Killer Instinct

 Xbox One
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 656 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 362 out of 656
  2. Mixed: 102 out of 656
  3. Negative: 192 out of 656
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  1. fatheroftearsx
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    FINALLY! My favorite game of all time has come back! This game is the reason why I bought my xbox one! I used to play this game on my Nintendo until now! This game brings me back to the days when fighting games Were fun! I bought the full game and I haven't looked back since in fact I play this game more than any game that I bought on Xbox 1! Easy to pick up but hard to master just likeFINALLY! My favorite game of all time has come back! This game is the reason why I bought my xbox one! I used to play this game on my Nintendo until now! This game brings me back to the days when fighting games Were fun! I bought the full game and I haven't looked back since in fact I play this game more than any game that I bought on Xbox 1! Easy to pick up but hard to master just like the original! And must buy Xbox 1 game! The only people say something bad about this game or Playstation fanboys trolling because its not on their system! Buy it buy it buy it And I'll meet you online! ULTRA COOMMBOOO!… Expand
  2. SpazzBrozz
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I find it funny how if you click on the name of someone who scored this game a 0 you can see how they gave every Xbone game a 0 and there beloved PS4 games a 10....
  3. MrBurnham
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    People tend to mix up their fighters and not understanding the underlying concepts in a fighting game(truthfully there are some I'm still trying to grasp myself), the truth of the matter is fighting games are more akin to RTS than any other gaming genre things like spacing, resource management, frame data, hit/hurt boxes, move properties all come into effect during the match.The pricingPeople tend to mix up their fighters and not understanding the underlying concepts in a fighting game(truthfully there are some I'm still trying to grasp myself), the truth of the matter is fighting games are more akin to RTS than any other gaming genre things like spacing, resource management, frame data, hit/hurt boxes, move properties all come into effect during the match.The pricing model of Killer Instinct is also similar to an RTS, being free to download with a single character(I believe there are plans to rotate this character to diversify the experience),buying individual characters if you already know what you want with no further expense, the combo breaker pack being $20 US includes all of the season 1 cast of 8 characters(6 at launch),for the true killer instinct fans there's th $40US Ultra pack including all of the cast,classic costume,ports of the original Killer Instinct Arcade game with its set of achievements(versions 1.4 and 1.5).Similar to RTS games like LoL and Dota, the base of KI will be used as a platform to expand the current roster.As for gameplay mechanics, the game has a solid neutral game and footsies,extensive data available for those willing to put in lab time, uses Rollback netcode similar to Skullgirls giving it a smooth online playing experience,controls are tight but accessible to those new to fighting games, while running at a solid 60fps allowing this game to have 1 frame links called manuals(more advanced than the usual method of attack) which are extremely difficult to break on reaction. It encourages players to make it a battle of wits rather than a battle of dexterity, while there is still skill needed it encourages players by rewarding them when they get a good read(the combo breaker/counter breaker/shadow breaker/shadow counter mechanics) and doesn't penalize newcomers to fighting games.If you have a Xbox One at launch I would recommend picking up this game with the price($20US) and the size(approx 3GB),this revival of an old Rare IP stays true to its roots while building a strong foundation.My only gripes are the limited roster at launch however with a full roster I could see this game easily being a 9.5 and it's one of the best games available in the store at launch, if anything download for free and form an opinion of it yourself. In conclusion, the future looks bright for Killer Instinct,with its intuitive combat design, in-depth training mode and buttery smooth online play,it only needs fleshing out the roster and additional single player, I heavily suggest you pick up this title.… Expand
  4. TandemEngine
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I'm digging the combat not too scrub friendly, but not too hard at entry level.Good connections (heard it uses rollback gg),nothing game breaking at launch,small roster right now. One thing i noticed dynamic music (really cranks up when you're in danger,between rounds),rounds similar to Injustice or rather Injustice has one similar to this game.I'd pick it up from the MS store.
  5. kagebatsu
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    This game was the reason I bought an XboxONE last year. I have been a fan of killer instinct since the first game, which i played on SNES. I have fond memories of that little black cartridge, me making up nonsense lyrics for Orchid's theme, and me smashing buttons and managing an ultra combo with cinder (how the hell did i do that?). I got KI2 on N64 and for a goo, what, 15 years? I waitedThis game was the reason I bought an XboxONE last year. I have been a fan of killer instinct since the first game, which i played on SNES. I have fond memories of that little black cartridge, me making up nonsense lyrics for Orchid's theme, and me smashing buttons and managing an ultra combo with cinder (how the hell did i do that?). I got KI2 on N64 and for a goo, what, 15 years? I waited for a sequel. When KI was announced for XB1, I flipped. Then I played the game and was immediately transported back to KI1.

    I honestly don't understand the hatred this game receives. I really don't.

    I read reviews complaining the game is nothing like the original, and then in the same breath, that the game copies the fighting mechanic from the first game. One reviewer on this site wrote: "The gameplay is straight out of 1997--nothing new here." But in the previous sentence, s/he says that the game is nothing like the originals.

    What?

    I hate dubstep. I am ashamed whenever I hear it. But Killer Instinct's soundtrack makes me change my mind. Each of the new tracks I hear has some piece of the original songs. What's even more impressive: I believe no one from the original series worked on this new kI, and yet they still managed to capture that sound that the original games had. That shows you how much time and energy the developers actually put into playing the original games (or at least researching).

    The characters I will agree do not look as flashy and sexy as, say, the new ones in MKX. However, I think they look way better than the characters in SF4. I'm sorry, at least Jago doesn't look like this thighs are bigger than his head. Can anyone honestly say that they like the SF4 character models better than KI's? Seriously?

    The combo system in this game is SO addictive. I've fought against a guy who did a triple/230 hit ultra combo against me. Then I discover that that is incredibly difficult to do--it takes a bit of practice. It's so fun to watch/play against someone who really knows what theyre doing in this game. I think the combos look energetic, fun, dynamic, and aggressive. Again, the sound! The sound effects in this game are top notch. Ultra combo hits make their own music! Navigating the menus echoes the KI1 theme! WTF this game is freaking cool.

    C-C-C-COUNTER BREAKER. ULTRA! all of that mess is back, and better, in my opinion.

    The pricing model that the game works on is what I enjoy. Many game companies nowadays are releasing incomplete games (Destiny, for example, which I love, mind you), and then charging for DLC not months after the incomplete game is released. I've never played such an honest and friendly game. I really feel like the developers listen to fans and aren't trying to gouge them for money every chance they get. Sure, there are microtransactions, but they do have to make money somehow on the game. They release an incomplete game, and instead of forcing me to pay 60 bucks for it, they say: here, pay 5 bucks per character, or 20 bucks per season, and we'll keep you updated on when new seasons and characters and game modes come out. How friendly is that? I love it.

    The new season changes and improvements tell me that the developers are truly devoted to fans. Kan-ra is so freaking cool. Cinder is back. Riptor. TJ combo. And they are adding new females (ARIA, one of the few female bosses in fighting games I can think of).

    The UI is sick. I love it. I disagree with the people who think it looks blocky. Check out the small details on Fulgore's costume design. Each color has a different emblem (xbox, double helix, rareware).

    I honestly feel like there are people who just don't want to like this game, and then they come up with excuses as to why it's bad. Seriously, some people think this is on the same level of bad as RISE OF THE ROBOTS? are you kidding me? go home with that mess.

    do you know what this game would look like if it were *actually* bad?

    It would crash every fight (I don't think I've EVER gotten disconnected from a fight in this game; compare that to SCV which drops me if my connection goes below a 3). Battles would lag so much you'd get intimate with Orchid real fast. The game would be broken in deep ways: combos wouldn't connect because of balancing issues; one character could beat the rest because with relative ease since he has a move that was OP. The soundtrack could have NOTHING to do with the original KI games. The storyline wouldn't even mention ultratech. Do you see where I'm going here? Do we now know what is truly a bad game? Class dismissed.

    Seriously, for everyone who hopped up here and gave the game a ZERO (*facepalm*, seriously, again, a zero? that's reserved for games that don't even boot up properly), why don't you carefully remove your head from your rear end and go play it again.    … Expand
  6. mray833
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    So much fun! and the fighting mechanics is incredible! I prefer this game and it's season DLC over MK9. So glad they never gave up on this game and keep supporting it.
  7. Plasmaneedle
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    While six characters seems short on content it actually proved beneficial. All characters are unique with their own playstyle and since there are so few it's easy to learn to play as and against them all making fights all the more intense. Worth it for any fighter fan.
  8. shinkuhadoken
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    I would normally not even bother writing a review for a game let alone giving a game a 10. This game though is amazing.
    The game is friendly to newer players who might not be great at fighting games. They are able to jump right in and have a great time. This game has the best training that I have ever seen in a fighting game. It teaches you basics so that you can play any fighting    I would normally not even bother writing a review for a game let alone giving a game a 10. This game though is amazing.
    The game is friendly to newer players who might not be great at fighting games. They are able to jump right in and have a great time. This game has the best training that I have ever seen in a fighting game. It teaches you basics so that you can play any fighting game not just this one.

    The combat system is really great! There is something for everyone! Mind games, combos, combo breakers, bluffs etc!
    This game has it all! ULTRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    … Expand
  9. MrFilmCutz
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    one word review, amazing, plus you get the classic version of the KI when u buy the Ultra edition. I can not put this game down. Takes me back to the 90's all over again.
  10. DrSpence
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    Excellent game with get up and go capabilities! Top of the line fighter! What i really thought was a cool feature ,is by this game being on the hard drive i can watch tv, on commercials snap tv , and pkay a couple rounds of killer instinct. Totally sweet. All the characters are cool, no filler all killer
  11. Elysium_AM
    Feb 13, 2014
    10
    This is how you continue a game. I played the originals and loved them! But this, this is a work of art:

    Graphically this game is amazing, all the particle effects look awesome and don't distract enough to keep you focused on those combos with the high resolution stages and at a locked 60FPS that's just to marvel at. The speed of combat when compared to the originals, makes the    This is how you continue a game. I played the originals and loved them! But this, this is a work of art:

    Graphically this game is amazing, all the particle effects look awesome and don't distract enough to keep you focused on those combos with the high resolution stages and at a locked 60FPS that's just to marvel at.

    The speed of combat when compared to the originals, makes the originals look like playing a chess game without the clock. I though KI was fast originally, but this games has caused me the inability to play the original, simply because the speed comparison is so radical!

    The re-imagining of the characters are beautifully done, Spinal now looks like an undead nightmare and not some generic skeleton (Not that I'm complaining as the tech at the time of the original wouldn't allow for an amazingly detailed character).

    The online, the ping is amazing! There is that occasion of a lagging match, but 90% of the time it is just so seemingly lag free I forget I'm playing online!

    I only have one complain and that's the lack of story mode, but which KI had a story mode? This is a game I am looking forward to seeing develop! The Speed, The Graphics, The Pure Sheer Awesomeness that is: "KILLER INSTINCT!"    … Expand
  12. damechange
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    This game has amazing netcode, there's no lag at all. It's very responsive, addictive, and matches are very exciting. I've been playing for hours and my thumbs are sore.

