Game: Killer Instinct Season 2
Developer: Iron Galaxy Studios / Microsoft Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Release date: October 15th, 2014
Platform: Xbox One
Price: $19.99 / $39.99
Season 1 OT is here, for any newcomers interested in playing the game.
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Killer Instinct returned with a very warm reception back in November 22, 2013. Previous developers Double Helix managed to make a very impressive fighting game in the short span of ten months that highlights the nostalgic flavor of the original two titles while adding new features to the games that give it a more modern aesthetic. Since it's release, the game has had it's spotlight in multiple fighting game tournaments--including this past year's EVO 2014.
Unfortunately, due to Amazon purchasing Double Helix (lord knows why), the team is no longer to work on the game (though the announcer from S1 is returning!). So, since the release of Fulgore, the small Chicago-based team at Iron Galaxy Studios have been managing development of Season 2 with the reveal of TJ Combo, Maya, and some mummy or something (with more characters to come!)
So, what's new with Killer Instinct: Season 2? To begin, the theme of S2 is 'The Rise of Ultratech.' With the story, we'll see more of the antagonist corporation in the form of newcomers (like the much speculated ARIA), a new 'slick' UI featured in the game's main menu, and more story in arcade mode!
If you're looking for specific character balance changes, click here. The new column will focus mostly on the universal features of KI S2.
Aerial Recapture - - when in the air, certain attacks like T.J Combo's Tremor has the ability to send people back to the ground, 'recapturing' them to continue a traditional ground combo. Air Recapture is designed to thwart characters like Sadira who have very good capabilities in midair.
There are some changes to the combo breaking system, such as these two important features:
Air Combo Breakers - - Combo Breakers! ....In the air!
Air Counter Breakers - - Counter Breakers! ....In the air!
With combo breaking in S2, they may seem less effective due to the fact that there's no hard knockdown accompanying the breakers.
Stage Ultras - - much like the original KIs before it, Season 2 brings back the brutal finishes with a unique Ultra for each stage featured in S2.
KP is being replaced with Experience. Instead of points being tied by winning matches, Experience can be earned with basically doing anything in the game such as the revamped title system, 'Fight Challenges.'
If you're impatient and don't want to wait, S2 will offer a microtransaction system. KI Gold is a way to purchase level skips to unlock more content. This is the only use for gold, the cosmetics that you don't already own.
Speaking of unlocks:
There's a lot more stuff to unlock for every character in KI!
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Along with the soundtrack being done by Mick Gordon once again, the OST 'Killer Cuts' will be releasing on October 14th, which includes the original Killer Cuts from the first Killer Instinct. Some samples below:
Hinnamatoom
Touch Me and I'll Break Your Face!
The Instinct
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Killer Instinct Season 2 runs at a resolution of 900p now.
SEASON 2 CHARACTERS
CONFIRMED:
TJ Combo.
Maya
Kan-Ra
]
Riptor
Omen - BONUS CHARACTER
Cinder
ARIA
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Included in Season 2
'Ghost Girl.'
'Tree Golem.'
The pricing in Season is similar to Season One, and in turn so are the features.
For $19.99, you get the 8 Season 2 characters (the first two characters are Maya and TJ) , along with any other accessories included with those characters.
For $39.99, you get everything included in the $20 pack. Exclusive to this bundle includes 8 new alternate costumes (designed by original Killer Instinct art lead Kevin Batyliss!) and Killer Instinct 2 HD.
