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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
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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

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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.
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  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]
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