    I play with the D-Pad, because the fight stick is super expensive, I'm not getting it, lol. You can pull most of the combos with the pad anyways
  13. RecoveryRx
    Nov 28, 2013
    6
    I question people giving this game 10's and even 9's for that matter, because while the fighting engine itself is fun, this is one of the most bare bones fighting games I've seen released in countless years. And we aren't reviewing here what the game COULD be after multiple months and DLC's this is what the game is now. This was clearly an EXTREMELY rushed game which can be seen in theI question people giving this game 10's and even 9's for that matter, because while the fighting engine itself is fun, this is one of the most bare bones fighting games I've seen released in countless years. And we aren't reviewing here what the game COULD be after multiple months and DLC's this is what the game is now. This was clearly an EXTREMELY rushed game which can be seen in the miniscule fighter line-up, total absence of most modes and features many fighting games launch with now, and lack of other things like No-mercy's, ultimates, stage fatalities, etc things the devs have even confirmed they just haven't had time to add in but will sometime in the FUTURE.

    So maybe in the future this game will be a 8-10, but right now the highest I can give it judging the whole package is a 6.    … Expand
  14. EpikRaikku
    May 26, 2014
    9
    This game was awesome! The announcer Ranging from DOUBLE to ULTRAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! makes you feel like you accomplished something. Also the characters have great new designs, Graphics are great, a bit hard to figure out at first but then you get the hang of the combos. This game is worth the money
  15. PlaceboHead
    Oct 20, 2014
    10
    Killer Instinct is EXACTLY how Modern Fighters should feel! I won't lie: I bought an Xbox One exclusively for this game. As a diehard Nintendo fanboy, I've grown up with Jago, Orchid, Glacius and rest. But, those games didn't age too well. Choppy animations, Cookie Cutter characters (everyone throws fireballs, has a Dragon Uppercut, ect ect), and lack of replay value.

    KI 3 (as I'll call    Killer Instinct is EXACTLY how Modern Fighters should feel! I won't lie: I bought an Xbox One exclusively for this game. As a diehard Nintendo fanboy, I've grown up with Jago, Orchid, Glacius and rest. But, those games didn't age too well. Choppy animations, Cookie Cutter characters (everyone throws fireballs, has a Dragon Uppercut, ect ect), and lack of replay value.

    KI 3 (as I'll call the X1 version) takes the game mechanics and refines them to perfection. Attacks, Specials, Combos, and Combo Breakers make up the essentials of the fights. Shadow meters build and allow for super charged attacks with various benefits. There is a Rock, Paper, Scissor system under the hood that makes the game a giant mind game against your opponent. Do you go for a manual combo (harder to pull off but harder to break)? Or a quick and easy less damaging combo? What about a few fireballs at a distance to dram them in, then get them with an Shadow Opener?

    Game Modes are: Arcade (with 3 endings per character), VS (online and off), Training Dojo (Boot Camp), Practice, and Survival.

    Items can be unlocked for character customization to add flair.

    All this for $20. This is an INSANE deal for fighting fans. Next Gen graphics, gameplay, and characters that all have different play styles.

    A Must Buy for any X1 owner    … Expand
  16. pabloytalo
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. AMAZING!!!!! C-C-C-C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!!!!Gorgeous graphics, solid 60 fps, very well refurbished characters I hope very much for arcade mode and Fulgore and Spinal. Besides simply FANTASTIC… Expand
  17. KaliniuS
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Absolutely incredible. One of the best fighting games to be released in the last 10 years. The core fighting engine is solid and addicting and the game will only get better over time.
  18. PTPHollowpoint
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    This is a very competent fighter. First off give it a try (it's free to play-one character) and try the Dojo mode FIRST. After completing some of the challenges you will start to feel like a serious badass, with some combo skills to boot. DON'T BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS FROM PLAYSTATION FANS THAT NEVER PLAYED IT. Every Xbox One owner will own this game in whole or part, and it's a greatThis is a very competent fighter. First off give it a try (it's free to play-one character) and try the Dojo mode FIRST. After completing some of the challenges you will start to feel like a serious badass, with some combo skills to boot. DON'T BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS FROM PLAYSTATION FANS THAT NEVER PLAYED IT. Every Xbox One owner will own this game in whole or part, and it's a great way to spend a few minutes here and there. Easy to pick up (after learning the basics) but rewarding to master. I tried this game pre release at an xbox event and was beaten down terribly, but now that I've had a chance to spend time with it I have really enjoyed my time with it.The audience is going to be huge and support will be around forever due to the free to play model. Stop reading this and download it!… Expand
  19. Prezident
    Jun 14, 2015
    10
    Best game ever! FINALLY! My favorite ip of all time has come back! I play this game more than any fighting before! This game is the reason why I bought my xbox one!
  20. filemon204
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    The game shows promise to be tournament material. The pro's will embrace it because it's game mechanics are suitable for pro play, advanced play and also casuals will have at their disposal a complete tutorial (in fact one of the best tutorials in FG history) to dive deeper into KI's mechanics. The combo system is more flexible than ever, and the gameplay is fast and eye-catching.The game shows promise to be tournament material. The pro's will embrace it because it's game mechanics are suitable for pro play, advanced play and also casuals will have at their disposal a complete tutorial (in fact one of the best tutorials in FG history) to dive deeper into KI's mechanics. The combo system is more flexible than ever, and the gameplay is fast and eye-catching.

    Players who played the original games back in 1995, will have their hands full because there's plenty of throwbacks and fan service for them (Shall them purchase the Ultra version for 40$) Unlockable classic music, costumes,(! and the original emulated Killer Instinct 1! as a stand alone download).

    The game's business model will have it in constant expansion, with the inclusion of story mode later this year with season 2 (circa the end of May-July) adding eight more characters (both classic and new) and fatalities, stage knockoffs, and probably online play for emulated 1994's Killer Instinct.

    Pros:
    The free version rotates it's free character so you will eventually try them all. The free version also has all game modes available.
    If you are not into unlockables and classic stuff, the 20$ edition is almost a steal. 8 characters, tutorial mode, all game modes
    Fast, vibrant gameplay for casuals, advanced, and pro's. Adictive, you will stack dozens of matches and you'll come back for more.

    Cons:
    Limited roster at launch
    Graphics are OK, many eye candy visual effects but not really next-gen material. May improve in the future.
    Limited game modes (they will be added later)
    40$ version is a bit expensive for the amount of content it provides ATM.    … Expand
  21. righteous_hack
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    Most important, this game runs at 60fps!!! Great fluid gameplay, and a nice tournament style of play. For me I LOVED the original, so this gave me my fix. Looking forward to getting TJ Combo, or Spinal in the future. How fired up is "COUNTER-BREAKER!!!"
  22. N12NJA
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    Best netcode in a fighting game so far meaning great online play. Beautifully animated smooth 60fps. Impressive particle effects/rain etc. Dynamic music reacts to what is happening on screen. Dynamic lighting.

    The combo system is brilliant instead of mvc3 where you are stuck hoping your opponent drops their combo it is a continuous battle between you testing both mind games and    Best netcode in a fighting game so far meaning great online play. Beautifully animated smooth 60fps. Impressive particle effects/rain etc. Dynamic music reacts to what is happening on screen. Dynamic lighting.

    The combo system is brilliant instead of mvc3 where you are stuck hoping your opponent drops their combo it is a continuous battle between you testing both mind games and reactions do you go for the more easily breakable autodouble that is easy damage or go for the manual combo that is hard to break but requires tighter timing do you go light attack for easier to pull off or heavy for more damage do you cash out your combo now or keep going for even more damage do you not continue your combo as you anticipate their combo breaker and instead do a counter breaker it's just genius and is going to be so hype in competitions! =)

    All characters are very unique and at the moment seem viable. Each has their own instinct power that does a unique thing for each character as well such as life steal traps armor etc.

    You can still move between rounds which adds another element to the game and doesn't automatically cause issues with balance for zoning champs.
    So much in this game is done right yes there may be only 6 characters right now but more are on their way and each of those characters is amazing.

    This game takes everything that is good about mvc3 hype and combos and streetfighter footsies and adds new stuff on top of it.

    An amazing dojo training system that teachers new players fundamentals. I've tried to get into fighting games in the past and really struggled this has really helped me understand so much, not just in this game but in all fighting games.

    It's free to try out the whole game with Jago so there is no excuse give it a try now and don't miss out on the best fighting game I've ever played.

    Cheers for reading.    … Expand
  23. xv2010lx
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    It has almost been 20 years since the first Killer Instinct was released. The wait is finally over. A new Killer Instinct game is finally here. Killer Instinct at it's core, is all about the gameplay. I am happy to say the attention Double Helix paid to this game is admirable. The music composed by Mick Gordon is amazing and plays a tribute to the past while clashing with a modern sound.It has almost been 20 years since the first Killer Instinct was released. The wait is finally over. A new Killer Instinct game is finally here. Killer Instinct at it's core, is all about the gameplay. I am happy to say the attention Double Helix paid to this game is admirable. The music composed by Mick Gordon is amazing and plays a tribute to the past while clashing with a modern sound. Below I listed the good points and bad points along with my overall verdict of the game.

    The Good:
    -It is fun!
    -Gameplay filled with nostalgia, twisted mind games, and rewards
    -Music is awesome
    -KI teaches and tailors how to play fighting games for the new or advanced player
    -Customization for characters & Original KI Skins (Coming Soon!)
    -Original Announcer is back(Awesome Victories sound awesome)
    -The game will grow with time (Characters, Story Mode, No Mercies, Humiliations)
    -Ultraaaaaa and CCCombo Breakers are back!!
    -Game Records your matches and allows playing frame by frame or in slow motion
    -Entire game for free w/Jago, $20 for game and all characters, $40 for game, characters, accessories, original KI Skins, and the original KI game for XONE.
    -In Game Unlockables (Not Free-to-Play)

    The Bad:
    -Waiting for the story mode, characters(Spinal Fulfore, but they are coming!!!), original KI skins, no mercies, humiliations and season 2

