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→‎Season Two: "Golem" is not the character's actual name; that's just the placeholder MS/IG is using until the proper reveal, same as "Ghost". Kan-Ra was similarly called "Sorceror"/"Not A Mummy" pre-reveal.
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* Kan-Ra - ''Killer Instinct'' (2013) - A former Vizier of ancient Babylon, Kan-Ra was cursed with a rot that progressively putrefies his body as punishment for attempting to usurp the throne. Now Kan-Ra survives with dark magic and material manipulation, seeking knowledge to help him control the world.
* Kan-Ra - ''Killer Instinct'' (2013) - A former Vizier of ancient Babylon, Kan-Ra was cursed with a rot that progressively putrefies his body as punishment for attempting to usurp the throne. Now Kan-Ra survives with dark magic and material manipulation, seeking knowledge to help him control the world.
* Riptor - ''Killer Instinct'' (1994) - A new line of Riptor units augmented with cybernetics is developed by Ultratech to operate in conditions not suitable for their Fulgore line.
* Riptor - ''Killer Instinct'' (1994) - A new line of Riptor units augmented with cybernetics is developed by Ultratech to operate in conditions not suitable for their Fulgore line.
* Omen{{ref|b|b}} - ''Killer Instinct'' (2013) - The herald of Gargos and one-time possessor of Jago, Omen's battles as Shadow Jago have given him the ability to manifest on the mortal plane.<ref>http://www.ultra-combo.com/forums/index.php?topic=5595.0</ref>
* Omen{{ref|b|b}} - ''Killer Instinct'' (2013) - The herald of Gargos and one-time possessor of Jago, Omen's battles as Shadow Jago have given him the ability to manifest on the mortal plane.
* Golem - "Killer Instinct" (2013) - <ref>http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/25/7887013/killer-instinct-golem-season-2-roster</ref>
<!--Golem - "Killer Instinct" (2013)-->
<!--(Ghost)-->
<!--(Ghost)-->
* Cinder - ''Killer Instinct'' (1994)
* Cinder - ''Killer Instinct'' (1994)

Revision as of 06:58, 26 January 2015

Killer Instinct
Retail cover art
Developer(s)Double Helix Games[1][2]
Iron Galaxy Studios[3]
Rare Ltd.[4]
Microsoft Studios[5][6]
Publisher(s)Microsoft Studios
Director(s)Ken Lobb
Adam Isgreen
Michael Donges[7]
Producer(s)Michael Willette[7]
Designer(s)David Verfaillie
Adam Heart
James Goddard
Dan Fornace[7]
Artist(s)David Donatucci
David Hall[7]
Composer(s)Mick Gordon[7]
SeriesKiller Instinct
EngineHEX Engine[8]
Platform(s)Xbox One[1]
ReleaseSeason One
November 22, 2013
Season Two
October 15, 2014
Genre(s)Fighting
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Killer Instinct is the third fighting game in the Killer Instinct series, developed by Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare and Microsoft Studios under supervision of Ken Lobb.[9] The game was announced during Microsoft's E3 2013 press event, and was released exclusively as a free-to-play launch game for the Xbox One on November 22, 2013. The game takes place a few years after the events of Killer Instinct 2, with the time paradox at the end of the first game having been retconned.

Development of the game involves individuals with histories in fighting games on both the developmental and competitive sides, including former Capcom developer and Weaponlord co-creator (and creator of Dee Jay) James Goddard and former competitive player and tournament organizer Adam "Keits" Heart as combat designers, former Street Fighter developer and Weaponlord co-creator Dave Winstead as character designer, competitive Street Fighter player Campbell "Buktooth" Tran as a producer, and former Tekken community manager Rich "FilthieRich" Bantegui and tournament organizer Alex Jebailey as community managers. [10][11][12][13][14][15]

The game received positive reviews for its mechanics and engine, but criticized for its initial lack of content. A second season of characters was released on October 15, 2014.

Gameplay

File:Killer Instinct 2013 gameplay.png
A promotional gameplay screenshot, depicting Orchid fighting Sabrewulf.

