Killer Instinct Review (XBoxOne)

In the mid-nineties British studio Rare in conjunction with Nintendo and Midway released a game Killer Instinct for the arcade and SNES. It was a real breakthrough. In addition to incredible graphics grim design, charismatic and strong fighters soundtrack Killer Instinct injected fresh gameplay elements to the genre of fighting games.For example, the rejection of the traditional system of rounds: the game was two strips of life instead of one, and in the case of loss of the entire health of one of the heroes of the game revived the fallen fighter with a new strip.At the same time the health of the second character is not restored, and the battle continued. Despite the fact that the game was inspired by Street Fighter and Mortal KombatShe felt different. The incredible speed punch combinations and chains a hundred hits stands out against the background of the project other games of the genre. In addition, Killer Instinct there were automatic combo, ultra and become the hallmark of the famous series of combo breakers. The game quickly gained popularity, received high ratings and got into all sorts of tops. The second part is not long in coming, but the third came just this year on the console Xbox One.


So how Rare lost its original structure and has long been focused on the production of casual games: new Killer Instinct was created by the combined efforts of series creator Ken Lobb, some developers had a hand in Skull Girls, Weaponlord, Street Fighter II: Turbo, and the American studio Double Helix Games.This last point raises numerous questions and deep concern among the gaming audience, because this company has distinguished itself highly controversial Silent Hill: Homecoming and garbage games kinolitsenzii.But once you start playing, all doubts will be dispelled quickly. The authors managed to convey the incredible dynamics and drive crazy Killer Instinct long-chain impacts, combo breaker and fumes from the raucous cries of the speaker. But first things first.

New KI available online Xbox LIVE for free download, but in this version you can play only one character in multiplayer and all other game modes, which are at the moment.Other heroes are bought for money. If you want to get the game once, you can pay $ 20 and buy the first set of 8 characters.The second set of characters on the remaining 8 will be available in the next year at the same price. The full version will cost you $ 40.Such a fragmented distribution system may seem controversial decision boxed set for fans, but on the other hand, it allows it carefully, without upsetting the balance, add new characters to the version that Double Helix Games time to prepare for the start of consoles.


Currently available are 6 characters.It Jago, which sends the enemy fireballs and smartly wielding a sword and legs; his sister Orchid:She owns two electric batons at a time and can call upon, and even turn into a jaguar; Sabrewulf, werewolf, who with incredible speed breaks the enemy's claws and sharp teeth;Sadira - woman-killer in Eastern garb, she weaves a web and use it against opponents; Glacius, alien, which generates from its body and icicles can be converted intoliquid; Thunder, Indian, spouting lightning and two tomahawks. Two more - Spinal and cyborg skeleton Fulgore - will appear in the next year along with the scene mode.Characters fighters disclosed in design, animation and remarks that they say at the beginning and end of the fight, as well as arenas and music unique to each of them.

By the appearance of the characters Double Helix Games the most meticulously approached carefully prorisovyvaya details of clothing, tattoos and other elements, such as moving the gills on the neck or feathers Glaciusheaddress Thunder. Muscles of the male characters maximum stress that makes them an impressive sight, and waving hands Jago accompanied by increased job bass of your audio system.


The girls are not far behind - brisk Orchid in tight shorts and a deadly Sadira with torn tights exude a healthy sexuality and look very defiant.Arena emphasize every fighter in fact being the backgrounds of his stories.Jago meditating in the temple tiger; Orchid rebel hiding in the unfinished high-rise, which fired at the helicopter; Glacius crashed somewhere in the north, so it is on the stageicy wreckage of the spacecraft; Sabrewulf werewolf tries to recover from lycanthropy in the laboratory in a Gothic castle; Sadira seated on a golden throne somewhere in the huge caveSpider and Thunder lives high in the mountains, the rocks are realistic flowing water during the next storm.

The musical accompaniment complements this synergy.Composer games Mick Gordon used the old tune each of the characters in order to create a more modern fire-analogues, which emphasize the drive hot fights.In addition, the game were added fashionable interactive musical interaction. Now, depending on what is going on the screen, the audio accompanying changes dynamically.And pursue the enemy "ultra" comes to the beat of your attacks by specific sounds, coinage, together with destructible scenery enhances the overall impression of brutality. Thanks to all this, the heroes Killer Instinct highly memorable, and we can not wait to see new next year.


But the most important thing in fighting game - it's combat system. The Killer Instinct This shestiknopochnaya mechanics with mild, moderate and strong punches and kicks, for which a special stick better to buy from Mad Catz.In this part of the characters are conditionally divided into three categories - some good work on speed, others specialize in controlling the enemy from a distance, others are focused on capturing.The developers have improved the classical formula, adding new elements, such as counter-breakers, unique to each fighter's instincts and shadow movements.The most relish the combat system is a high speed and crazy combinations that turn the battle in spectacular show of special effects with dynamically changing arenas and the ability to interrupt the enemy using a combo breaker.