    The Verdict: If you are a fan of Killer Instinct, you will love this game. This game was made from longtime fans of KI who are paying a wonderful respectable tribute to the original team of Rare who developed the original KI. Double Helix cares about the fans, respects KI, and is very involved with the KI community. The Original creator of KI, Ken Lobb was heavily involved and trust me, it shows. My first game was KI for the SNES, and this game warrants my buy for an Xone. But dont take my word, for it play it. Killer Instinct is no rip off, it is an entire beast in its own level. Play it, it's better than reading reviews online. Enjoy.    … Expand
  24. NachoNinjaNuts
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    I'm not generally a fighting game player so take my review for what it's worth but seeing as I played KI as a kid I was pretty excited to play it again. The lack of a single player story mode of some sort was disappointing but the ranked multiplayer and character customizations more than make up for it in my opinion. I've already lost many hours on this game and I don't plan on slowingI'm not generally a fighting game player so take my review for what it's worth but seeing as I played KI as a kid I was pretty excited to play it again. The lack of a single player story mode of some sort was disappointing but the ranked multiplayer and character customizations more than make up for it in my opinion. I've already lost many hours on this game and I don't plan on slowing down. Plus 2000 gamerscore to earn between New KI and Classic KI with more achievements to come with next "season's" new characters.… Expand
  25. grassninja
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    There's not a lot here- 6 characters w/2 more on the way, no arcade ladder, only 2 online options- but what is here is extremely solid. If you're casual and just want to mash buttons against your friends you can, if you want to be competitive there's a commendable amount of depth, the netcode is damn near perfect, and the training options cater to everyone from casuals to the mostThere's not a lot here- 6 characters w/2 more on the way, no arcade ladder, only 2 online options- but what is here is extremely solid. If you're casual and just want to mash buttons against your friends you can, if you want to be competitive there's a commendable amount of depth, the netcode is damn near perfect, and the training options cater to everyone from casuals to the most hardcore. The ability to see hitboxes and frame data not only in dojo, but during replays is spectacular.
    If you are turned off by the lack of content it may be best to hold out for a few months, but as a free download ($20 for the full roster) it's hard not to recommend this game to any Xbox One owner. Overall a very solid experience.    … Expand
  26. dixonthejewbag
    Dec 12, 2013
    9
    I was a huge fan of the OG KI when i was younger so i wanted to avoid being biased. That being said, holy crap is the game awesome. Okay lets get all the obvious complaints out of the way. Yes it's true it lacks content. Yes it's true the character roster is a bit small. And Yes it's true that no story mode its a bit disappointing, but all that was a given. We all expected that whenI was a huge fan of the OG KI when i was younger so i wanted to avoid being biased. That being said, holy crap is the game awesome. Okay lets get all the obvious complaints out of the way. Yes it's true it lacks content. Yes it's true the character roster is a bit small. And Yes it's true that no story mode its a bit disappointing, but all that was a given. We all expected that when we learned that KI was being released less then a year into production. Now lets get to why this game is in fact amazing. It looks beautiful. Between the crazy particle effects and the consistent 60fps it's one of the best, if not the best looking fighters out there. Character design is always a matter of opinion and i personally think they did pretty good and modernizing the character models, and giving us multiple skins and colors to customize to your own preferences makes it even better. Something that is so important in modern online fighters and online games in general is the net code. I haven't seen anyone talking about it but this game's net code probably the most superior net code of any fighting game on a console ever. In terms of a connection quality of about 2000 mile distance KI pretty much blows everything else out of the water. Now in a fighter like KI what we really care about is the combat. How good is it? Well at first when i was learning all the different mechanics of the game and getting into the meta I was a little overwhelmed. I almost thought that KI was over designed. But, as I learned more about the game and got more proficient at it I learned that everything had its place in the game and was an important part of the game. Everything from the combo breakers to the counter breakers to the shadow counters all feel relevant and important and you'll find yourself needing to use each of them. We all know and love KI for its ridiculously over the top combos and the new KI is no different. what Microsoft did so well though was making a combat system that even when you're getting beat down by a long combo you still have to pay attention and still have things you can do so its not a one sided show. all in all KI is a great game that Microsoft is treating as a platform for future content. As long as it's being supported they'll keep adding to it and i personally can't wait to see what they come up with.… Expand
  27. AaronG513
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    A 6.1 user score is laughable, this is the best and most fun Ive had with a fighting game in...well ever. KI IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER. Graphics, Gameplay, Presentation and Price are all amazing. Cant wait for the Classic Costumes in the Ultra Pack!
  28. Marcio_Oliveira
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I'm from Brazil and I would like to say to Double Helix Games: THANK YOU GUYS! The best fighting game I ever Played! I'm 31 years old and I'm in love with new KI. Really, it's imposible a game like that receive 9.0 less scores... This game is awesome!!! Thank You Guys, really, I'm very excited and very happy! Great JOB!!! I'm already big fan of yours!
  29. xRiceCakesxx
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Amazing game! It's user friendly and incredibly deep for a fighting game. Graphics are phenomenal and videos online don't do it justice. Definite must play!
  30. jpizzle
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    Really loving this game, great fighting game and can't wait for Spinal and Fulgore to come out and season two as well. Pick this up you haven't already!
  31. varietygamer
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    As a package this is a bare-bones fighter, with few characters and levels to choose from. This content-deficit is mitigated somewhat by the fact that this game comes with the Killer Instinct Arcade Classic as a free bonus.

    As a fighting game it is a very technically competent title and combat is very fun. Consider it a game with solid foundations, but the content is presently a work in    As a package this is a bare-bones fighter, with few characters and levels to choose from. This content-deficit is mitigated somewhat by the fact that this game comes with the Killer Instinct Arcade Classic as a free bonus.

    As a fighting game it is a very technically competent title and combat is very fun. Consider it a game with solid foundations, but the content is presently a work in progress. Come back in a year from now and you will find a great fighting classic. For now it serves as a great distraction.    … Expand
  32. RokketDawg
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    Killer Instinct has been away for far too long. I enjoyed the Arcade, SNES and N64 versions of the game and I was concerned about Double Helix working this version of the game. Thankfully, they had access to Ken Lobb, who was one of the original programmers with Rare when the Killer Instinct games were created. The game is one of the flashiest I have ever seen and while it's not nearlyKiller Instinct has been away for far too long. I enjoyed the Arcade, SNES and N64 versions of the game and I was concerned about Double Helix working this version of the game. Thankfully, they had access to Ken Lobb, who was one of the original programmers with Rare when the Killer Instinct games were created. The game is one of the flashiest I have ever seen and while it's not nearly on par with the Street Fighter series, it is still a lot of fun to play and nearly as much fun to watch. Every blow and combo is vicious and very dramatic, not only visually but also audibly. The sound during the match is intense and adds to the excitement, but the music is a mixed bag (some will like it, but it's more likely many will not). The combo system feels familiar to anyone who has played the originals, but it is also a bit cheap in some regards since a successful blow to your opponent opens them up to more damaging combos. The upside to this is the now famous "C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!!!" heard in nearly every video you have ever seen of the game. With this in mind, there is a bit more depth to the franchise which is a very welcome change and makes the game seem less dated that it would have been otherwise. The only real downside to this game seems to be the lack of content. Free to Play means 1 fighter Jago. A $20 purchase will net 6 characters. More fighters will be released incrementally, but it has to be said Microsoft...you REALLY need to release a complete game and NOT relay on DLC to clean up! All in all though, this is a very entertaining fighter that is sure to see some rounds at the next EVO.… Expand
  33. LeFroglet
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    Amazing, and more content coming in Jan 2014 and March 2014 aswell as being constantly updated the gameplay is brilliant and so deep with the mindgames. Love it.
  34. icadaT
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    The game is a little light on content, but rest assured there is loads more to come... and with this price point, who can complain? Double Helix have done extremely well to haul this fighter out of the 90's abyss and have delivered a truly kick-ass product. Supreme audio and visual work, flawless netcode makes this game the killer app to own an Xbox One for. Ultraaaaa Combo!
  35. Seesh
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    Solid fighting game. Due to the lack of fighting games during both consoles initial releases, Killer Instinct is a no-brainer for Xbox One owners who enjoy games of this genre. It's most like Street Fighter 4 if I had to make a comparison. It definitely brings it's own flair and style however. Very fun unleashing massive combos. The Ultra Edition is a good value considering you get twoSolid fighting game. Due to the lack of fighting games during both consoles initial releases, Killer Instinct is a no-brainer for Xbox One owners who enjoy games of this genre. It's most like Street Fighter 4 if I had to make a comparison. It definitely brings it's own flair and style however. Very fun unleashing massive combos. The Ultra Edition is a good value considering you get two arcade versions of the original Killer Instinct that are standalone.… Expand
  36. kad
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Absolutely fantastic next-gen fighting game! 60fps, beautiful effects and amazing attention to detail in every animation! The mechanics are great too, amazing combos and great tournament format. 10/10
  37. AngryJoesnum1Fa
    Mar 25, 2014
    5
    I can not stress my overall fun and disappointment right now for this game. I will just wait until the full game is completed with all the characters! I hope a COMPLETE PC port comes out next year! It is fun but insulting. It's like a tired out series that slaps you in the face while you are forcing yourself to have a good time while trying to ignore the constant slaps.
  38. Watty9923
    Apr 6, 2015
    3
    Very disappointed. I am a huge fan of the series but this game didn't do anything special to make it stand out in today's market. The levels look so boring with little to nothing happening. The gameplay is good but it doesn't feel as fun as it used to. Just not enough new here.
  39. zaxortus
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    Fantastic fighting game, I´ve been playing for a lot of hours and still addicted to it. I don't give it a 10 because it has a lot of glitches, some minors, others not so much, including loosing all the tiles and statics.
    If you want a good fighting game and link combos this is for you.
  40. Myles_Prower
    Jan 24, 2014
    8
    This is the first fighting game I've ever played and I hugely enjoy it, the action is intense and complex making it engaging you want to play just one more match all the time to try something out, despite only 8 characters in season 1 each one is incredibly different to another in the way they play and in appearance, it also takes time to master each character properly and focus on usingThis is the first fighting game I've ever played and I hugely enjoy it, the action is intense and complex making it engaging you want to play just one more match all the time to try something out, despite only 8 characters in season 1 each one is incredibly different to another in the way they play and in appearance, it also takes time to master each character properly and focus on using them to the best of their abilities. Graphics are beautiful with particle effects showing the stage when special moves are performed with well modelled and animated characters all running at an unflinching 60 fps. At the time of writing this the game has not many game modes with only 1 Vs. 1 matches and a survival mode with ranked and unranked multiplayer however arcade modes and a campaign has been confirmed to be added in March free of charge in addition to a steady stream of updates and balancing. My only issue is that I wish all the content was available from launch and there was more customisation for the characters, but for next gen graphics and gameplay for only $20 it is very well priced.… Expand
  41. Fabrizzio1000
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    I'm digging the combat not too scrub friendly, but not too hard at entry level.Good connections (heard it uses rollback gg),nothing game breaking at launch,small roster right now. One thing i noticed dynamic music (really cranks up when you're in danger,between rounds),rounds similar to Injustice or rather Injustice has one similar to this game.I'd pick it up from the MS store.
  42. Rico
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    The combat is deep. The mind games are intense. The potential for this game when all the pieces come together may make this one the one to watch out for.
  43. Fawz
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    The new Killer Instinct is a fantastic new addition to great series that had been dead for almost two decades. The core spirit of the series was maintained but the the fighting mechanics got a much needed revamp to keep up with modern fighting games.

    The game's mechanics are superbly designed to be accessible yet still retain great depth by focusing on mind-games instead of complex    The new Killer Instinct is a fantastic new addition to great series that had been dead for almost two decades. The core spirit of the series was maintained but the the fighting mechanics got a much needed revamp to keep up with modern fighting games.

    The game's mechanics are superbly designed to be accessible yet still retain great depth by focusing on mind-games instead of complex inputs or long lists of combos to remember. Every aspect of the fighting mechanics has a variant or twist to ensure there is always multiple valid options the player can make, and the game heavily rewards remaining active and participating in the fight.