Killer Instinct is a return to the series which retains its traditional combo-based gameplay. The main mechanic of combos are the "Auto-Double" (button presses following special attacks will create automatic combo hits instead of each individual hit requiring player input), as well as "Manuals". A signature feature of Killer Instinct, the Ultra Combo, is included (an Ultra Combo is an automatic combo that can only be done to end a match and consists of a long string of attacks).[16] "Combo Breakers" also return (attacks that, when timed properly, can stop a combo), with the new addition of "Counter Breakers" (the ability to reverse a Combo Breaker into a "Lockout" instead, the failure state of a Combo Breaker which prevents another breaker attempt for three seconds). A two-segmented super meter enables the use of "Shadow" moves that have upgraded hit properties and can cause more damage/combo hits.

A notable new feature to the Killer Instinct gameplay is the addition of "Instinct Mode". By filling up a secondary bar beneath the character's lifebar, each character can trigger a unique enhancement for a limited period (so for instance Glacius can cover himself in ice armor for better damage resistance or Thunder's dash becomes invincible and moves farther). The enhancements are built around complementing the character's playstyle traits. Instinct Mode can be used to perform an instantaneous cancel during a combo and also reset the "knockdown value" (a meter that appears during a combo that determines how close the engine is to automatically ending a combo). Instinct Mode can also be used to stop an Ultra Combo in order to chain it to other moves and even into another Ultra for an even more stylish finish than a simple Ultra Combo can provide.

The game features the ability to unlock and use classic Killer Instinct music and costumes in place of their updated counterparts. Chris Sutherland, the announcer from the first two Killer Instinct titles, appears as an optional announcer available for use, while original Killer Instinct art director Kevin Bayliss will be designing a set of eight costumes for the game's second season.[17][18] The game uses Kinect's facial recognition software to save players' personalized game settings.[19]

Plot and characters

Main article: List of Killer Instinct characters

The game is set several years after the events of Killer Instinct 2, though certain elements of that game's plot, such as time-travel, have since been retconned.[20] An arcade mode features story-based campaigns for each character, culminating in a final battle with Fulgore. Fulfilling certain conditions will allow players to access a secret battle against Shadow Jago in its place. Like Killer Instinct 2, the game features both cinematic sequences and multiple endings based on the player's actions.

The game currently features twelve characters, with one additional character exclusive for Gold subscribers.[21] Each character has his own stage. Four additional characters are planned to be included as part of the "second season" of downloadable content, with new characters being released monthly beginning on October 15, 2014.[18][22] In addition, the development team hopes to introduce brand new characters into the franchise, particularly female ones.[23]

Season One

  • Jago - Killer Instinct (1994): Jago is suffering a crisis of faith following the discovery that the Tiger Spirit guiding him was actually Gargos, and now seeks to purge himself of whatever remnants of Gargos remain within him.
  • Sabrewulf - Killer Instinct (1994): Sabrewulf, still trying to regain his humanity, has almost completely submitted to his feral side and torn out his cybernetic implants, restoring his arms through the use of dark arts and developing an addiction to the medicines and artifacts used in the process.
  • Glacius - Killer Instinct (1994): Glacius has returned to Earth to recover technology he was forced to abandon on his last journey before it can fall into the wrong hands, while also searching for the thief who stole his ship's power core after landing.
  • Thunder - Killer Instinct (1994): Thunder, having learned that his brother Eagle was killed in the first Killer Instinct tournament but not knowing how or why, resorts to making something of an alliance with new UltraTech head ARIA in order to locate Eagle's remains and finally receive closure.
  • Sadira - Killer Instinct (2013): Sadira and her assassins are ordered by ARIA to hunt and kill the former competitors of the Killer Instinct tournament. ARIA also tells her to "prepare the way" by taking Glacius's power core and using it to open a dimensional rift.
  • Black Orchid - Killer Instinct (1994): Orchid, despite their apparent destruction at her hands, believes that UltraTech is still active, and fully commits herself to finding and eliminating what remains of them. Having been disavowed by her agency, she emigrates to Eastern Europe to establish a rebel group. She also apparently suffers from paranoia to some extent.
  • Spinal - Killer Instinct (1994) - Spinal, resurrected by an artifact known as the Mask of the Ancients, seeks to find the mask so as to remove the curse causing his immortality and allow him to finally rest in peace.
  • Fulgore - Killer Instinct (1994) - A new Fulgore prototype is constructed to protect UltraTech from its enemies, but it begins to develop self-awareness due to the residual memories of the human mind used in its construction.
  • Shadow Jagoa - Killer Instinct (2013) - A sinister version of Jago under the possession of Omen.
Notes
^a : Exclusive for Xbox Live Day One Gold members as a playable character. Secret final boss in the arcade mode.

