Killer Instinct (2013)

Killer Instinct is a fighting video game, the third in the Killer Instinct series, developed by Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare and Microsoft Studios under supervision of Ken Lobb, and released as a free-to-play launch game for the Xbox One in 2013. The game is a reboot of the series, though some plot elements from Killer Instinct and Killer Instinct 2 have been retained. Development of the game involves individuals with histories in fighting games on both the developmental and competitive sides. It received positive reviews for its mechanics and engine, but was criticized for its initial lack of content. A second season of characters was released between 2014 and 2015. A third season, along with a port of the game for Windows 10, has been released on March 29, 2016.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Great graphics.
 * 2) Even though the game is a reboot, some plot elements from the other two games are retained.
 * 3) Every character from the first two games is here especially the bosses, including some new characters. You can fight Gargos while playing as Eyedol!
 * 4) Rash from Battletoads is playable, along with the Arbiter from Halo.
 * 5) There is a Shadow Lab mode, which studies how a player plays the game and then uses that information 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 (even going as far as imitating a player's taunting) and flaws. You can even create Shadows to play against other players online, even when the player is not present. Shadows attempt to adapt to fights the way their owner would. Shadows for a player's specific character grow stronger the more that player plays.
 * 6) Great gameplay that takes everyone great about the previous games and refines them with modern elements.
 * 7) You can watch two AI players fight each other, which is somewhat enjoyable.
 * 8) A campaign mode.
 * 9) Great soundtrack that tops the first two game's soundtracks.
 * 10) The announcer from the previous games returns.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The game has bare bones initial content, since you can only play as the rotating fighter and Jago (once you unlock him). You must pay real world money to unlock more characters. However, this was averted for the Steam and the Definitive Edition for both Xbox One and Windows 10.
 * 2) Like the previous installment, the Humiliation moves from the first game are absent in this one.