    The game is set-up more as a long-term platform for future content and game mode addons, as such the game is currently a bit lacking in content compared to other recent fighting games. What content is in the game however is of the utmost quality, with great attention to details and fantastic audio all around.

    So long as KI keeps getting new characters, stages and game modes it'll be well on it's way to becoming one of the top fighting games out there.    … Expand
  44. adam99x
    Dec 7, 2013
    9
    Lets just say that after years of waiting, I got the fighting game that I've been waiting for. I love Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, heck, even BlazBlue, but none of those games have the intensity that Killer Instinct has. People are going to complain about lack of characters/modes, but those are most likely people trying to put the game down (Sony Fanboys) or gamers that can't play theLets just say that after years of waiting, I got the fighting game that I've been waiting for. I love Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, heck, even BlazBlue, but none of those games have the intensity that Killer Instinct has. People are going to complain about lack of characters/modes, but those are most likely people trying to put the game down (Sony Fanboys) or gamers that can't play the game because it's only on Xbox One. Let me tell you this game is worth every penny. At any rate, it does get a little tiresome playing against the same two characters online (Jago and Sabrewulf) online since they are the games easier characters to master...just like how Ryu and Ken from the Street Fighter games (play exactly the same in a sense). I, myself, love using Glacius because not only is he unique, but he can attack you anywhere on the screen...but he's also very vulnerable for being so range heavy. So you have to give and take. Anyway, don't listen to the bashers. This game rocks on every level. UULLLLTRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  45. Whoami
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    Best game ever, you start with only one character and I love microtransactions, gets me off, makes me feel all hot and gooey....Nowadays its rare that rarely puts out good games anymore, but this game is great at manipulating people into microtransation... MMM my favorite with a side of bacon... I wanna put killer instinct as the hall of fame game
  46. MastrMeatWad
    Nov 26, 2013
    9
    This game is a blast. I LOVE killer instinct and was a skeptic about this version. It plays so well and the character balance is darn near perfect. The DOJO mode is the best tutorial/dojo mode on a fighter yet. Great explanations and teaches you how to play fighters. The graphics are gorgeous as well as the character models. The effects are great the shadow moves look stunning.
    The    This game is a blast. I LOVE killer instinct and was a skeptic about this version. It plays so well and the character balance is darn near perfect. The DOJO mode is the best tutorial/dojo mode on a fighter yet. Great explanations and teaches you how to play fighters. The graphics are gorgeous as well as the character models. The effects are great the shadow moves look stunning.
    The first character is free, and you can pay for the complete package that includes six characters now, and two more later. The price is half of a full retail release and some missing extras shows why it is not a full fledge $60 title. You have a superb Vs mode, surivival, dojo, but missing any kind of story element. My only complaint is I want more because it plays so well. I would have gladly paid another 30 dollars for more content, it is that good. For what you get it is worth it though, and very fun.    … Expand
  47. x3mer
    Nov 26, 2013
    10
    The fighting gameplay mechanics is very deep. Love the mind games. The game looks better in person than in the videos. Online is solid, no lags so far. Spinal and Fulgore are coming. Double Helix plan to expand the game by adding features which is awesome. The tutorial mode is very interesting as it teaches the main fighting mechanics of not just Killer Instinct, but fighting gamesThe fighting gameplay mechanics is very deep. Love the mind games. The game looks better in person than in the videos. Online is solid, no lags so far. Spinal and Fulgore are coming. Double Helix plan to expand the game by adding features which is awesome. The tutorial mode is very interesting as it teaches the main fighting mechanics of not just Killer Instinct, but fighting games overall. Characters come with different colors and you can customize their attire. Original Killer Instinct Skins are coming as well as more characters(TJ Combo, Cinder, Riptor), No Mercies, Humiliations, and new modes. Can't stop playing this game. The original KI announcer is back and this game is honestly a great tribute to the original Rare team. Ken Lobb, the creator of KI was heavily involved. Who would have thought Double Helix could actually pull it off. This game will be a great welcome to fighting tournaments. Super cool how it records your matches and allows you to go back and play it frame by frame or in slow motion to see your mistakes. The music composed by Mick Gordon clashes with a modern yet familiar sound. Hope a cd soundtrack is released or at least released digitally in itunes. All in all, if you are a fan of Killer Instinct this game may surpass your expectations. Can't recommend it enough.… Expand
  48. lumore
    Nov 27, 2013
    10
    I got a blister......Killer Instinct is legit.

    Double Helix had 10 months to develop a beloved fighting game classic that has not seen the day of light since the mid 90's. The pressure was on, but oh man did they deliver. The gameplay is fun, twisted, and deep. The music by Mick Gordon fits perfectly. The stages are awesome. The old KI announcer is back. No glitches or bugs online. Lots    I got a blister......Killer Instinct is legit.

    Double Helix had 10 months to develop a beloved fighting game classic that has not seen the day of light since the mid 90's. The pressure was on, but oh man did they deliver. The gameplay is fun, twisted, and deep. The music by Mick Gordon fits perfectly. The stages are awesome. The old KI announcer is back. No glitches or bugs online. Lots of customization and color variation for characters. KI teaches you how to play and get better. The game also records your matches. More characters and content to come. Can't stop playing this game.    … Expand
  49. Kadeemluvmusic
    Dec 6, 2013
    7
    Since the SNES started to wind down in the late 90s, I was totally into Killer Instinct. That was one of my favorite fighting games of all time. After nearly 2 decades, the new (and seemingly disappointing XBOX One) started to reboot a forgotten franchise that desperately needs a third sequel and it finally got what fans deserved. But I thought Mortal Kombat was better than Killer InstinctSince the SNES started to wind down in the late 90s, I was totally into Killer Instinct. That was one of my favorite fighting games of all time. After nearly 2 decades, the new (and seemingly disappointing XBOX One) started to reboot a forgotten franchise that desperately needs a third sequel and it finally got what fans deserved. But I thought Mortal Kombat was better than Killer Instinct because I felt that the new KI isn't ready for a comeback just yet. The characters were fully resigned including my favorite, Black Orchid, but they didn't add more fan-favorite fighters like we seriously want Maya and Kim Wu in the mix and that's why KI was a disappointment at E3 this year. There were a lot of problems including the reason why Killer Instinct is now an exclusive instead of a retail version on the XBOX One, why the new reboot avoided an M-rated content, and how this game is 15 years way too long. It's still a good game but needs to add more characters and hopefully things will be better in no time unlees a Teen-rated game is unnecessary and incoherent.… Expand
  50. asjklasjklas
    May 15, 2014
    8
    Unless you aren't into the disappointingly minimal and unoriginal -- even after DLC has been purchased, and there is a lot -- overall atmosphere in comparison to many other greater fighters, don't let its minor flaws negate the experience; Killer Instinct revives everything that made its 90s predecessors classics and refines it marvelously, it's especially done well thanks to some strikingUnless you aren't into the disappointingly minimal and unoriginal -- even after DLC has been purchased, and there is a lot -- overall atmosphere in comparison to many other greater fighters, don't let its minor flaws negate the experience; Killer Instinct revives everything that made its 90s predecessors classics and refines it marvelously, it's especially done well thanks to some striking visuals and casual and competitive friendly controls.… Expand
  51. dacritic82
    Apr 23, 2015
    3
    You can only give this game a high score if you still live in 1995. It's the perfect example of how companies milk classic games. A shame of a fighting game. It screamed CASH GRAB!!! from the moment I launched it.
  52. partyintheback
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Killer Instinct is back and better than ever. Polished visuals, excellent fighting mechanics, superb framerate, etc. Double Helix has made their first fighting game and it'd seem like they'd been doing this for years given how good it is. If you buy the more expensive version you'll even receive the original Killer Instinct, but I believe this one's actually better.
  53. Wuzzguud
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    What You Need To Know: Free download with Jago and all modes Modes: Versus, Survival, Practice, Dojo, Online Exhibition, Online Ranked, Online Host/ Invite $20 gets you all modes, 6 launch characters+2 being released later and story mode releasing later $40 gets you all mentioned above+classic KI, classic skins, and early access to Spinal and Fulgore TONS of unlockables in both $20 and $40What You Need To Know: Free download with Jago and all modes Modes: Versus, Survival, Practice, Dojo, Online Exhibition, Online Ranked, Online Host/ Invite $20 gets you all modes, 6 launch characters+2 being released later and story mode releasing later $40 gets you all mentioned above+classic KI, classic skins, and early access to Spinal and Fulgore TONS of unlockables in both $20 and $40 versions (character colors, character accessories etc.)

    Now, once you put some time into the game it is FUN. My suggestion is to find the character that resonates with you and learn them inside and out. The gameplay is addictive and theres always a 2-way interaction between players with the combos, combo breakers and counter breakers. The cast also has alot of personality which will only get better when Spinal and Fulgore release.

    Yes the single player content seems a little thin but story mode is coming soon and if this game gets the support it deserves, which Im sure it will, another 'season' of content will be released (8 more characters, more modes etc.)

    The graphics look great, nothing earth-shattering but it does look nice especially Sabrewulf's model in my opinion. The music/ sound design is the best Ive heard in a fighter, hits sound heavy and impact hard, the music has great variation and is intense. Turn the volume UP when you play this game!