Season Two

  • T.J. Combo - Killer Instinct (1994) - Having lost everything and being scorned by the public, T.J. has removed the cybernetic implants from his arms and seeks to earn redemption.
  • Maya - Killer Instinct 2 (1996) - A member of a secretive clan of monster hunters, Maya ventures out of her hidden city after Ultratech's attack. Wielding the ancient blades Temperance and Vengeance, Maya sets out to destroy the horror Ultratech released, cutting down any who stand in her way.
  • Kan-Ra - Killer Instinct (2013) - A former Vizier of ancient Babylon, Kan-Ra was cursed with a rot that progressively putrefies his body as punishment for attempting to usurp the throne. Now Kan-Ra survives with dark magic and material manipulation, seeking knowledge to help him control the world.
  • Riptor - Killer Instinct (1994) - A new line of Riptor units augmented with cybernetics is developed by Ultratech to operate in conditions not suitable for their Fulgore line.
  • Omenb - Killer Instinct (2013) - The herald of Gargos and one-time possessor of Jago, Omen's battles as Shadow Jago have given him the ability to manifest on the mortal plane.
  • Cinder - Killer Instinct (1994)
  • ARIA - Killer Instinct (2013) - The new head of Ultratech, ARIA orchestrates many of the game's events in order to "prepare the way".
Notes
^b : Exclusive for those who purchase the Season Two Combo Breaker Pack or Ultra Pack.

Development

File:Killer instinct (2013) logo.jpg
The game's logo

For many years after Killer Instinct 2's 1996 release, rumors of a possible follow-up continued to swirl around the Internet. In March 2010, Ken Lobb, Microsoft Studios creative director and co-designer of the original Killer Instinct games, announced that they are not working on Killer Instinct 3, but may some day bring the game back.[24] In July 2010, Lobb said Rare wants to make Killer Instinct 3.[25] Rare studio manager Mark Betteridge said that Rare would like to bring Killer Instinct to the Xbox Live Arcade.[26] In an August 2012 interview, Rare veteran Donnchadh Murphy said, “We all wanted to make KI3, but Microsoft [was] more interested in broadening their demographic than making another fighting game. So it never got made, I doubt it ever will.”[27]

In September 2012, Microsoft applied for renewal of the Killer Instinct trademark.[28] In an October 2012 interview, Rare veteran Lee Musgrave, who was the former head of art at Rare, spoke on the issues of making Killer Instinct for XBLA: "We came close to firing off a conversion of Killer Instinct a few times, but there were licensing obstacles to that, and it never really had enough perceived interest to push it forward."[29] In December 2012, Microsoft's renewal for the Killer Instinct trademark was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office due to the possibility of the game being confused with the unrelated TV series of the same name that lasted for one season in 2005.[30][31] Microsoft had six months to respond to the ruling.[32][33] The trademark dispute was settled when Microsoft and Fox reached an agreement in April 2013.[34][35]

A showing of the game's demo version at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013

At the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013, Microsoft and Double Helix Games announced Killer Instinct exclusive for the Xbox One.[1] A trailer showed the series' mainstays Jago, Sabrewulf and Glacius. Ken Lobb said more characters would be announced at upcoming events such as Evolution Championship Series 2013, during which Chief Thunder's return was teased.[36][37] Two polls conducted by Double Helix asked fans what characters they would like to see return.[38][39]

