Playstation All-Stars makes it debut today alongside a number of critics' reviews. Reviews were presumably delayed until 11 a.m. EST due to an embargo placed by Sony.
IGN published a first review of the title and gave it an 8.0. They remarked that while the game certainly owes a great deal to Smash Bros. it has its own original content and does a few things better. For example, they remark that no two players are alike with one exception. In Smash Bros, a great deal of characters play too similarly and some are considered clones. The review also remarked on how strong the cross play between the PS Vita and the PS 3. They did remark that the visual presentation was not great and that the online interface was a bit convoluted.
Game Trailers was not particularly complimentary of the title. The publication noted that the character trials were redundant and lacking in depth. The arcade mode was also criticized for being a "missed opportunity" and complained about the lack of bonus rounds. Regarding the gameplay, they complained that pulling off combos was extremely difficult and that the depth of the characters was undermined by the Supers as the publication mentioned that it often felt as if players were simply picking a character for a certain super attack. They also complained that it was hard to follow the characters during chaotic brawls; a complaint from the demo. Gametrailers did compliment online play and stated that it flowed more or less seamlessly. They ultimately gave the title a 7.3 and stated that it is "not like Smash Bros, but it would have been better if it were."
Meanwhile Playstation Universe gave the title a 9.0 and remarked that the graphics were top notch and that the network and cross play were solidly integrated into the experience. They also stated that the CPU was extremely intelligent and that players could learn a great deal from studying the way the CPU plays against them. They had minor gripes with the menus and said it was borderline unacceptable for such a blockbuster title as Playstation All-Stars. They also complained about the poor narrative in Arcade mode
Euro Gamer gave the title a 7/10 and noted that it is "too scrappy, too random and too unfocused." They also noted that it lacks the fan service or depth of Smash Bros.
Shack News stated that it was a solid entry, but lacked any depth outside of its multiplayer modes. Playstation Life Style gave the title an 8.0 and praised the combat as engaging and the wealth of single player content. They did note that the fighting was not as deep as other fighting titles and that it could potentially turn off hard core fighting fans.