Cast your mind back to Xbox One's launch in 2013 and a few big games stand out, with Killer Instinct one of them. As Microsoft's flagship fighting game, it offered a long overdue revival of Rare's classic franchise, enhanced with the latest 3D console technology. Every impact forced an explosion of alpha and lit particle effects - an obvious upgrade on Xbox One over what was ever possible on Xbox 360 - and it all ran at 60 frames per second.

It was a sample of what the machine could bring to the table graphically this generation. But there was a downside: Killer Instinct - at launch - ran at just 720p on Xbox One.Of course, the game was later patched to run at 900p. But even early on, it highlighted a limit to the original Xbox One's handling of higher resolutions, a point reinforced by other 720p games at launch, like Battlefield 4. For those wanting to see Killer Instinct at the best image quality possible, you had to wait for PC - unlocking resolutions up to 4K. That is, until the Xbox One X patch that lands with the hardware's launch, on November 7th.And this is a highly welcome upgrade.

Killer Instinct will be the first console fighter to ever run at a native 4K. With that, Microsoft can well and truly put any criticism of image quality in Killer Instinct to rest - the game looks amazing. Compared to the 900p image on a standard Xbox One, the vault in quality is highly impressive.

Nov 28, 2013  So you've gotten your Xbox One hooked up and you've downloaded Killer Instinct, since it's free! Even with just Jago at your disposal, you're about to take a long trip down the rabbit hole.

Fixed at 3840x2160 all the way through, it sets a precedent on console, in a world where PS4 Pro's best efforts seem to top out at 1440p with titles such as Injustice 2 and King of Fighters 14. Of course, it helps that the original KI was a launch title with a 2013 vintage. It may be abundant in particle effects, but games like Injustice 2 still push the boat out further in model detail, animation, and the approach to materials and lighting. For Killer Instinct, it's impressive for one main reason.

Jumping from 900p to 4K involves a 5.76x increase in pixel count for Xbox One X over the older machine. That's 5.76x times the GPU load, and Killer Instinct achieves it despite only having a 4.6x boost in GPU power to work with.The result is inevitably a much cleaner, crisper image. But, while it looks highly impressive in motion, there are some things the Xbox One X patch doesn't do. It is effectively a straight port, with none of the additional enhancements found in, say,. Sadly, everything is otherwise exactly as it appeared before, with the exception of texture filtering, which scales in quality with the 4K boost.

Again, there are no real surprises here, as it's exactly what you get with the existing PC version, which maxes out as Xbox One settings - though arbitrary resolutions are selectable.It's a well-optimised PC port, though. A basic i3 processor with a PS4-like GPU such as the R7 370 can run the game at these high presets and 1080p60, so with the Xbox One X's horsepower thrown at the game, it's clear to see how 4K rendering is possible. Take the frame-rate for example. Xbox One X's performance at 4K is absolutely bang on 60fps 99 per cent of the time, with v-sync engaged as well. It's not a completely solid read-out though as there are drops when those heavy alpha effects kick in for special moves. As an average though, 60fps is largely what you're looking at.

And to cherry pick some worst-case moments during those intensive special moves, you do momentary get drops to 50-60fps. Xbox One X delivers on its 4K promise! Killer Instinct renders at a native 3840x2160 on Microsoft's new machine - 5.76x the number of pixels pushed by a regular Xbox One's 900p image. Up close, the change to Xbox One X hardware doesn't affect shaders and texture quality - but undoubtedly edges are cleaner at 4K.

Looking to the ground, texture filtering also gets an increase in quality on Xbox One X, proportionate to the resolution bump. A few curious changes crop up in the transition to Xbox One X; the hue of this scene changes, though fundamentally the effects-work is the same. Equally, particle effects and motion blur are present on both Xbox One machines with no change. Characters are realised at the same quality level. However, note a small difference in reflection quality towards the horizon. Moving to PC running at 4K and max settings, there's barely anything to distinguish it from Xbox One X's results. One final shot to prove the point; PC at 4K is equivalent to the experience you get on Xbox One X - no more, no less.There's scope for improvement by release then, but as things stand, the drops here aren't egregious enough to break the game, especially given they kick in during special moves - where the user has no input anyway.