A live demonstration of the title at E3 2013 between producer Torin Rettig and Xbox community manager Ashton Williams was poorly received by a number of bloggers, journalists and developers, including Jonathan Blow.[40] The demonstration had the two competing against one another and exchanging banter in a manner that some viewers interpreted as scripted and alluding to rape.[40] Williams later commented that the dialogue was unscripted and no ill intent was meant on the part of either individual.[41] Nevertheless, Microsoft's Phil Spencer issued an official apology stating in part that at Microsoft "bullying and harassment of any kind is not condoned and is taken very seriously."[40]

Following the announcement that Double Helix Games had been purchased by Amazon, Microsoft confirmed that support for Killer Instinct would continue, later announcing Iron Galaxy Studios as the developer of its Season Two content.[3][42]

Release

Killer Instinct was released as a free-to-play game that includes all available game modes but only one playable character, with the ability to purchase additional fighters individually. The sole playable character in the demo version rotates on a regular basis.[43] Alternatively, players can purchase the "Combo Breaker Pack" for a single fee, which will provide immediate access to all six launch characters, as well as early access to the first two post-launch fighters (collectively titled Season One). Players can also purchase the "Ultra Edition", which includes all eight Season One characters, sixteen additional character accessory packs, eight additional costumes, and a playable version of the original Killer Instinct arcade game under the title Killer Instinct Classic. A similar model is used for Killer Instinct: Season Two, allowing players to purchase the "Combo Breaker Pack", which included T.J. Combo and Maya at launch and allows early access to the six post-launch fighters, or the "Ultra Edition", which adds new character accessories, new costumes, and Killer Instinct 2 Classic. Season Two was released on October 15, 2014.[18][22][44]

A retail version of Killer Instinct was released on September 23, 2014. This physical release includes all the content included in the Season One Combo Breaker Pack, as well as early access to Season Two fighter T.J. Combo.[45]

An official arcade stick made by Mad Catz was released to coincide with the game's launch.[46] A double album set, containing the official Season One soundtrack and the Killer Cuts album, was released digitally on October 14, 2014.[18]

