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Golem to follow Omen's lead onto Killer Instinct roster
Following a reveal earlier this month, developer Iron Galaxy has issued a proper trailer for Omen that, like past Killer Instinct character trailers, is nearly overshadowed by a cameo at the end. The walking mass of rocks and shrubs that crashes onto camera and squishes Orchid is named Golem. Whether or not words can hurt you is irrelevant, as Golem brings both sticks and stones - two items notorious for bone trauma - to the Xbox One-exclusive fight. Unfortunately, beyond that brief footage, none-too-surprising name and the pun about sticks and stones, we know nothing about this new fighter. Outside of this brief footage, Iron Galaxy has yet to reveal any useful information on Golem. We can tell you, however, that Omen will join Killer Instinct later this week. On January 30, the character will be available for owners of Killer Instinct Ultra Edition, while those with Killer Instinct Combo Breaker Edition will be waiting until February 5. [Image: Microsoft]
Evo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash
Super Smash Bros Wii U and Melee are two of the nine games already confirmed for this year's Evolution Championship Series. As revealed during last night's Twitch stream, the line-up for Las Vegas this July also includes returning games Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultra Street Fighter 4 and Killer Instinct, The remaining four games are new for this year, and they are Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Mortal Kombat X and Tekken 7. Recent years have seen more games added closer to the event, though a roster of nine is already on the high end for an EVO championship. Whatever the full line-up proves to be, it's coming to the Bally's/Paris Las Vegas Casino, where the world's fighting game specialists will duke it out across July 17-19.
Killer Instinct's character roster foresees an Omen
Killer Instinct for Xbox One is about to receive its next fighter: Omen, the spirit of rage, corruption and shadow energy. Players familiar with Killer Instinct's lore may recognize Omen as the spirit that turns Jago into Shadow Jago, a dark and twisted version of the warrior monk. According to developer Iron Galaxy, Omen has accrued enough energy through his battles as Shadow Jago to take physical form of his own. What does said physical form look like, you ask? Well, it wouldn't be a Killer Instinct character reveal without a tease before the proper unveiling. All there is to see so far are the bat-like wing and fingertips crackling with blue energy pictured above. Omen is also a bonus character, meaning he will not be sold individually, nor will he have his own Story mode. Players who have purchased either the Season 2 Combo Breaker Add-On or Season 2 Ultra Edition will receive Omen for free later this month. [Image: Microsoft Studios]
Deliver season's beatings via Killer Instinct Classic's new online multiplayer mode
If you get an Xbox One in your Christmas stocking this year (by the way, we need to have a chat about your monstrously huge fire hazard of a stocking), you'll soon have a new way of beating up on your faraway friends. Killer Instinct Classic will receive an online multiplayer mode as part of a free update launching tonight. Released last year via Killer Instinct's digital Ultra Edition, Killer Instinct Classic is an emulated port of Rare's 1994 arcade one-on-one fighter. Tonight's update will introduce an online multiplayer option, along with several fixes and improvements for the core Killer Instinct game. Another recent update unlocked holiday-themed costumes for Killer Instinct characters TJ Combo, Orchid and Sabrewulf. 'Tis the season. [Image: Microsoft]
Killer Instinct update 2.2 brings raptors and reindeer
Killer Instinct for Xbox One is about to get a cup of Christmas cheer with patch 2.2, which will bring holiday-themed costumes for fighters TJ Combo, Orchid and Sabrewulf, as well as the re-introduction of Riptor, a fighter from the game's original 1994 release. Players who own Orchid or play as her when she is part of the free character rotation will be able to do battle decked in holly jolly red-and-green stockings. Those who have purchased the Ultra edition of Killer Instinct's Season One will also be able to equip Orchid with oversized candy canes, as well as place reindeer antlers and a red nose on Sabrewulf's adorable face. If you own the Ultra edition of Season Two, you'll be able to give TJ Combo a white beard and Santa hat. As for the return of Riptor, developer Iron Galaxy states on the Killer Instinct forums that they are aiming to release her from captivity on December 17 for Ultra edition owners, and December 23 for Combo edition owners. "Full transparency: we hit an issue in Cert that paused us long enough to put the date in slight risk. SLIGHT," creative director at Microsoft Studios Adam Isgreen wrote. "We are all good to land it as long as there are no further hiccups." The cybernetic dinosaur will also receive a trailer to show off her unique talents on Monday, but just looking at her, we have no doubts about her lethality. Sheesh, where's Chris Pratt when you need him? [Image: Microsoft]