    This is the most aggressive, fun and addicting fighting game Ive played. If youre skeptical spend some time with the demo, I especially recommend the Dojo to learn the game. Have fun! Collapse    … Expand
  54. HanselTW
    Dec 8, 2013
    10
    This is one of those rare games that appear once in 10 years. A game that is so much fun to play that you need to have it, no matter how much it will cost. Games that are fun to play are usually horribly unbalanced affairs when played competitively. However, Killer Instinct somehow manages to combine both the fun and balance in a game that is truly easy to learn but hard to master. LosingThis is one of those rare games that appear once in 10 years. A game that is so much fun to play that you need to have it, no matter how much it will cost. Games that are fun to play are usually horribly unbalanced affairs when played competitively. However, Killer Instinct somehow manages to combine both the fun and balance in a game that is truly easy to learn but hard to master. Losing a match rarely feels unfair, and most of time you have only yourself to blame. Lastly, the smooth and almost completely lag free netcode of Killer Instinct is a revelation, something that makes other fighting games with not so smooth online experience look amateurish.… Expand
  55. corpal_hudson
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    I picked up the Season 1 Combo Breaker physical media and with all the improvements released through updates, I give this game a 10. So much has improved. The visuals look vibrant. The gameplay speed is intense. The volume of characters available is a major improvement. There is a 19 GB patch after or during installation. The complete edition is out and gives you everything. I usedI picked up the Season 1 Combo Breaker physical media and with all the improvements released through updates, I give this game a 10. So much has improved. The visuals look vibrant. The gameplay speed is intense. The volume of characters available is a major improvement. There is a 19 GB patch after or during installation. The complete edition is out and gives you everything. I used to play the arcade version years ago. So I'm probably looking at adding the season 2 to my list now. There are many products so it's still confusing which to buy.… Expand
  56. Ebelon
    Nov 25, 2013
    9
    The fast pace combat and the beautiful visuals make this game a must have. Its like the classic Killer instinct from the arcades that you would play back the day. Just the number of combos you can do by button smashing is amazing, just imagine how big the combos can be if you practiced. Also people don't need worry about button smashing, that's what C-C-C-Combo breakers are for after all.The fast pace combat and the beautiful visuals make this game a must have. Its like the classic Killer instinct from the arcades that you would play back the day. Just the number of combos you can do by button smashing is amazing, just imagine how big the combos can be if you practiced. Also people don't need worry about button smashing, that's what C-C-C-Combo breakers are for after all. The only problem with the game is that there is currently only 6 characters and 2 more that come in later as dlc. This game has a lot of potential and should receive support so that the fighting genre live strong. 9/10… Expand
  57. Matak98
    Mar 10, 2015
    2
    This game looked like it might have had some potential as a bloody slaughter fest and just all around fun fighting game but was completely wasted. I thought it was gonna be all hype like MK 9 but instead i got a tech demo for a never released Barbie game. I'll give this game a 2/10 because of the incredible music but that's really the only great thing about it. Overall, terrible game play,This game looked like it might have had some potential as a bloody slaughter fest and just all around fun fighting game but was completely wasted. I thought it was gonna be all hype like MK 9 but instead i got a tech demo for a never released Barbie game. I'll give this game a 2/10 because of the incredible music but that's really the only great thing about it. Overall, terrible game play, ugly visuals, and a limited roster of uninspired, generic characters.… Expand
  58. Nucacola
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    I've never been great at fighting games as they always seemed too complex for me to get into and I'd always get my butt handed to me. But with Killer Instinct, it's dojo mode gives me a chance to learn and get better. Out of all the other games I've gotten for my Xbox One I've played and had the most fun with this fighter. People keep complaining about this game, and almost all of themI've never been great at fighting games as they always seemed too complex for me to get into and I'd always get my butt handed to me. But with Killer Instinct, it's dojo mode gives me a chance to learn and get better. Out of all the other games I've gotten for my Xbox One I've played and had the most fun with this fighter. People keep complaining about this game, and almost all of them have the same gripe with it. Lack of characters, looks like street fighter, bla bla bla. I walked in with zero expectations and came away with a truly fun and challenging experience! It's easy to get into after a few hours, but very hard to master which suites me just fine. Don't believe the critics who are hatting this game! Almost all of them have admitted to not even having picked up the controller to try it yet. Every person I know who complained about this game in life and on the internet changed their tune when they played it and walk away praising it. Double Helix did an amazing job and I can't wait for the rest of the package when it's released early next year.
    TRY IT! IT'S FREE!    … Expand
  59. charlie15
    Nov 24, 2013
    6
    Great mechanics, but it's a rip off considering the content is so shallow. $50 for a demo is not on. Let's hope that xbox decide to draw upon this blueprint and provide the people who purchased this with some nice free content
  60. b12arr0
    Nov 25, 2013
    3
    I bought the ultra version of this game before playing it because I had high hopes for it. I have played games like Mortal Kombat before and they were fun. Every time I play KI, I am not having fun. It's forced. I play it because I paid for it and want to get my money's worth not because it's entertaining. That's not good.
  61. panel0n
    Dec 12, 2013
    9
    Let me start by saying that I'm a humongous fan of the original KI. I spent countless hours on the arcade, on the snes version and then again on arcade emulators on PC. When they (FINALLY) announced a new KI I was extremely happy but also extremely concerned that it would just not live up to the name, even if it was developed by Rare (who, by now,are a completely different set ofLet me start by saying that I'm a humongous fan of the original KI. I spent countless hours on the arcade, on the snes version and then again on arcade emulators on PC. When they (FINALLY) announced a new KI I was extremely happy but also extremely concerned that it would just not live up to the name, even if it was developed by Rare (who, by now,are a completely different set of individuals), let alone a different developer entirely. Honestly I was almost more excited about the fact that this would include the original KI over the new one.

    Well, after playing it for about 2 weeks I can say that I love it. Gameplay is superb. Very, very accessible and easy to learn and get into for newcomers and also deep enough to keep you engaged and always keep trying to get a longer combo or make it harder to break, include shadow moves, instinct cancels, etc. After a quick run of about half the Dojo mode you will know enough to be pulling combos, breakers, ultras and have a lot of fun. With the 2nd half of the Dojo mode you will learn a lot of advanced techniques and very juicy knowledge on how fighters, in general, work.

    The main criticism of the game is content and that is definitely a valid concern. The game has 6 characters right now with 2 more on the way to wrap up "season 1." That is certainly a low number. Now, to counter the lack of content, the game is being sold at TWENTY dollars, which I think a lot of people are completely missing. That's FORTY dollars less than the standard price. That, to me, is a ridiculous steal. Even more so, you can get the game completely free. Not a demo, trial, timed thing. You get 1 character and all modes, including unlimited online play. That's also huge. There will be thousands of people who will forever play this game free and Microsoft/Double Helix will never see a dime.

    There's also the 40 dollars dollars edition, which includes more alternate costumes (completely cosmetic, therefore inconsequential to gameplay) and the delicious original KI. That's still cheaper than a full game and you're getting 2. Ok, maybe one and a half. Then, who knows when, they plan on releasing a "season 2" with 8 more characters (with their respective arenas, alt costumes, I'm assuming) for 20 dollars. So THEN you will have a full game and would have paid a full 60 dollar price, if you went with the original KI, or only 40 if you got all characters. That sounds pretty good to me.

    So, for what it is right now, with the price that it is, I'll give it a 9 because I'm very happy with the gameplay (and, again, that price!). It feels addicting. Everytime you lose, you hate it but you love it and it has that "just one more match" feel to it. I don't really mind the lack of characters (who really masters more than 2-3 characters on any fighter?) but the lack of an arcade mode is heavily felt and pretty baffling, I might add.

    Damn, I wanted to keep this review short but just talking about KI makes me want to to keep going. There are things that will immediately make fans of the original game smile and feel nostalgic about. For me it was things like the music. The main theme, the character select music, Orchid's level jumps from new music to the classic one, the announcer with the legendary COMBO BREAKER and ULTRA COMBO, who contrary to popular belief is not the same guy but you will have the option to put the original guy on. I imagine I'll also feel butterflies when the classic costumes are released. So, yeah, this will be a completely different experience for people who played the original versus people who are meeting KI for the first time. This was obviously written by a fan.

    Worthy follow up to KI after 19 years? Yes.    … Expand
  62. bobwe
    Nov 11, 2014
    1
    Disappointing cash grab. Crappy controls, slow or no responses, inconsistent. Bad multiplayer, constant desyncs, quite a lot of lag, 'unable to create multiplayer game please try again'. Boring and/or exploitative characters. Very few interesting game mechanics.

    If you're bored, give it a try but move on quickly.
  63. He_Never_Helps
    Dec 24, 2014
    4
    It's impossible not to compare any 2-d fighting game to the ever expanding library of Arc fighters, and this doesn't stand up. It's not bad, it just lacks...everything that makes Blazblue special. Personality, depth, customization and evolution.

    It's not a 3-d fighter, it just looks like one. it's damn pretty, i'll give you that, but if yer after mechanics alone, yer still better off    It's impossible not to compare any 2-d fighting game to the ever expanding library of Arc fighters, and this doesn't stand up. It's not bad, it just lacks...everything that makes Blazblue special. Personality, depth, customization and evolution.

    It's not a 3-d fighter, it just looks like one. it's damn pretty, i'll give you that, but if yer after mechanics alone, yer still better off with virtua fighter or any Arc fighter.    … Expand
  64. xlSantos
    Dec 24, 2013
    8
    This game is possibly one of the best fighters I've played in a long time. Even though the characters were limited I managed to put in well over 30+ hours fighting against friends and learning combos in the dojo mode without wanting to stop playing.
    Its fast pace and non-stop action will keep you playing for hours without you knowing you've been playing for hours.
  65. SonicPaul
    Jan 7, 2014
    0
    The game simply mocks series. Transformed from a bloody Veit with fatalities in SF4. This failure is a failure Milcosoft. I as a fan of the first two games of the series never sit down to play this Nintendo of who had to release this game on the Wii U, not you.
  66. gouken2008
    Nov 22, 2013
    3
    Killer Instinct 1 is known because its graphics, music and amazing characters. Despite the fact that this new game has an amazing gameplay and good music, the graphics are disappointing and not really next gen, and the re-imagination of characters are TERRIBLE.

    Plus, NO story mode, NO single player content and NO immersion at all. Microsoft and Double Helix must understand that Fighting    Killer Instinct 1 is known because its graphics, music and amazing characters. Despite the fact that this new game has an amazing gameplay and good music, the graphics are disappointing and not really next gen, and the re-imagination of characters are TERRIBLE.

    Plus, NO story mode, NO single player content and NO immersion at all. Microsoft and Double Helix must understand that Fighting Games does not make money with just competitive content only. Pro players can understand what works for themselves, but casual players that represent the BIG NUMBERS want different things, and this game has none of it.

    The art in general is very SFish, from user interface, trough character's select and, finally, for combos font. There's no need for this, you know? KI has an amazing kind of art and Double Helix didn't grasp it AT ALL.

    I want a TRUE Killer Instinct. Double Helix, just look at what you're doing with STRIDER to understand what I'm talking about. I hope for a season 2 and I'm really convincing my friends to buy this game, but it's for help you to create new contend. For now is just a 3, sorry.    … Expand
  67. richieblac
    Dec 29, 2013
    2
    I'm playing it a lot because I really like fighting games, and it's the only one to really play on my X-Box One. Once a real fighting game like Dead Or Alive hits the XB1 I'm done with this game forever, unless I've gotten good enough that the complaints I'm about to list don't matter.

    1) The "lock out" system is way too harsh and adds unnecessary frustration to an already frustrating    I'm playing it a lot because I really like fighting games, and it's the only one to really play on my X-Box One. Once a real fighting game like Dead Or Alive hits the XB1 I'm done with this game forever, unless I've gotten good enough that the complaints I'm about to list don't matter.

    1) The "lock out" system is way too harsh and adds unnecessary frustration to an already frustrating loss, if you're getting pummeled. If you haven't played the game, a Lock Out happens when you either time a counter wrong, or press for the wrong type of counter counter. Now you can't try to counter again for THREE FULL SECONDS, while the opponent proceeds to destroy you with his combo. They claim this is to "discourage button-mashing".... THREE SECONDS goes way beyond discouraging button-mashing.... It FORCES you to know the game inside and out, or you stand NO CHANCE. I've played too many matches where I can't land a single hit on a moderately better player, because I miss the first counter attempt and then I'm LOCKED OUT FOR THREE SECONDS. Horrible. Just horrible. 1 second? Sure. 3 seconds is way too much guys. The counter system in DOA is ahead of this game by eons, and they would do well to take influence from it.