The turnout is positive. Tellingly, on PC, 4K was always in the running for GPUs with a similar power profile to Xbox One X. Take AMD's RX 580 as a case in point; the card capably handles Killer Instinct's top settings at 4K and 60fps, and even rides out those special moves with no drops. It's essentially a six teraflop GPU, and though lower on bandwidth next to Xbox One X, it hits the mark.

Notably, both PC and Xbox One X versions still run HUD elements at 1080p, when suitably upgraded assets would have been welcome. What you need and what it'll get you.Overall, the developers set out to achieve a particular task with the Xbox One X version of Killer Instinct - to take a 900p game and run it at native 4K, and that's exactly what has been delivered. It's a straightforward patch, tying in to the original promise of the console with that 4K resolution and texture filtering boost.

The performance dips - such as they are - do not impact gameplay, but we would still like to see them ironed out before release. And at that point, this 4K upgrade gives us a good reason to revisit the game years after it first hit store shelves. With the Season Three expansion, Killer Instinct's character roster is now overflowing with options, where originally the game lacked diversity - and Xbox One X support offers a great excuse to take another look at the game.Is it the best looking fighter on console then? Certainly by the numbers, it hands in the cleanest image quality possible for an ultra HD display - it's unmatched. And given the wide use of 1440p for fighters on PS4 Pro, it'll be fascinating to see what Injustice 2 runs at on Microsoft's machine, not to mention Tekken 7, which tops out at 1080p on Sony's supercharged console.

For now though, Killer Instinct is a great demo for the Xbox One X's launch. As a fighter there may be more cinematic, technically advanced games on the market, but if you're looking to scratch that 4K itch, this is a great option.

FIGHT ON!Discover your Killer Instinct! I was really big into MK before, but this tames it!! MK is dark and bland, not visually striking in anyway other than the cinematic scenes which looks nice, I guess. MK put their efforts into Wowing you with 8 second finishers. KI is action from start 2 finish, with shockwaves, sparks, explosions, etc. The announcer yelling is hilariously good, the soundtrack is great (I like the song when you load up the game, reminds me of Terminator 2 somewhat😄) The sound is very crisp and clean.

Combo system feels nice, there is a certain timing involved and once you 'get it' you'll stop mashing. It does take time to figure out, however, its worth learning once you see what everybody can really do! If your new to KI, I would suggest checking out Maximilian Doods 'Assist Me' vids on youtube. They are old but the formula still applies today, You'll get a ton of use out of them💯 If you like colorful, fast paced fighters. This game will BLOW YOUR MIND!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!

Submitted on 3/7/2020 Review title of CleverFoal95455AMAZING VISUAL EFFECTSI was really big into MK before, but this tames it!! MK is dark and bland, not visually striking in anyway other than the cinematic scenes which looks nice, I guess. MK put their efforts into Wowing you with 8 second finishers.

KI is action from start 2 finish, with shockwaves, sparks, explosions, etc. The announcer yelling is hilariously good, the soundtrack is great (I like the song when you load up the game, reminds me of Terminator 2 somewhat😄) The sound is very crisp and clean. Combo system feels nice, there is a certain timing involved and once you 'get it' you'll stop mashing. It does take time to figure out, however, its worth learning once you see what everybody can really do!

If your new to KI, I would suggest checking out Maximilian Doods 'Assist Me' vids on youtube. They are old but the formula still applies today, You'll get a ton of use out of them💯 If you like colorful, fast paced fighters. The unfinished swan wiki.

The trowel is then run over the surface of the drywall, knocking off the stalactites and leaving the mottled finish.A much more common, and faster technique is to apply the texture mud (which is slightly different from joint compound, in that it has less shrinkage upon drying) with a texture machine – a compressor and a texture spray hopper which sprays mud instead of paint. This applies what is referred to as a splatter coat. Knock down textured ceilings.