Meet Killer Instinct's next fighter, the sorceror Kan-Ra
After weeks of teasing fans, developer Iron Galaxy has unveiled the next fighter to join Season 2 of Killer Instinct, an ancient sorcerer named Kan-Ra. "Didn't Iron Galaxy claim Kan-Ra would not be a mummy? Wasn't there even a #notamummy hashtag in use for a while?" you wonder. Yes, the developer repeatedly said that Kan-Ra is not a mummy, and he isn't (technically, sort of). In lieu of revived Egyptian royalty, Kan-Ra is a 2,534-year-old sorcerer from Ancient Babylon who betrayed his king and was exiled for an assassination attempt. Instead of aging gracefully, Kan-Ra used dark magics to slow the decomposition of his body. Iron Galaxy offers no explanation for the decidedly mummy-style bandages, so we're just chalking that up to a universal undead fashion sense. Beyond the break you'll find footage of Kan-Ra in action. Be sure to stay to the end. There's a tease that should excite old-school Killer Instinct fans. Edit: This article initially named Double Helix as the current developer of Killer Instinct, while Iron Galaxy is actually the developer in charge of the game's Season 2 content. [Image: Microsoft]
Report: Double Helix had Killer Instinct build on Xbox 360
Killer Instinct for the Xbox One may have began life as a project for the Xbox 360, if new footage showcased by Andrew Borman of Past To Present Online is to be believed. A video from PTP Online, viewable after the break, shows a (very) rough draft of what would go on to become the Killer Instinct we know today. Lighting effects are missing, only a few characters are in the build, some stages are broken and Chief Thunder is naught but a gray blob of a man, but if nothing else, it's interesting to see the progress the game has since achieved. Though we can't say for sure what the purpose of such a build would be, it makes a certain kind of sense that it would exist. Even if Killer Instinct was never intended for release on the Xbox 360, developers aiming to have their games ready for the Xbox One's launch would have benefited from early prototyping. Or maybe the game was shunted off the Xbox 360 to bolster the Xbox One's launch lineup. We may never know, but sometimes mystery is a little more fun.
Killer Instinct prototype throws punches on the Xbox 360
The Xbox One's flagship fighting game Killer Instinct didn't begin life on Microsoft's latest hardware, as two newly-unearthed prototype videos demonstrate. The clips, one above and one below the break, come to us from the prototype sleuths at Past to Present Online and depict an early-in-production version of the game, when it was still in the hands of developer Double Helix. Despite using a relatively underpowered Xbox 360 as a test bed, this version of Killer Instinct retains many of the hallmarks of the Xbox One game, from its basic combo system, to character designs, to certain graphical flourishes. Granted, there are parts of the game that are obviously not finished and the Xbox One's Killer Instinct is far more littered with particle effects than its Xbox 360 predecessor, but otherwise this game is immediately recognizable. While this demonstrates that Killer Instinct probably could work on the Xbox 360 without losing much of its core gameplay, it's most likely that this prototype was built in an era when the Xbox One hardware wasn't quite finished but Double Helix needed a way to test its new fighter. You'll notice that the game even features references to the Xbox One's Menu button, despite the Xbox 360 having no such functionality. Sorry Xbox 360 owners, but after all the money Microsoft's poured into Killer Instinct to promote the game as an Xbox One exclusive, it's unlikely to appear on any other hardware - even one of Microsoft's own machines. [Image: Microsoft]
Killer Instinct's next fighter to be a 'trap grappler'
As Killer Instinct fans await the arrival of Season 2's first new character, Microsoft creative director Adam Isgreen stopped by the Ultra Combo forums to offer a few hints on what the mystery combatant will bring to the fight. "He's a zoner ... with a ranged grapple ... and great (situational) mobility ... and traps ... oh, and curses too," Isgreen wrote. "Internally we call him a 'trap grappler,' but I don't even know if that's the best way to describe him." Despite Isgreen's difficulties in explaining the unnamed character, he notes that the fighter scored very well among players in recent Killer Instinct locations tests held in Chicago and Orlando. As for a name, Isgreen remains mum, though he points out that despite the bandages and decrepit flesh we've seen in teaser images, the character is not a mummy. Fans will have to wait until his official reveal trailer debuts in November to find out what sort of creature will join the Xbox One fighting game. [Image: Microsoft]
TJ Combo, Maya return today in Killer Instinct Season 2