    2) Finding a match often fails, and you have no warning if it's about to fail.... So you'll sit there for awhile while it just says "Searching..." only to have it fail. We should have information about the game as it loads, so we know if to start the matchmaking over. "Finding player...Player found..." Stuff like that.

    3) The ranking system is complete BS. All that matters is strictly if you win or lose, and how you did with combos/counters. So basically, if you played a REALLY close game against someone with much higher rank than you, you lose as much as if you never got a single blow in. Matches give two lives to each player, but the game doesn't seem to care if you took at least one of the opponent's lives. This means you HAVE TO WIN to make any noticeable progress, and couple that with the extra frustrating lock-outs and players who can read the characters better than you, and you have a recipe for constant frustration.

    The mechanics have a fair amount of depth to them.... They're just mediocre in design. And again, the lock-outs are complete blasphemy to me.

    Here's to DOA 6!    … Expand
  68. oic0
    Dec 30, 2013
    1
    They basically took a great classic and half heartedly brought it back to milk to death with not so microtransactions. The graphics are lacking. I know they wanted to keep the frame rates up but the old games were defined by their awesome for the time graphics. Also the art style isn't there. The characters they carried over don't look anything like themselves. Basically it feels like aThey basically took a great classic and half heartedly brought it back to milk to death with not so microtransactions. The graphics are lacking. I know they wanted to keep the frame rates up but the old games were defined by their awesome for the time graphics. Also the art style isn't there. The characters they carried over don't look anything like themselves. Basically it feels like a killer instinct themed demo to hold players over until they gget more games. Such a shame.… Expand
  69. StumpBeefknob
    Dec 17, 2013
    5
    Pros: The fighting mechanics are very deep. Graphics are solid. Performance is rock solid. Audio is good. This title still has a lot of potential to grow, if they can just give us the rest of this clearly incomplete game without gouging us.

    Cons: Their micro-transaction methodology is unappealing, it just feels greedy. $4.99 a character just puts me in a sour mood. Extreme lack of    Pros: The fighting mechanics are very deep. Graphics are solid. Performance is rock solid. Audio is good. This title still has a lot of potential to grow, if they can just give us the rest of this clearly incomplete game without gouging us.

    Cons: Their micro-transaction methodology is unappealing, it just feels greedy. $4.99 a character just puts me in a sour mood. Extreme lack of content. Even with all 8 characters, it still doesn't feel like enough variety. And if DoubleHelix starts releasing one single new character at time, so that you have to pay the full $4.99 per new character, I am throwing this game in the bin.

    The way many developers use Microtransactions nowadays feels like they're trying to abuse the fact that many gamers are quite often very impulsive. And quite frankly, its insulting and disrespectful to their clientele.

    Pay-to-Win and Pay-for-Basic-****ing-Content come off as greedy Microtransaction philosophies that banks on psychological tricks to incessantly milk the customers. Its insulting.

    Microsoft/DoubleHelix should probably take notes from Valve or ArenaNet, among others, on how to do Microtransactions in a respectful yet very profitable manner.

    Also, way too many obvious company shills posting 9s and 10s in user reviews, but such is the way of Metacritic.    … Expand
  70. Punizher
    Dec 29, 2013
    3
    bought this cos i loved the original game, but like most of the remakes lately from the past this one should stayed in the past.

    i have no idea how people are giving this game a 10/10, the gameplay was ok, ith very poor graphics for a next gen game! i feel this should come out to the 360, i dont see any reason why this is a XboxOne only game. its a button masher with no skill    bought this cos i loved the original game, but like most of the remakes lately from the past this one should stayed in the past.

    i have no idea how people are giving this game a 10/10, the gameplay was ok, ith very poor graphics for a next gen game! i feel this should come out to the 360, i dont see any reason why this is a XboxOne only game.

    its a button masher with no skill whatsoever needed, got bored very fast.    … Expand
  71. Starkiller94
    Jan 10, 2014
    3
    This game is an obvious cash grab for Microsoft and Double Helix. You're basically paying full retail price for like 5% of the game and they plan on selling you the missing 95% later for an outrageous fee. I'm sure they'll nickel and dime you on characters and arenas. It's disgusting that mindless drones actually support this garbage. Don't get me wrong, it's a great fighting game. But IThis game is an obvious cash grab for Microsoft and Double Helix. You're basically paying full retail price for like 5% of the game and they plan on selling you the missing 95% later for an outrageous fee. I'm sure they'll nickel and dime you on characters and arenas. It's disgusting that mindless drones actually support this garbage. Don't get me wrong, it's a great fighting game. But I do not tolerate being sold unfinished products. I know this review will get bombed by the drones but I don't care. Good day...… Expand
  72. catsrock
    Dec 10, 2015
    4
    The fighting mechanics in this game are very fun, intense and fast paced. However the game has way to much micro transactions like most xbox one games.
  73. Roshi
    Nov 23, 2013
    1
    This easy one of the Worst fighting games I have ever played in my life and I have played many horrible fighting games like bloody roar series, Shaqfu primal rage,pit fighter, rise of the robots. But they had some redeeming value of being so bad It was mildly entertaining this game does not have that luxury.

    Oh where to even start with this disaster supposedly 17 or something years in    This easy one of the Worst fighting games I have ever played in my life and I have played many horrible fighting games like bloody roar series, Shaqfu primal rage,pit fighter, rise of the robots. But they had some redeeming value of being so bad It was mildly entertaining this game does not have that luxury.

    Oh where to even start with this disaster supposedly 17 or something years in the making?. I know lets start with a list of the pros and cons.

    Pros.
    The game boots up to the title screen.

    The game runs for a few hours non stop.

    Online play gives convincing illusion that there is no lag when it works.

    Children will have fun pressing buttons at random and winning both online and off for a while. (This was tested we let a 8 year old kid do this while we talked on the headset and he won many matches against adults who have been playing longer than 3 hours. He also got bored of the game in 3 hours and never wanted to play it again)

    There is slightly more particles than I could get on my xbox 360 fighting games.

    A couple songs in the music are decent but not as good as any of the old games soundtracks.

    There is some form of sound.

    There is some form of graphics.

    You can rebind the buttons.

    I am really stretching here since there is so little content to talk about and most of it is not good or fun.

    Cons
    Worst looking fighting game I have ever seen both technical and artwork standpoint.

    Characters look like ridiculous abominations of the old games characters. They now as if Hollywood got a hold of the KI license and made horrible movie version of them. (see street fighter the movie, double dragon, super mario,doom or any other bad video game movie.)

    Bad artwork in general Sadria is lame looks like a mortal kombat character reject. The Rest look like bad street fighter 4 secret darkstalkers 4 characters that was not good enough for capcom to use and left on the cutting room floor.

    UI design is the worst I have ever seen in a fighting game looks like bad 70s kung fu action flick UI the complete opposite of what the series is known for and it is not done well either. Looking at it hurts my eyes I feel physical pain.

    Looks worse than most xbox 360/ps3 fighting games you can get. Models are blocky. Backgrounds are bland and low poly with unpleasant to look at artwork design, bad lighting and shaders. Yes even the famous soul calibur from the dreamcast launch is a contender for looking better than this game.

    Has next to nothing that of was cool in the old games in the series. In fact it has almost no content at all. In fact a person who saw me playing this for 20 minutes had no Idea it was a KI game.

    Has less content than most fighting games from 1991 or 1995 6 dull characters/fighting styles, no interesting modes to play it gets dull after 1 day or a few hours.

    Gameplay is straight out of 1997 with nothing that will advance the genre and it is not done well it is the same junk you have been playing in games such as street fighter/ marvel vs capcom only done much worse. Two Killer instinct gameplay features are tacked on after that in a poor way the result is a Frankenstein that is neither KI or capcom gameplay and neither are good.

    Combos are boring to do and bland with really bad animations that repeat over and over, seems to has less variety in combo animations than Ki1 or ki2 arcade.

    Game is too slow much slower than previous games hits have an annoying hit pause between them that interrupts the flow and makes combos easy to brake leading to one person getting a brake doing a short combo then braking the combo again. You can also brake the combo brake and do it again This is not fun in anyway.

    “Lockout” that supposedly there to stop button mashing does not stop random button pushing combo breakers.

    Controls are not responsive enough even with the ridiculous huge frame window they give to input move commands and dumb down move commands it still wont respond 100% of the time.

    So easy to button mash and win even against players who have been playing much longer and know what they are doing everybody does better when they stop thinking and mash buttons. Tojo training mode is worthless you can only play it as 1 character even if you have them all. Emulation of KI is bad and it is not accurate. Game locks up after running non stop for a few hours. It only runs in 720p and looks just as blurry as my xbox 360 fighting games. Online matches disconnect all the time. --- In all this game is not worth $500 for a xbox one in fact I got this game free from Microsoft by it was placed on my account I would not pay for it. The game smells of unfinished product cash grab where the Devs could care less about the game seriesl There is nothing here to justify new console hardware for fighting games and in fact ust about ever single game on xbox 360/ps3 looks and plays better than this horrible fighting game. You are better off keeping or buying a xbox 360/ps3 and playing the many quality FG    … Expand
  74. MonsterAxeRogue
    Aug 6, 2015
    0
    The graphics and the game are a joke. If your smart buy Mortal Kombat X, if you want REAL next gen graphics and game play. Killer Instinct is more of a crappy Street fighter clone than an actual remake or sequel and I really do mean "CRAPPY". It's too bad too, because the previous installments were such great fighting games. Anyone who gives this game a 7-10 must be getting paid to do so.
  75. Greenhawk84
    Nov 26, 2013
    8
    Killer Instinct is back and seriously better than it ever was. This game makes the old games look and feel terrible! I love what Double Helix has done with this and the only reason why it does not get a 10 from me is because it is basically a quarter of the game. That is saying a lot for just a baby KI game. The fighting is just so fluid, fun, and in depth. The graphics are trulyKiller Instinct is back and seriously better than it ever was. This game makes the old games look and feel terrible! I love what Double Helix has done with this and the only reason why it does not get a 10 from me is because it is basically a quarter of the game. That is saying a lot for just a baby KI game. The fighting is just so fluid, fun, and in depth. The graphics are truly awesome, even putting MK9 in its place. I look forward to Fulgore and Spinal, along with another Season next year. I'm sure it will be 10 worthy in my book. Great to see one of my childhood favorites come back to life.… Expand
  76. FinchoMatic
    Nov 28, 2013
    8
    This is a fair review for Killer Instinct. Granted this is my first review on this game, there are too many people bashing or saying how good this game is without any information to back it up. You can take my review for what it's worth in your eyes.

    Killer Instinct makes it's triumphant return after 17 years of non-FGC/FGC members asking for its return. The game (at launch) current    This is a fair review for Killer Instinct. Granted this is my first review on this game, there are too many people bashing or saying how good this game is without any information to back it up. You can take my review for what it's worth in your eyes.

    Killer Instinct makes it's triumphant return after 17 years of non-FGC/FGC members asking for its return. The game (at launch) current comes with three separate ways to enjoy it:

    The Free-Rotational Model (FREE):
    This model gives you one character at launch. At the time of this review, Jago is the first rotational character. The idea is that so all the online matches aren't just filled with Jagos at launch, Double Helix plans to switch up the free character to use in local and online play. In addition, all the other modes are also available to use for that character.