This game will BLOW YOUR MIND!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL! Submitted on 1/25/2017 Review title of Artyom SaveliLimited Roster (FUGMM)Regardless of the quality of the combat, what really cripples the game is the amount of DLC Characters that are locked off by season.

Sure, paying $5 for a character is nice, but to pay $5 for almost EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER in the game is more likely to drain your wallet and leave you about $80 short or so. There are plenty of fighting games with a large pool of charaters to choose from, all without spending a penny more. Mortal Kombat X, for example, has a large selection of characters to select, with only 8 DLC characters to buy for the complete roster. As an added bonus, if you wanted to buy all the characters without buying them individually or with a season pass, you could buy the XL version (GOTY edition, basically) for $40 on the Xbox Store. As of Killer instinct, you would need to purchase the Supreme Edition of the game ($70) to have every character unlocked. You're better off buying MK XL than you would be buying this. Praise the sun that S2 is free for Gold Members.

Submitted on 5/8/2017 Review title of OpponentYew2000Fun offline, but really bad story and toxic communityThe game is my personal favorite fighting game. Easier to play than MKX and quite a diverse, ever-growing cast. I have a few problems though. I'm very casual when I play, on or offline. But the game of encourages aggression towards other players in a bad way. I understand this (when played online) is a competitive game but most of the people I have watched and played against seem to forget they are still playing a GAME against a HUMAN being.

As a result, a lot of excessive crouching, spam taunts, and the worst of all, harrassment via mail. They will completely rag you about skill even though everybody in this game spams heavy overheads and grabs or at least one of those things. Next, I feel like the SL story is very bad, I feel like the dialogue was written by a child (no offense) I just couldn't take it seriously and completely lost interest in SL. Like I said, the core game is amazing, I really enjoy PvE, from single fights, to S1&2 story modes, to survival. Submitted on Review title of C SIPARIOne of the Greatest.My review is for the complete game.

Ive only given a 4 star (Great) rating to two other fighting games; Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat II, and this game deserves its place next to them, there is so much to do here and its all so well done, Killer Instinct brings back all the classic characters and adds even more to the mix, each fighter looks and feels unique which is what makes them so memorable, the graphics look awesome, the soundtrack slays, add in the stellar gameplay plus the hefty side of extras and this is easily the Best fighter in over two decades and one of the greatest fighting games ever made. My only complaint is the decision to not release an exclusive stage for each character in Season 3.

Submitted on 9/28/2016 Review title of OrphanCastle6S2S FIGHTING CompetitionKILLER INSTINCT is huge! There are so many unlockables, modes and extras. My friend @GAMESTOP introduced me to the game, and says hes been a fan since it first launched by NINTENDO. I love it on XBOX ONE!

You can compete local online multiplayer matches or monthly ranked leagues. Single player mode is available, with the addition of CINEMATIC STORY MODE. The Shadow Lab will let you train an A,I, CPU character. Fight by using controller buttons, and or combining special button inputs for devastating unique character attacks and combos. The main mechanic of combos are the openers special attacks that start combos, then links and finishers.

Instinct

The game will train you with an in game listing, and many options are available, but theres still alot to discover. K INSTINCT MODE, a secondary enhancement ability can be unleashed by filling the bar ability found underneath the player life count health bar.

GOOD GRAPHICS: MANY BATTLE AREAS: SIDE TO SIDE FIGHTING GAME: UNLOCKABLE CONTENT. Submitted on 6/26/2018 Review title of King ShrapnelBest fighting i've played so farAmazing netcode, awesome fighters, and the coolest guest characters yet.

I've never played a fighting that's as great as this! There's one thing and that's the story. I like to see how season 3 plays out, I enjoyed season 1 & 2 story and i'm hoping for future fixes and stability updates 10/10! The only thing I dislike about the haters or people who just jump the gun is that they complain or try to come at the game either because they are complete trash or they are mad at the fact that you have to pay for characters. Remember this haters, this is free to play and you have bundles that worth as much as a whole game. I'd rather buy those instead or maybe the definitive edition coming by next month.

A must have more than MK in my opinion.