The Xbox game library is constantly expanding, and the recent remake of Halo: Combat Evolved has fans wondering which other beloved games from the past deserve a return. One fighting game, originally from the Xbox Live Arcade, has always stood out with its unique gameplay and memorable characters. As it nears its 13th anniversary, many believe it’s more than ready for a sequel.
During the Xbox 360 and early Xbox One days, Xbox Live Arcade was a platform for releasing smaller, independent games. Popular titles like Castle Crashers and Super Meat Boy first appeared as Arcade games and later received sequels or remakes. In 2013, another game launched through this program, initially available only on the new Xbox One console.
Killer Instinct (2013) Is An Incredible Xbox Arcade Release Still Getting Updates 10+ Years Later
The 2013 version of Killer Instinct is a reimagining of the classic arcade fighting game from the 1990s, originally developed by Rare (later acquired by Xbox). The original Killer Instinct started as a smaller game but grew over several years to include a diverse roster of 29 characters. Now playable on Xbox and Steam, it’s considered one of the best fighting games ever made and continues to be popular with players.
For almost 13 years, Killer Instinct has maintained a loyal player base because it’s so easy to pick up and play. The game is free to start, and includes one character available for all modes – training, offline, and online. Plus, a different character is offered for free each week, making it a very accessible fighting game. Beyond that, Killer Instinct offers excellent gameplay with exciting, lengthy combos and a reactive soundtrack that changes based on the action between players.
There are so many things to love about Killer Instinct. It features classic characters from the original arcade game, like Fulgore, Spinal, and T.J. Combo, alongside fantastic new additions such as the stone giant Aganos and the mysterious demon Omen. Every character has powerful moves and the game’s famous Ultra combos, and the Combo Breaker system lets you interrupt your opponent’s attacks for exciting, strategic moments.
It’s remarkable how well Killer Instinct has done over the years. Even with new consoles and fighting games coming out, its online community continues to be strong. Xbox has clearly noticed this success and invested in reworking the game’s purchase options in 2023. They even released a balance update to celebrate its 10th anniversary, bringing back the original developers to make improvements for the first time in years. The biggest issue is that, despite all this, Xbox doesn’t seem to give Killer Instinct the attention it deserves.
Microsoft’s Icons Are Represented Well In Killer Instinct Through Guest Characters
A key reason why Killer Instinct remains popular is its clever integration of other popular Xbox franchises. The game features three guest characters from well-known Xbox series, starting with The Arbiter from Halo in Season 3. The Arbiter isn’t just a simple addition – he has his own music, a stage based on Halo 5, and unique color schemes referencing other games in the Halo universe. General Raam from Gears of War and Rash from Battletoad also receive similar special treatment as honored guest characters, though with slightly less detail.
It’s surprising that Xbox hasn’t focused more on Killer Instinct, especially since the game does a great job of showcasing its characters. A new Killer Instinct could be a fantastic way to introduce new Xbox franchises, just like Mortal Kombat featured Kratos from God of War back in 2011.
Both Xbox And Killer Instinct Would Benefit From A Sequel To The Fighting Game Series
A new Killer Instinct game doesn’t necessarily need to be limited to Xbox, but having it on the platform would be a major win, given the game’s history as a popular arcade title. The series is a classic, right up there with Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. To really make a sequel successful, it would be great to have a developer as passionate about the original game as Iron Galaxy or Double Helix – the studios that brought the series back in 2013. A dedicated team could quickly grab the attention of fighting game fans.
While the gameplay of Killer Instinct (2013) still holds up, its graphics could use a modern upgrade. Popular fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and 2XKO are succeeding by offering striking visuals and unique styles. A sequel to Killer Instinct could capture that same energy and excitement by building on its existing characters and combat with a more contemporary look and feel.
Would you like to see a follow-up to the 2013 game Killer Instinct? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-02 23:13