Killer Instinct is a 2013 fighting video game developed by Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare and Microsoft Studios, published by Microsoft Studios, and released exclusively for the Xbox One.  It is the third installment in the Killer Instinct series.

Campaign:  Although the campaign does follow a story, it is more or less a series of battles which does seem a bit lazy.  Yeah, there are some cutscenes and pictures to tell smaller stories for each character.  But, having played Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Dead or Alive, and Tekken, I simply can’t just accept another story modeled as an arcade.  That’s one of my biggest problems with Marvel vs. Capcom. This does take away from what could’ve been a great story. good guys trying to stop both Ultratech and Gargos. Hopefully, in the next installment we get to see a fully fleshed out narrative with players controlling different characters per character. There is a good number of playable characters to choose from, some reoccurring (Fulgore, Jago, Black Orchid), some new (Mira, ARIA, Aganos), while others are guest from other games such as the Arbiter (Halo), Raze (Battletoads), and General RAAM (Gears of War).  Each character has their own unique story and ending. The campaign features different battles depending on the character played, each having three difficulties. (3 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Now, we’re not going to talk about the game’s launch and its lack of content and the downloadable content. For fans of the original games, this game doesn’t disappoint.  The combat is still fast paced and chaotic but more refined and precise.  The goal of the game is to deplete your opponent’s health bar using combos and special attacks.  Combos are the name of the game as the more proficient you are the better your chances are of winning.  People who’re not use to the fighting gameplay of Marvel vs. Capcom and Street Fighter might find the learning curve difficult, but the game does have an in-depth “Dojo” tutorial and training mode to teach combos and special attacks.  A new addition to the gameplay is the Instinct Mode (similar to Injustice’s “character traits”) in which characters can trigger an enhancement (boosts strength, speed, damage resistance) for a limited amount of time.  There’s much more to the gameplay but I’ll leave that to you to experience. (4 out of 5)

Graphics:  Visually the game is the best its ever been.  Characters have been overhauled with a much more realistic and highly detailed design.  The level designs are wonderfully constructed with an active, and highly detailed background.  It does suck that there aren’t any awesome cinematic sequences for players to enjoy.  Who thought it was a good idea to still use stills, this isn’t Soul Calibur.  It would’ve helped the story and characters a ton. (4 out of 5)

Score/Music:  Loved the way the game sounds.  The sound effects are done exceptionally well and sound impactful.  I really did like the music.  In a lot of fighting games the music isn’t memorable.  But this game does feature a really good soundtrack.  Sadly, despite the voice performances there isn’t enough emphasis on the voices.  Mike Willete and the optional Chris Sutherland are great as the announcers. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value:  The game has a high level of replayability.  First, the versus is a beast, and is highly competitive both locally and online.  Second, there are a ton of rewards to be unlocked including customization options (accessories and skins) for characters, as well as music from previous games.  Third, there are two new modes introduced, “Shadow Lab” and “Shadow Lords”.  The “Shadow Lab” mode allows players to create a ‘Shadow’ fighter, an AI for any character which is specifically based on that player’s playstyle and techniques for that specific character, complete with that player’s gameplay mannerisms and flaws. Players can create Shadows to play against other players online.  The “Shadow Lords” mode allows players to assemble a team of three playable characters and choose between a series of generated scenarios and battles against Gargos’ mimic fighters. Defeating certain opponents allows players to remove abilities and effects from Gargos, making him easier to defeat in the mode’s final battle. Not to mention there is a lot of information on the characters which is really good to read. There’s plenty of downloadable content and plenty of updates that increase the value of the game by each Season, which is a total of three seasons, each introducing new characters. (5 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Killer Instinct is a pretty awesome reboot and easily the best of the franchise.  Despite my issues with the story and lack of cinematics, the game has a ton of awesome features.  The gameplay is fun and challenging, great multiplayer, awesome game modes, great sound and music, tons of unlockables, tons of downloadable content, good cast of characters, and great graphics.  Killer Instinct gets 4 out of 5.