When the Xbox One’s launch lineup of games was revealed, one of the games fans were pleasantly surprised to see was the return of Killer Instinct, the brutal and interesting fighting game originally developed by Rare. The title made an some interesting choices, including a free to play model, seasons, and the inclusion of characters from other Xbox IP such as the Arbiter, General RAAM, and the Battletoads. Though the game seemed to be on the right track, developer Double Helix was purchased by Amazon. Iron Galaxy picked up its second season, but ultimately development was halted before its third season as Microsoft was aiming to right the ship of the Xbox brand.
Now, it seems Killer Instinct may be making a comeback if recent rumors are to be believed. In a recent article over at Windows Central from Jez Corden, it seems that Microsoft is working with Bandai Namco to develop a new entry to the series. Microsoft has always shown a remote interest in returning to the fighting franchise, and recently Phil Spencer discussed as much on an episode of the DroppedFrames podcast.
“I have also heard the vaguest of unsubstantiated rumors that one of Bandai Namco’s fighting game development teams may be involved, although I haven’t been able to independently verify that yet myself. Previously speaking at an event, someone at Xbox told me that finding a studio or building a team with the specific expertise to make a fighting game was difficult.”
Jez Corden, Windows Central
Bandai Namco is no stranger to the fighting genre, developing popular titles such as Tekken and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. They would be a great studio to breathe new life into this classic franchise.
Killer Instinct originally released in 1994 in arcades and ported to the Super Nintendo. A second game was also released and a Gold version made its way to the Nintendo 64 in 1996. The most recent game, also titled Killer Instinct, released on the Xbox One on November 22, 2013.
Are you excited to see Microsoft return to the fighting genre? What do you hope to see in a new Killer Instinct? Let us know in the Discord or Facebook group!
Source: Windows Central, DroppedFrames Podcast
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