The second season of content for Xbox One-exclusive one-on-one brawler Killer Instinct premieres today boasting eight new characters and several major gameplay tweaks, Microsoft and developer Iron Galaxy Studios announced. Season 2 re-introduces classic characters TJ Combo, Maya, Riptor, and Cinder. Four more fighters, including a handful of series newcomers, will join the brawl in the coming weeks. Season 1 characters have also been overhauled to account for the expanded cast, with many now boasting new moves and rebalanced attacks. Returning players will find a new interface and refined mechanics that focus on aerial combat. Players can now trigger Air Breakers and Air Counter-Breakers in response to juggles, and new aerial capture moves allow characters to continue their combos on the ground after a mid-air flurry. Season 2's Combo Breaker Pack, which unlocks TJ Combo and Maya instantly and grants future access to six additional fighters, is priced at $14.99. The season's $39.99 Ultra Edition additionally includes a set of alternate costumes and accessory kits, along with a port of the 1996 arcade game Killer Instinct 2. [Image: Microsoft]
Killer Instinct community reminds us why he's named TJ Combo
After Killer Instinct fan and YouTube user Maximilian posted a colossal 175-hit combo featuring upcoming season two roster addition TJ Combo, experts in the game have pulled out all the stops to create the most vicious ultra combos. The current high score? 195 hits from YouTube user StyloJuice. I think he's dead, TJ! Now you're just being a jerk. Though Ultra Edition owners snagged early access to the character, Killer Instinct: Season Two officially kicks off October 15. Below, check out VIRUS916's 190-hit combo attempt to beat the record.
Killer Instinct: Season 2 hits on Oct. 15
Killer Instinct's second season launches on October 15, bringing along two new fighters, game modes and a revamped interface. Season 2 includes the characters TJ Combo and Maya. The Killer Instinct: Season 2 Ultra Edition includes eight new fighters to be released one per month after TJ and Maya, some costumes and accessory packs, and Killer Instict 2: Classic. The Ultra Edition runs $40. The Combo Breaker Pack is $20 and includes the eight new fighters, one per month. Individual fighters cost $5 each. Purchase the Ultra Edition between September 23 and October 14, and snag TJ early. [Image: Microsoft Studios]
Killer Instinct hits retail with bonus Season 2 fighter
Come September 23, Xbox One-exclusive fighter Killer Instinct will make its debut on retail shelves as the "Killer Instinct: Combo Breaker Pack." Included in the $20 Pack are the eight fighters currently available in Killer Instinct: Jago, Orchid, Sadira, Sabrewulf, Fulgore, Thunder, Glacius and Spinal. The retail package also includes a code for TJ Combo, an additional fighter slated to appear in the imminent second season of Killer Instinct DLC releases. For comparison, the digital Combo Breaker Pack, which includes only the eight Season One characters and no access to TJ Combo still features an identical $20 price tag, while the free-to-play, one-character version of Killer Instinct asks players to spend $5 for each additional fighter. [Image: Microsoft]
Killer Instinct Classic 2 for Xbox One outed by Game Rating Board
A Korean Game Rating Board submission (via NeoGAF) named "Killer Instinct Classic 2" as an upcoming release for the Xbox One, suggesting that Microsoft is planning a port of the 1996 arcade game Killer Instinct 2. Microsoft previously bundled a port of 1994's Killer Instinct with its Xbox One reboot issued last year. The retitled Killer Instinct Classic was available as a free bonus for players who purchased Killer Instinct's Ultra Edition and boxed Pin Ultimate Edition. Developer Iron Galaxy Studios revealed earlier this month that Killer Instinct 2 star Maya will join Killer Instinct's playable roster this fall as part of its second season of content. Microsoft has not confirmed Killer Instinct Classic 2's existence or a release date, but given the publisher's previous release schedule for Killer Instinct content, the port could surface as part of a second-season bundle. [Image: Iron Galaxy Studios]
Amazon queen Maya returns in Killer Instinct season two
Divekick developer Iron Galaxy Studios will re-introduce players to Maya, Queen of the Amazons, when it rolls out the second season of content for Killer Instinct, according to reports from this year's EVO event. Microsoft community manager Mike Robles tweeted concept art of the dagger-wielding warrior, while GameSpot reports that Iron Galaxy described Maya as a high-risk, high-reward character during the panel where she was unveiled. According to GameSpot's report, Maya's daggers will level up as she lands hits on her opponents, eventually reaching the point where she can throw them as projectiles. A photo of the presentation also reveals that Maya's design is inspired by the Inca civilization. While the Incas lived on the fringe of the Amazon Basin and not deep in the rainforest, thus making her "Queen of the Amazon" title a bit of a mismatch, we're willing to bet you'll have bigger things to worry about - things like daggers flying at your face - when Killer Instinct season two begins this fall. [Image: Microsoft]