    The Combo Pack ($20):
    This model comes with the 6 characters Double Helix planned at launch (Jago, Sabrewulf, Glacius, Thunder, Sadira, & Orchid).

    The Ultra Pack ($40):
    This model comes with the 6 characters already said, classic costumes from previous iterations of Killer Instinct, and the original Killer Instinct arcade edition emulated on the Xbox One (online currently a work in progress).

    Now this game will be featuring post content with either purchase of the Combo or Ultra pack. That post content will be Spinal (coming in January) and Fulgore (coming in March), in addition with Fulgore's release is Double Helix's story mode that most review sites and other reviewers here have given DH issues for. Double Helix will continue to update the game correcting any issues that may pop up. They have every intention on making this the best damn fighting game in this next gen era.

    The following features are available to EVERY playable model:

    Training Mode:
    While all fighting games have this mode in them, it shouldn't be a surprise. However, this mode also features hit boxes of each fighter who enters the mode. Meaning you can see the hit boxes of every character, their respective moves, as well as the dummy that's taking the damage. This is the first time I've seen this done in a fighting game.

    Dojo Mode:
    Essentially, this teaches not just about Killer Instinct, but about fighting games as whole.

    Survival:
    An endless match system that takes the place (for now) of the highly requested story mode. You will continuously fight any of the available characters until you choose to stop or lose.

    Multiplayer:
    You fight another person from anywhere in the world. Exhibition allows you to fight with a person in you Xbox One party. Ranked pairs you up with anyone within the mode itself, regardless of rank (at least for now). The netcode is very good in this you don't suffer from lag as often as what you would in say Street Fighter IV.

    Now the following feature should continue to be in fighting games from here on, in my opinion. This game also features a replay mode, where you can see the most recent match you played as well as previous matches as well. You are able to see the inputs of your character as well as your opponents inputs. Now what differentiates it from competitors, is the fact that you can pull up hit boxes during the match and see them for each character so you'll know why you got your endokouken didn't hit your opponent's shadow move. In addition, you can watch the entire match frame-by-frame. To my knowledge, no other game offers this and to the casuals/elite who play the game and need to know why they lost during the match, this is an invaluable asset.

    Here's my personal opinion. If you have an Xbox One, you have no reason to download this and play the free model. You have access to everything that the other models offer, but just one rotational character. The amount of characters is a little discouraging to most (just see the YouTube comments of any review), understand that Double Helix has every intention of including more on the way. They are not backing down from this game by any means and want to continue making content for us to play it. The fact that they're being extremely transparent with us, with the streams on Microsoft Studio's Twitch channel, and they are listening to the fans of this game as well as hardcore fans as well. They do take our opinion into consideration with each update.

    Personal opinion aside, this is not a perfect game, but it is not a terrible game either. There are current bugs with this game that really shouldn't have been with launch but DH intends on patching/updating until they are fixed. Lack of content isn't cool to most, but think about it like this.

    This is the worst the game is going to be, at this point in time. As time continues to go on, more content will be added, more characters (original and past) are planning to be made, and updates will continue to happen to make this game unlike any fighter already out on the market.

    To me, this is an 7.5/8.

    Remember, this is my first review. Take it however you want too.    … Expand
  77. SuperJamaican
    Dec 20, 2013
    2
    As a fighting game GOD I must play every fighting game. But this hardly counts as a game, maybe a demo but not a full game. Ill keep it short and sweet....ITS FREE so make sure you get it. Then make sure to email someone at double-helix and tell them they might as well work with dead or alive Dev crew as they are completely lacking in ideas, originality and content. Put it this way ifAs a fighting game GOD I must play every fighting game. But this hardly counts as a game, maybe a demo but not a full game. Ill keep it short and sweet....ITS FREE so make sure you get it. Then make sure to email someone at double-helix and tell them they might as well work with dead or alive Dev crew as they are completely lacking in ideas, originality and content. Put it this way if your a fan of 3-d fighters like DoA or Tekken stay far away from this mediocre piece of garbage...cuz compared to those this doesn't compete. You are on crack if you give this game anything but a 1-6, or an extremely sour fan boy to not admit the truth.… Expand
  78. SchroederRock
    Feb 1, 2014
    7
    Killer Instinct is pretty much every other fighter title you've played before, but it offers some cool bits that make it worth playing if you're a dedicated fan to the genre. It's also the only game of its kind on these next generation consoles and can be a good competitive title for you an another friend or two when a game like Battlefield may seem too big for the moment.
  79. TheQuietGamer
    May 29, 2016
    8
    To get the most out of Killer Instinct you are going to have to purchase Seasons 2 & 3, or one of the other bundles out there. If not you're going to be left with a smaller roster of characters and other content. Given all of that is it even worth buying vanilla Killer Instinct? Personally I say yes.

    There's a great combat system in place. The game has some great tutorials in place to    To get the most out of Killer Instinct you are going to have to purchase Seasons 2 & 3, or one of the other bundles out there. If not you're going to be left with a smaller roster of characters and other content. Given all of that is it even worth buying vanilla Killer Instinct? Personally I say yes.

    There's a great combat system in place. The game has some great tutorials in place to help you get into the swing of things. It also helps that the fights are complimented by bright, colorful, and flashy graphics. The characters themselves all have their own distinguishing features to make them all worth checking out.

    Now obviously there's multiplayer, great proving grounds for your skills, but how is it's single-player offerings? Basically just a bunch of matches against the AI where you pick a character and see a cutscene at the end. The game gives you some decent incentive to keep going back thanks to unlockables and multiple endings, but it doesn't change the fact that these are just bot matches that likely won't hold your attention long. This is no Mortal Kombat style story mode.

    While perhaps a bit too bare bones for some, vanilla Killer Instinct still offers plenty of reasons to give it a shot. The gameplay is enjoyable enough to even pull you away from the likes of Mortal Kombat from time to time. There's also a way to play it for free to see if the game is for you or not. Going free-to-play does limit the roster to only one, regularly rotating character, but you can experience the game without paying a single-cent.

    The way you buy the more complete versions of it are disappointing. However just the basic game can keep you entertained for quite a while before you feel the need to spring for those other seasons. Overall it's a pretty great fighter, with fairly crappy purchasing system. Still, it's worth it for hardcore fighting game fans even if they don't buy anything more than the base game.    … Expand
  80. squarewindow
    Jan 7, 2015
    9
    There was always huge potential that this was going to be a disaster. For Killer Instinct's triumphant return after the best part of two decades, Microsoft decided to farm the license out to Double Helix Games, a studio responsible for such recent classics as Silent Hill Homecoming and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. It also seems as though they weren't given much time to work on it, asThere was always huge potential that this was going to be a disaster. For Killer Instinct's triumphant return after the best part of two decades, Microsoft decided to farm the license out to Double Helix Games, a studio responsible for such recent classics as Silent Hill Homecoming and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. It also seems as though they weren't given much time to work on it, as clearly it was expected that it would be an Xbox One launch game, so I'm sure a lot of people were expecting a rush-job to be on the cards.

    Luckily, somehow, the developers have confounded expectations and produced a game more than worthy of the name. Ken Lobb, one of the designers of the original Killer Instinct arcade game, was brought in to oversee production, and they hired a few guys who had previous experience of fighting game development, and it paid off. The new KI feels true to the original vision, very faithful in gameplay terms to the classics but with the responsiveness you would expect of a 2013 title. Everything feels correct, right down to the music. The OTT combo system still takes centre stage but things have been made a lot more interesting by some of the gameplay systems, such as "counter breakers" (which enable you to counter a combo breaker and carry on the combo), as well as the presence of a meter which indicates how long you can keep a combo going before it will end, which means you can plan when to use things like shadow moves (which delay the meter's rise) and instinct mode (which resets it completely) to keep the combo going as long as possible. One star of the show in particular is the excellent Dojo mode, which teaches you first how to play fighting games, and then how to play Killer Instinct. In education terms, it's the best mode of its kind in any fighting game, without exception.

    Chief quibble aimed at the game by professional reviews is, of course, the lack of content, with only six characters and a paucity of modes at launch. While this is a fair criticism, it's much better to have a lack of content in the game's initial state than for the game mechanics to be substandard. The foundations are there and they're rock solid, and more content is coming in time - two more characters and an arcade/story mode by the end of March 2014 and then another "season" of content (likely another 8+ characters) due towards the end of 2014. Ideally everything would have been available from day one, of course, as now there's a high probability of balancing issues, but the fact that there is a new KI game at all, and that it's this good... I can let it slide.    … Expand
  81. DownByTheRiver
    Mar 29, 2014
    6
    My little brother bought this game and he enjoys it. I'm not really into fighting games but this one is okay. Not many characters unfortunately and some play better than others. The game looks great and is fairly fun, but I personally wouldn't pay too much for this one.
  82. etb444
    May 15, 2014
    6
    Right on the best thing for colombia and spending money from vacation with the Ted Kennedy and spending time together for colombia and spending them it is pretty good morning baby you live with that much of games up for the gold medal winning streak to get out early in english language and spending money for the best things about you
  83. Troublewalking
    Mar 6, 2014
    6
    This game is available as a free game from the Xbox One store. So honestly, I can't see how some people are complaining about the price of the game. IMO if you rate a game you can get for free, lower than 5, your probably not giving the game a fair review. You can play the game, compete in online competition or in single player survival mode, and I believe against friends offline and notThis game is available as a free game from the Xbox One store. So honestly, I can't see how some people are complaining about the price of the game. IMO if you rate a game you can get for free, lower than 5, your probably not giving the game a fair review. You can play the game, compete in online competition or in single player survival mode, and I believe against friends offline and not pay one red cent.

    The free version comes with one character opened, allows you to earn points and open other areas. I didn't play it enough to see if you can unlock other characters for free. Though it never seemed to unlock any new characters even after myself and 2 others played a couple hours each. Granted most of mine was in the dojo, learning the ins and outs of the combo, counter, shadow, instinct and counter system. The dojo mode is pretty extensive. And perfect for teaching those not used to fighting games like Killer Instinct to learn all the combos and in and outs of the game, along with it's new features.

    Of course being free there are the micro transactions where the company plans to make it's money back on you. Which is to be expected, as the company has to make profits some how.

    For 20 bucks you can unlock 6 characters, plus 2 new ones that will be released later. With several updates and characters already planned. Which is probably a bit overpriced for all but the hardcore Killer Instinct fans. IMO 5-10 bucks would be a fair price to unlock all the other characters. As there are only 6 in total.

    For 40 bucks you unlock all of the other content, including stuff to make characters look different. PLUS THE ORIGINAL KILLER INSTINCT FOR YOUR XBOX ONE! Again obviously something hardcore Killer Instinct fans would love. And something casual players would probably do best to avoid.

