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!
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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.
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  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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