Reception

Season One

The game has received fairly positive critical reception, scoring a 73/100 and a 74.34% approval rating from aggregate review sites Metacritic and GameRankings respectively.[47][48] While many reviews praised the gameplay itself,[citation needed] the biggest qualm has been the lack of single-player content at launch.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b c Lien, Tracey (June 10, 2013). "Killer Instinct coming to Xbox One". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  2. ^ Leone, Matt (2013-06-14). "Defending Killer Instinct". Polygon. Retrieved 2014-01-19.
  3. ^ a b Sarkar, Samit (2014-03-27). "Killer Instinct gets a new developer, Fulgore title update arrives April 9". Polygon. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
  4. ^ "Rare involved. Ken Lobb "intimately involved"". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
  5. ^ "An Audience with Ken Lobb". Edge Online. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
  6. ^ "Microsoft Killer Instinct Future Still Safe". Gaming Bolt. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Killer Instinct Details and Credits for Xbox One". Metacritic. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
  8. ^ "About". Doublehelixgames.com. Retrieved 2014-01-19.
  9. ^ "Killer Instinct Video – E3 2013: Double Helix Interview". GameTrailers. 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  10. ^ "Defending Killer Instinct". Polygon.
  11. ^ "Former Namco Bandai employee FilthieRich working on new Killer Instinct, Mad Catz Tournament Edition 2 fight stick confirmed for Xbox One". EventHubs.
  12. ^ "Full Killer Instinct Panel at Evo 2013". IGN.
  13. ^ "Full Killer Instinct Panel - Evo 2014". IGN.
  14. ^ "The new season of Killer Instinct has arrived". The Daily Dot.
  15. ^ "Quick Look EX: Killer Instinct Season 2". Giant Bomb.
  16. ^ "E3 2013: Killer Instinct Is a Fun Free to Play Xbox One Launch Game". IGN. 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  17. ^ "Killer Instinct to offer classic announcer, costumes and music". Polygon. 2013-08-23. Retrieved 2013-09-21.
  18. ^ a b c d Jebailey, Alex (2014-08-12). "Killer Instinct Season 2 Official Full Press Release!". Retrieved 2014-08-12.
  19. ^ "Killer Instinct Kinect integration will help you in tournaments, says dev". Polygon. 2013-07-17. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  20. ^ Xbox One Help Guide Manual
  21. ^ "gamescom: Thunder Returns in Killer Instinct". News.xbox.com. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  22. ^ a b "Killer Instinct - Lobb on Future Characters - Gamescom 2013 - IGN Video". Ign.com. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  23. ^ "Fulgore, Spinal, and Cinder Set to Return in Killer Instinct, Developers Looking to Include More Female Characters « Shoryuken". Shoryuken.com. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  24. ^ "X10: Killer Instinct 3 is still a possibility". Destructoid. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  25. ^ "X10: Ken Lobb: Killer Instinct Has a Place on the XBLA – Xbox 360 News At". Xbox360achievements.org. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  26. ^ "A Rare Look at Rare from". 1UP.com. 1998-06-29. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  27. ^ "Donnchadh Murphy chats about Rare". NotEnoughShaders.com. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  28. ^ "Killer Instinct: Trademark Renewed". playxbla.com. 2012-09-23. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  29. ^ "NES – notenoughshaders.com – Crash Lab: Life after Rareware and Free Radical". Notenoughshaders.com. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  30. ^ "Microsoft denied Killer Instinct trademark renewal". GameSpot.com. Retrieved 2012-12-07.
  31. ^ Yin, Wesley (2012-12-04). "Microsoft denied Killer Instinct trademark because of little-known 7 year old TV show • News •". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  32. ^ Sliwinski, Alexander. "Killer Instinct trademark renewal rejected, what it means". Joystiq.
  33. ^ "Killer Instinct Trademark Renewal Refused". IGN. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  34. ^ John, Anthony (2013-04-04). "Microsoft settles its legal dispute with Fox over Killer Instinct". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  35. ^ "Microsoft And Fox Come To Terms Over Killer Instinct Trademark". GameInformer. 2013-04-04. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  36. ^ "Killer Instinct 720p 60fps Gameplay Interview With Ken Lobb – E3 2013". IGN. 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  37. ^ "Double Helix Games Teases Chief Thunder in Glacius' Killer Instinct Trailer « Shoryuken". Shoryuken.com. 2013-07-14. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
  38. ^ "Double Helix Games asking fans what characters they'd like to see in Killer Instinct". Eventhubs.com. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  39. ^ Duncan, Daniel. "EXCLUSIVE: Vote Now For Which Character You Want Back In Killer Instinct". Rarefandabase.com. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  40. ^ a b c "Did Microsoft presentation include rape joke?". SFgate.com. 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-06-12.
  41. ^ "Twitter / ashtonisVULCAN: The comments during the KI". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  42. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (2014-02-05). "Double Helix Games acquired by Amazon (update)". Polygon. Retrieved 2014-02-05.
  43. ^ "'Killer Instinct' launching as free-to-play digital download – Gaming News". Digital Spy. 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  44. ^ "Gamescom: Killer Instinct Season Two in 2014, Launch Explained". IGN. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  45. ^ McWhertor, Michael (2014-07-31). "Killer Instinct's first season is coming to retail with a TJ Combo combo". Polygon. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
  46. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (11 October 2013). "This is the official Killer Instinct arcade stick". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  47. ^ a b "Killer Instinct for Xbox One". GameRankings. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  48. ^ a b "Killer Instinct for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  49. ^ "Killer Instinct review". Edge Online. 2013-08-29. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  50. ^ "EGM Review: Killer Instinct". EGMNOW. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  51. ^ "Killer Instinct review". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  52. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (2013-11-26). "Killer Instinct Review". Giant Bomb. Retrieved 2014-01-19.
  53. ^ Peeples, Jeremy (28 November 2013). "Review: Killer Instinct". Hardcore Gamer. Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  54. ^ "Killer Instinct Review". IGN. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  55. ^ Hinkle, David. "Killer Instinct review: Content breaker". Joystiq. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  56. ^ "Official XBOX Magazine | Killer Instinct Xbox One review". Oxmonline.com. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
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