Killer Instinct is a reboot of the Killer Instinct series of classic fighting games, which places an emphasis on stringing moves together to form combos. Whilst locked in a combo, the player under attack can attempt to break out of them.
Controls
| Light Punch | X | Light Kick | A |
| Medium Punch | Y | Medium Kick | B |
| Heavy Punch | Right Bumper | Heavy Kick | Right Trigger |
| All Three Punches | Left Bumper | All Three Kicks | Left Trigger |
Game Mechanics
Auto Doubles
The core gameplay mechanic in Killer Instinct is the performance (and breaking of) combos. If you input a correct sequence of button presses, followed by a special attack, you automatically create a combo instead of just a simple hit or kick. This is called an 'Auto Double'.
Combo Breakers
Because combos form such an integral part of Killer Instinct's gameplay, breaking combos with blocks or counter moves is more important than in most other fighters, these are called 'Combo Breakers'. By pressing two of the same strength buttons (Light Punch + Kick, as an example), you will cancel your opponent's combo.
Note that you must match the strength of the button used in the opponent's attack, or you will be under Lock Out, which basically prohibits you from moving for a few seconds. For example, if you try a Combo Breaker of MP + MK against a move performed with HK, then it won't work.
Counter Breakers
'Counter Breakers' are new to the series. You can now reverse combo breakers and force a lockout on the opponent, which prevents them from attempting another Combo Breaker for three seconds.
Shadow Moves
During a fight, a two piece meter fills up. This meter allows the player to execute 'Shadow' moves, that cause more combo damage. They are executed by pressing two of the same type of buttons (two attacks, for example).
Ultra Combos
Killer Instinct's signature 'Ultra Combos' return and can only be performed when your opponent has less than 15% health remaining in the match. These allow the player to rack up his/her attack combos in succession and perform an extremely devastating set of moves that will finish off the opponent.
They are executed by performing a certain motion and then pressing all three punch or kick buttons, depending on the character.
Combos & Damage
The combos in Killer Instinct follow a distinct pattern and can cause two different types of damage, instant damage and potential damage. Every time you hit your opponent, you will cause a certain amount of damage will instantly take some of their life bar. Potential damage is what happens during an actual combo, which is indicated with the white section of your opponent's life. If you don't properly finish a combo, then this potential damage is lost.
The combo system in Killer Instinct follows a distinct path, with an example below:
- Opener -> Auto-Double -> Linker -> Auto-Double -> Ender
The Opener is basically your opening to the combo, followed by an Auto-Double (mentioned above). After using an Auto-Double, you can use another special move that will continue the combo, called a Linker. These are primarily used with Light and Medium-strength moves (Heavy will use an Ender). As already mentioned, using a special move with Heavy strength will end the combo.
Each Ender has a special property attached to it, allowing for juggling to occur or gaining extra meter for Shadow Moves. There's also Enders that will bounce your opponents off the wall of the arena, as well as ones that will cause the most damage.
Instinct Mode
Another new feature is 'Instinct Mode'. Once you've filled up a secondary bar beneath the character's lifebar you can trigger 'Instinct Mode', which gives your character an enhancement that's based on their fighting style (for example, Glacius covers himself in frost armour, which gives him extra damage resistance).
Alternatively, Instinct Mode can also be used to cancel a combo, prevent an Ultra Combo, or to transition into a more impressive Ultra Combo.
Training Mode
If all of that is too much to take in then no need to worry, Killer Instinct features a fully fleshed out training mode. Here you can learn the basics of the combo-based gameplay of Killer Instinct, completing challenges and practicing at your own pace.
For the more advanced fighters training mode also allows you to hone your skills. Training mode features battle info, inputs, counter hit, record & playback options, dummy actions, and much more so that you can fully customise your training experience.
For Killer Instinct experts there's also 'Kyle Mode', named after one of the development team's AI designers. Kyle mode is the most advanced difficulty found in the game and allows the AI to perform near flawlessly in combat.
Free to Play Model
Killer Instinct is an Xbox One launch title. It is a free-to-play fighter, with the free version of the game coming with one character - the warrior monk Jago - and the base game, acting as a kind of demo.
Additional characters can then be purchased individually or in bulk packs. For a detailed breakdown of Killer Instinct's pricing structure check out our Editions page.
Unlockables
Unlockable content is also a major part of the game, providing an incentive to keep progressing.
You will be able to unlock the follwing extras:
- Announcers
- Character Accessories
- Character Color Schemes
- Classic Skins
- Alternative Skins