    The graphics are nice, the characters seem to move pretty fast. Online doesn't seem to have any real problems that I or my friends seemed to experience. Over all it's a typical 90's combo masher fighting game, with some updates to try to keep it interesting. Some of those updates may be very frustrating to those used to the original game, who didn't take the time to train in the games dojo mode. As they will have no idea why certain things are happening. Like someone countering your huge combo. You getting stunned by a bad choice. Or someone healing themselves.

    Obviously, if your not into the combo mashing fighting games this is not the title for you. But the free version is a nice addition to your Xbox One collection and is great for when you have some friends who like to compete in the 90's style fighting games over. When you no longer want it, go to your apps section, hit the start button on your joystick and delete the game from your system. No big deal.

    The thing that can be most frustrating about this game and other multiplayer online games for the Xbox One, is if you get in the online matches and you end up against people who are obviously ranked much better than yourself. It can ruin your gaming experience. The ranking systems early on, don't seem to really be able to accurately detect players skill sets. Which can lead to player frustration. Either because you have no competition, or some of the players you face may be impossible for someone of your skill level to beat. Though this shouldn't be a huge problem for serious fans of the original Killer Instinct game as they probably know most of the moves already. And will have a smaller learning curve as they adapt to the new stuff.    … Expand
  84. FNG
    Oct 27, 2014
    7
    (Seson 1) I received a free code for the full version of this game, but I opted to purchase the full version so that I could get the original arcade release of Killer Instinct 1... at the time, KI1 was what made the purchase worthwhile for me. The Xbox One Killer Instinct felt unfinished and repetitive with very little to keep me coming back to play.. No story mode, no finishers, few(Seson 1) I received a free code for the full version of this game, but I opted to purchase the full version so that I could get the original arcade release of Killer Instinct 1... at the time, KI1 was what made the purchase worthwhile for me. The Xbox One Killer Instinct felt unfinished and repetitive with very little to keep me coming back to play.. No story mode, no finishers, few finished characters, etc.; quite disappointing. As time went by and updates were released, the game became more polished and more features were added. The addition of a story mode was exciting to me, as was the addition of some classic KI characters such as Glacius, Fulgore, Spinal and Saberwulf. Season 2 promises to continue to shape Killer Instinct into the game that fans have been begging for.... One stage "fatality" has been added and hopefully, more will follow. The game play mechanics are rock solid, new menu system is very polished, and I'm excited to see what the KI team has in store for fans. (Please, don't let us down.,, so far, so good.)… Expand
  85. Darklurkr23
    Nov 27, 2014
    9
    The Game is absolutely AMAZING. One of THE best fighting game soundtracks ever made (by 1 Mick Gordon), Killer Instinct is a great revamp of KI 2 more then classic KI. Easy to pick up and play, the only people who give it 1s and 2s are those who don't go into training dojo for 15 minutes. You can LITERALLY learn all basic moves and combos in 15 minutes. Auto-Doubles are a very easy wayThe Game is absolutely AMAZING. One of THE best fighting game soundtracks ever made (by 1 Mick Gordon), Killer Instinct is a great revamp of KI 2 more then classic KI. Easy to pick up and play, the only people who give it 1s and 2s are those who don't go into training dojo for 15 minutes. You can LITERALLY learn all basic moves and combos in 15 minutes. Auto-Doubles are a very easy way to combo the way YOU like, and it's all mind games w/ combo or counter breakers. This game has a very low learning curve, but once you delve above rank 13 or so, you get to manuals, which is where the "experts" will start to shine. But if you're a regular online warrior you can easily get in on the game that is pretty much Xbox One's best Exclusive.

    Yes, it's 40 dollars for both season's combo breaker packs. If you are a true fan or like costumes or just want to support KI in general, pick up both Ultra which is 80. Especially now for Season 1 that you don't have to wait for characters. Or mix and match however you want. Season 3 is confirmed so base your money on that.

    Control 10/10 - Dojo mode is a breeze
    Soundtrack 10/10 - Godlike
    Graphics 8/10 - Some classic costumes leave questioning, but other then that it's a beauty
    Story -3/10 but it Doesn't matter it's a FIGHTING GAME. Ultratech = BAD

    FIGHT ON    … Expand
  86. Cmonsta117
    Jun 27, 2015
    8
    unlike the people that gave this game a bad score because it isn't what most fighting games are shame on you because unlike most fighting games Killer instinct for the Xbox one actually requires you to know how to play a fighting game because it your main source of damage comes from you combos not just button mashing and if you don't have the right amount of skill you can learn how to playunlike the people that gave this game a bad score because it isn't what most fighting games are shame on you because unlike most fighting games Killer instinct for the Xbox one actually requires you to know how to play a fighting game because it your main source of damage comes from you combos not just button mashing and if you don't have the right amount of skill you can learn how to play with the tutorial levels within the dojo section of the game and this helped me out alot to because I was hopeless at this game at first but then I learnt the controls and combos from the tutorial and I find it realy easy to play now so that why I have given the game it's rating.… Expand
  87. Broyax
    Jan 18, 2017
    0
    Quelle est cette odeur nauséabonde ? c'est l'odeur du combo free to pay-pay to win, autrment dit du jeu gratuit à péage multi-directionnel optionnel très fortement recommandé : en effet enchaîner les combats avec toujours le même personnage devient lassant, aussi profitez de notre pack à xx euros, c'est une promo ! et laissez-vous tentez par quelques micro-transactions par la même occasionQuelle est cette odeur nauséabonde ? c'est l'odeur du combo free to pay-pay to win, autrment dit du jeu gratuit à péage multi-directionnel optionnel très fortement recommandé : en effet enchaîner les combats avec toujours le même personnage devient lassant, aussi profitez de notre pack à xx euros, c'est une promo ! et laissez-vous tentez par quelques micro-transactions par la même occasion !

    D'un autre côté, on ne voit vraiment pas pourquoi on s'infligerait ça puisqu'il s'agit du pire jeu de baston de tous les temps. Graphiquement à peine correct et affublé d'une direction artistique qui n'a rien d'artistique, ses animations font penser à un vieux jeu 2D du fond du troisième tiroir en bas dans la cave, c'est-à-dire deux frames d'animation maximum. Il en résulte une impression de saccade déplorable, ce qui, combiné à la vitesse délirante des coups, rend le jeu totalement illisible et grotesque.

    La musique provient certainement d'une poubelle tant elle écorche les oreilles et en ce qui concerne le multi-joueurs qu'il soit local ou sur le réseau, c'est toujours celui qui appuie le plus vite qui gagne. Très fatigant pour le pouce et la manette tout cela.

    Il est clair que n'importe quel jeu japonais met ce Killer machin à l'amende sans forcer, car s'ils font la course aux micro-paiements également, ils s'avèrent au moins jolis à regarder et d'une prise en main correcte. Tout le contraire de cette catastrophe digitale d'un mauvais goût flagrant.    … Expand
  88. ANTIMETACRITIC
    May 5, 2021
    10
    Una gran alternativa a las otras sagas de juegos de lucha, con toda clase de luchadores.
  89. josesueiro
    Apr 23, 2016
    5
    Killer Instinct is a fighting video game, the third in the Killer Instinct series, developed by Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare and Microsoft Studios.
  90. Jurassicmonster
    Sep 8, 2015
    9
    Well the graphics are one of my favorite improvements and characters look badass well the bummer is that you have to pay for the rest of the roster but when you do buy them it'll be totally worth and then you're up and kickin ass and let's be honest for a moment who else int hyped for season 3
  91. DarkReaperV3
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    Graficos muy buenos, pero pues prefiero el killer instinct viejo y tal vez por eso de alguna forma no me agrado del todo este titulo pues ha cambiafo significativamente el juego. lo positivo es que es gratis y poco a poco van desbloqueando personajes.
  92. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 16, 2016
    5
    Killer Instinct is a fighting video game, the third in the Killer Instinct series, developed by Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare and Microsoft Studios.
  93. slughorn
    Sep 24, 2016
    9
    Good game, but you have to buy characters, btw, the game is excelent, you have must fun alone or with your friends! I'd like so much! A good title to the library on XONE!
  94. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    This Xbox One exclusive is a fantastic reboot of the classic 90's fighter. Like "Street Fighter IV", it has been continuously updated and has improved as a result. In fact, the game has more of a "Street Fighter" feel than its old school predecessors. It looks terrific, features fluid combat and is highly accessible. Thankfully, it caters to both the casual and hardcore crowd. There areThis Xbox One exclusive is a fantastic reboot of the classic 90's fighter. Like "Street Fighter IV", it has been continuously updated and has improved as a result. In fact, the game has more of a "Street Fighter" feel than its old school predecessors. It looks terrific, features fluid combat and is highly accessible. Thankfully, it caters to both the casual and hardcore crowd. There are numerous challenges, tutorials and training modes for those that want to master each character. This is one of the better Microsoft exclusives. I would rate it with an 8.3 out of 10.… Expand
  95. CenkAlp
    Jan 2, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 6
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 6
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 6
    Süre = 6
  96. alejandra09
    Apr 16, 2018
    10
    Killer Instinct become one of the most interesting fighting games of this generation
  97. Caeuas
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    Melhor jogo de luta da atual geração de consoles. Mecânicas únicas e jogabilidade viciante.
  98. Odh
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    When I heard this game would be done in seasons with DLC, I was a bit disappointed in that it seemed like a shameless cash grab. But after 3 seasons of fighters, gameplay tweaks, good online play, and a really in depth fighting system with excellent tutorials, I would go as far as to say this game is my favorite fighter of this console generation. I mean I would definitely recommend thisWhen I heard this game would be done in seasons with DLC, I was a bit disappointed in that it seemed like a shameless cash grab. But after 3 seasons of fighters, gameplay tweaks, good online play, and a really in depth fighting system with excellent tutorials, I would go as far as to say this game is my favorite fighter of this console generation. I mean I would definitely recommend this game over Smash ultimate, SFV, MKX, MK11, or or the new samurai shodown. Its not the best fighter of all time, just the best of this generation.… Expand
  99. Kayox
    Nov 25, 2019
    9
    The game has amazing graphics, precise controls, a large selection of characters, many unique stages, and a ton of modes. If you enjoy fighting games I would highly recommend. The only drawback I can think of is that while the stages are well done it really doesn’t matter what stage you select as there is no real difference between the stages except the background image.
  100. MOLEX3000
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    The Return of one of the greatest fighting games of all time! Incredible, frenetic fun and fast passed, great online and an ongoing community! Perfect! ULTRA COMBO!
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Xbox One Game of 2013
5
#5 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2013
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. Critical Hit
    Oct 9, 2014
    80
    Flashy, brutal and deeper than you'd expect. Killer Instinct is back baby.
    Read full review
  2. XGN
    Jan 3, 2014
    70
    Even though the demo is pretty disappointing, the full Killer Instinct proves to be a really nice addiction to the fighting genre. Most of the characters come directly from the first Killer Instinct-game, but this time they look really gorgeous on the new Xbox One. The fighting system of Killer Instinct is a very layered one, which will keep you busy for loads of hours although a campaign mode is definitely missed.
    Read full review
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 29, 2013
    70
    An excellent tutorial partially makes up for the tiny roster. [Feb 2014, p.68]
See all critic reviews »