Killer Instinct

"Best Fighting Classic Of All Time"

I am shocked that I am the only one here giving this classic a perfect score. Yep the year was 1995 and I was putting my paychecks into this game learning the innovative combo system. I play the game again at a local arcade two weeks ago, probably for the first time in over two years. This game still holds its weight. Try playing Mortal Kombat 2 (which was released around the same time) and there is absolutely no comparison. My major complaint for this game is that there was no true home version for it. The SNES one was too watered down and honestly how long could you stand the graphics. And KI Gold was to pixilated and the controls weren't as crisp. Why Killer Instinct 1 never made it to the N64 or Gamecube or even XBOX now is an absolute injustice.

Graphics- 10/10 This game was years ahead to its time. You can still go back and play this game without feeling like the game is that obsolete. Honestly the 3D levels were and still are eye-candy. The character models move smoothly, and overall RARE did a superb job

Control 10/10 Yes it took a very long while to get used to. All we knew before this was Streetfighter * way of fighting. The combo system is groundbreaking, and IMO is still the very best combo system of any fighter to date.

Features 10/10 Every stage is eye candy. The finishers are unique and at times funny. (Who can forget Riptor belching and farting after devouring his opponent) The Humiliation dance is fresh and funny. The characters are all unique. And I love the idea that its not a best of 2 out of 3 round system. Meaning If your opponents life bar is completely empty you still get to have the ''Rollover'' life left over. Very original, very cool!

Replay Value 8/10 Like most fighters you fight one on one you get to the head boss see the ending for that character and move on to a new one. Nothing new here. At least the combo system is so deep that sometimes you can learn a new combo by accidentally doing a new mix and match. As for two players it never gets boring. I could play for hours.

Overall 10/10 Way too many new features and ideas. Graphics are outstanding, and the combo system is very deep nuff said. If you never played this game yet, there are some places that still have it. Pop in a few quarters and when you walk away remember this game was made in 1994 almost 10 years ago, and its still holding its own against the competition...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/03