In the game at the moment there are the online multiplayer free and ranked matches, as well as local modes:Versus - Player vs. Player, Player vs. Computer, Computer against the computer; Survival - the endless fights with opponents one after the other; Practice - here you can select any character andpractice against opponents and still Dojo - the most important for the beginner mode.There awaits a deep multi-level system of education, which not only teach techniques, but also to tell in detail about what the attacks to perform better at certain points as wellconnecting punches in the chain, how to increase the potential damage to the enemy, and more. In total there are 32 lessons, the passage of which will take more than one hour, and you will return again and again to hone their skills.


Punches Killer Instinct They are of different kinds. Openers - attacks that begin to chain combos. After them, it is necessary to use a so-called Auto-Doubles, or Manuals.The first - a classic double whammy, which differ from other high speed, but at the same combo breaker likely to get in return.A "manual" is much more difficult to do because of the narrow window of performance for impact in the final phase of the last attack, but also a chance to be interrupted is much lower.

These types of attacks are connected to special attacks called Linkers or Shadow Linkers.It is also important to pay attention to the special strip KV (Knockout Value), below the number of hits, which is filled by your successive attacks on the enemy, then the enemyIt falls to the floor, breaking off a chain combo. Therefore, in the final it is very important to complete its so-called Ender, which will cause much more damage than the standard strokes.By the way, to the obvious advantage of the "manual" you can also include the fact that they fill the strip more slowly than "auto-double", allowing to stretch your chain combos and eventually cause maximum damage. The difference can be quite substantial.


In addition, the game has three types of seizures - normal, reverse and air, which are canceled in a timely pressing the same button combinations - a simple and easy-hand leg.A blue band Shadow Meter Use shadow attacks, duplicate special tricks heroes, but charged with dark energy.For their implementation need to press two hands or two feet instead of one.They can serve as linkers, causing much more damage than the standard, it does not fill the scale of KV, and they are almost impossible to interrupt.But it is necessary to consider the fact that a completely filled band of shade, to carry out such an attack can be only two times in the chain, then the scale is emptied.Plus, use the shadows of heroes gives additional opportunities during the execution of these attacks, such as invulnerability of projectiles at Jago (fireballs, and so on).

Another band on the screen - Instinct Meter, which is filled upon receipt of damage or successful completion of a combo breakers.It allows you to activate the unique ability of each of the characters, for example, the restoration of health in Jago, and cleans the entire scale of KV, which allows to increase the length of your chain combos twice!Moreover, the instinct can be applied during Ultra thus canceling it for a longer version and its subsequent inclusion of another, second ultra.The latter can only be activated when the target is at least 15% of the second band of health, and the screen displays the word «Danger».This is the most beautiful finishing moves, which are used in order to demonstrate their skills in front of the other players. The maximum length of an ultra - is a reason for pride.


Only in the game three types of breakers. It Combo-, Counter- and Shadow- Breakers. Combo breakers are made by pressing the hands and feet of a certain strength, equivalent attack.That is to say, if the opponent makes a standard light auto-double, then simultaneously pressing your hand on a light and easy leg interrupt his chain of your counter-attack, and the announcer will shout,stammered, "K-K-K combo breaker!". If you do not have time to time, the contra attack is not going to work, and over your head will be an orange cross. A red X appears when you incorrectly recognize the attack and used the wrong power breaker.

Rear-breakers or, as they have already started to call, trompe l'oeil - a kind of combo-breaker-breaker.If you are in the middle of a combo hit an average arm and average pace, there will be a special animation, and if the enemy tries to make a combo breaker, he will receive a fine and will not interrupt yourAttack few seconds. Finally, Shadow-breaker - only option interrupt dark linkers which comprise an average of five strokes. The truth is fraught with counter-breaker, if the enemy has time to notice your attempt.

In general, the combat system is not easy and requires training for what was added mode Dojo. However, meshit and receive at the same time fun here, too, manages quite well.A variety of linkers and a little skill ordinary allow gamers to perform beautiful chain that delivers sea fan, particularly in friendly company at the same screen.Another step towards the availability of the players turned freymdaty all impact directly in the game.So now there is no need to search for information on the fan forums or test the game in training, blindly groping certain value. The ability to turn on the hitbox and commands entered on the screen during battles is rather a nice bonus.


For certain actions, such as performing chains or series of blows interceptions, you get a special in-game credits, which you can open a variety of content.Whether it's the arena or skins of characters, arts, music, icons, and title, as well as accessories for the characters, like masks, glasses, clothing, and various weapons.So, if you want to somehow decorate your profile and character, everything is possible. Some characters do things more severe, and some comic like pilot's Points Sabrewulf.


New Killer Instinct I get a deep and fun fighting game that will bring a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions of his fast combat system, vivid special effects, great music and charismatic characters.The lack of content is partly offset by quality, future updates and low price. For $ 20 better fighting game is now simply do not find. If you take Xbox One even now, be sure to download Killer Instinct. All the rest can wait for the official start of sales in Russia in the next year, when the game will add ten new characters and scene mode.

Tags: Game Reviews. review. XBoxOne. XBOX ONE
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