Score FIFA 14 for $36 in this week's Xbox Deals
With the World Cup 22 days away, Xbox is getting into the festival mood with a 40 percent sale on FIFA 14 for Xbox One and 360 - that's right, not the World Cup game that just came out. That discount takes the sportsballer down to $36 (£30/42 euros), and as with all of this week's deals, that price stays good until Monday, May 26. If you prefer your contact sports with more bloodshed, the Killer Instinct Ultra Edition is 50 percent off for Combo Break owners, and 12 percent off for everyone else. While the base game is free, the Ultra Edition adds all Season 1 characters, costumes and accessories as well as the classic arcade game from the 90s. Finally, Bandai Namco has a selection of Xbox 360 games on sale that includes musically classic RPG Eternal Sonata for just over $5, the offline-playable Soul Calibur 2 HD for $10, and the Serkis-enhanced Enslaved for around $5 too. For the full list of games and their discounts, hop on over to Major Nelson's. [Image: EA]
XBL's Deals with Gold discounts Killer Instinct, Fez
This week's Deals with Gold lineup on Xbox Live spotlights Double Helix's Killer Instinct alongside a handful of standout Xbox Live Arcade releases, offering discounts of up to 80 percent off of featured games. Starting today, Killer Instinct's Combo Breaker Pack is priced at $14.99, giving Xbox One owners the chance to unlock all eight Season One characters for 25 percent off of the DLC's regular price. Fable Anniversary is also 25 percent off this week, while Activision's Transformers War For Cybertron and Transformers Fall Of Cybertron get their prices slashed by 75 percent. This week's discounted Xbox Live Arcade games include Pool Nation, Scourge: Outbreak, Fez, and Sacred Citadel. All sale prices are valid through May 12. [Image: Microsoft]
Divekick devs were almost first to head Killer Instinct reboot
Divekick developer Iron Galaxy Studios will be taking over for Amazon-acquired Double Helix on the Xbox One-exclusive Killer Instinct reboot, but that idea may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. In an interview with USgamer, Iron Galaxy CEO Dave Lang revealed that his studio was one of the original applicants being considered to develop the game. Lang said that, while he doesn't know all the details, he knows that both his company and Double Helix were in the running to develop Killer Instinct, right up to the end. However, Microsoft had already tapped Iron Galaxy for Wreckateer, leaving the studio short-handed. Thus, the contract went to Double Helix. Now that Iron Galaxy is getting another shot at Killer Instinct, Lang calls the situation "sort of like dating someone's ex-girlfriend." Despite losing out on developing the game's first season of content, it might have been for the best. "If you take a look at where we were at that point versus the final game Double Helix was able to make, I firmly believe we would not have made as good of a game as Double Helix did," Lang said. "In terms of available resources, we simply weren't there at that time." [Image: Microsoft]
Fulgore, Arcade Mode arrive in Killer Instinct's latest title update
Microsoft has deployed a 6.8 GB title update for its free-to-play Xbox One fighting game Killer Instinct, adding a number of significant features and a new character to its playable roster. Classic Killer Instinct combatant Fulgore joins the fray in the game's latest update, finishing up developer Double Helix's first season of planned character rollouts. The patch also adds a single-player Arcade Mode, online lobbies with rooms that accommodate up to eight players, and a spectating feature. This week's patch arrives as the final update curated by Killer Instinct's original developer, Double Helix. After being acquired by Amazon in February, Double Helix handed over Killer Instinct development duties to Divekick studio Iron Galaxy Games, who will manage content expansions from this point forward. [Video: Microsoft]
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 joins EVO 2014 lineup
EVO fighting game tournament founder Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar appeared on a recent episode of iPlayWinner's The Fray, where he revealed that Tekken Tag Tournament 2 would appear at this year's tournament. As we reported in September, EVO 2014 is slated to take place in Las Vegas from July 11 to July 13. As with last year, EVO 2014 will be streamed via Twitch. Though it's not terribly surprising to see the fan-favorite Tekken Tag Tournament 2 join the tournament roster, it's far from the only draw at EVO 2014. Other games appearing at the event include Super Smash Bros. Melee, Ultra Street Fighter 4, Injustice: Gods Among Us, Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, Killer Instinct, King of Fighters 13 and BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma. Alongside the addition of Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Cuellar also revealed that publisher Bandai Namco has signed on as a sponsor for EVO 2014. [Image: Bandai Namco]
