A new game wouldn't just be a revival; it would be a celebration of PlayStation's entire history, from its retro roots to its modern blockbusters.
The New Guard (Post-2013):
This is where the game would get its fresh blood and mainstream appeal.
| Character | Franchise | Potential Role / Ability Hook |
|---|---|---|
| Aloy | Horizon | Ranged damage & traps; can override machines as summons. |
| Jin Sakai | Ghost of Tsushima | Melee/ranged hybrid; Stance changes for different enemies. |
| Ellie / Joel | The Last of Us | Crafting-based support; environmental stealth. |
| Deacon St. John | Days Gone | Horde-based abilities; motorcycle for mobility. |
| Astro Bot | Astro's Playroom | The mascot! Builder/tinkerer class with gadgets. |
The Returning Legends:
Of course, you gotta have the OGs. Characters like Kratos (with his modern Norse design), Ratchet & Clank, and Sackboy would be must-haves. But this time, their movesets would be fully realized for tactical shooter combat, not simplified for a fighting game.
The Deep Cuts & Guest Stars:
This is where the fan service gets real. The original game included deep cuts like Sir Daniel Fortesque from MediEvil. A sequel should double down on this, acting as a museum and revival platform for PlayStation's vast history. PaRappa the Rapper could come back with rhythm-based buffs! But it also needs to fix the original's omissions. Where were Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon? Including them would be a no-brainer and a huge win for fans.
And here's the big question: what about Spider-Man? Insomniac's web-slinger is a PlayStation staple. With his recent crossover into Marvel Rivals itself, the door is wide open. His inclusion could be a brilliant bridge between the two games, a true "best of both worlds" scenario for crossover fans.
More Than a Game: A Platform for Revival
This is where the concept gets really smart. Marvel Rivals isn't just a game; it's a gateway to the larger Marvel universe, often driving players to check out the comics. A PlayStation All-Stars hero shooter could do the exact same thing for Sony's back catalog. Think about it: PlayStation has publicly expressed interest in reviving old IPs. What better way to reintroduce forgotten characters like Cole MacGrath (inFAMOUS) or Kat (Gravity Rush) than by dropping them into a popular, team-based shooter?
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A player mains a slick, electricity-wielding character, loves the playstyle, and discovers it's from a critically acclaimed PS3 series they missed. Boom—instant interest and a potential sale of the inFAMOUS Collection.
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The game's lore blurbs, unlockable skins, and stage designs (more on that next) could all tease upcoming remakes or sequels, building hype organically.
It's a virtuous cycle: the game promotes the classics, and renewed interest in the classics fuels engagement with the game. Astro Bot already proved in 2024 that PlayStation nostalgia is a powerful force. A hero shooter could be the next logical, and more socially connected, step.
Stages, Mashups, and PlayStation's Soul
One of the most creative aspects of the original PlayStation All-Stars was its stages. They weren't just static backdrops from one game; they were wild mashups. Remember Hades from God of War being invaded by the Patapons? That was genius. A hero shooter sequel should 100% keep this tradition alive and expand upon it.
Imagine dynamic battlefields that shift and tell a crossover story:
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A map set in the Nexus (from Ratchet & Clank), but it's under attack by the Helghast (from Killzone), with visuals and tech from Horizon's machines scattered about.
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A frantic fight through a crumbling Yharnam (Bloodborne) district that periodically gets invaded by spectral pirates from Uncharted: The Golden Abyss.
These stages would be more than just eye candy. They could introduce unique gameplay mechanics inspired by the mashed-up franchises, like temporary power-ups, environmental hazards, or even PvE elements mid-match. It would make every map a love letter to PlayStation's interconnected history.
The Bottom Line: It's Time for a Comeback
Look, the stars are aligning. The hero shooter genre is thriving thanks to Marvel Rivals. PlayStation has a deeper, more beloved stable of characters than ever before. And there's a clear strategic need to breathe life into older franchises. A PlayStation All-Stars hero shooter isn't just a cool idea; it's a smart business move. It would be a live-service title with legs, a constant celebration of PlayStation's brand, and a powerful marketing tool for its entire ecosystem.
The original game had heart but stumbled on execution. By learning from Marvel Rivals' focus on tight, team-based gameplay and leveraging the inherent strengths of its characters, a sequel could finally live up to the "All-Stars" name. For PlayStation fans, the dream of a proper, successful crossover has been on hold for too long. In 2026, with the right genre shift, that dream could finally become a reality. It's time to assemble the team, for real this time.