IGN 8.4 /10
The sad truth about fighting games is that much of what makes playing them against others interesting is usually kept obscured. Killer Instinct succeeds enormously at exposing all of that information to players of all skill levels. Not only is its combat system flashy and well thought out, it's well explained too, thanks to its powerful training tools, and what is easily the most complete guide to terminology and tactics ever assembled in a fighting game. Though it lacks an arcade mode or a full-sized character roster, Killer Instinct delivers where it counts.
USGamer 4/5
Minor nitpicks aside, Killer Instinct is an amazing game for the $20 price tag. The character count leaves a little to be desired, but for the price you can't complain too much. If you opt for the $40 version, you'll get the original arcade classic as well, but no online play for it at the moment. If the game had 24 characters, a Story mode, and was priced at $60, it would be a system seller for the Xbox One. Even as what is essentially an Xbox One Live Arcade game, Killer Instinct is one of the best titles for the Xbox One, and will only be improving as more characters are added. Do yourself a favor and at least try out the free version for an hour. It could be the best decision you make at launch.
OXM 7.5/10
Killer Instinct relies heavily on its origins, with five fighters returning with familiar special moves, plus similar-looking backdrops from past entries. Even the music and announcer voice-over all hit that nostalgic sweet spot. With the spider-like newcomer Sadira, however, Double Helix shows that it can create new content that works within the series' bounds, even if it's unclear how she fits into the universe — given the current lack of story context and all. And while the game initially looks like it could be running on an Xbox 360, the next-gen edge reveals itself through dazzling weather and attack effects that do nothing to tarnish the rock-solid frame rate.
It's just a shame that Killer Instinct feels incomplete, even if it's by design. Microsoft is gambling that the spread-out release approach will only fuel continued excitement and interest in the game, and we're hoping that bet pays off big — no doubt, it's made us anxious for more. Killer Instinct is back, and maybe this time next year, we can add "and better than ever" to that statement.
EDGE 7 / 10
Fighting games live or die online nowadays, but Killer Instinct’s business model dictates that Jago will be your most frequent opponent. Double Helix intends to rotate which fighter is offered for free, but that will only go so far with so slender a roster. There’s a fantastic combo system at Killer Instinct’s core, but right now it feels like half a game – one full of promise, certainly, but not an especially next-gen one either. The cascade of particles may not be enough to retain player interest until the rest of the game arrives.
Joystiq 3/5
This makes Killer Instinct a delight to play and a uniquely enticing proposition to fighting aficionados and genre novices alike. And even though it's mostly about big, flashy combos, Killer Instinct doesn't make you feel helpless when you're the one being pummeled.
But as much as Killer Instinct is a sound and inviting fighter mid-battle, it's an experience that ultimately feels hollow everywhere else. Online play – as spare as it is – may present a limitless well of competition to draw from, but with only six fighters to master and very few modes of play, Killer Instinct lacks the value and staying power offered by most other modern fighting games.
With more characters and content on the way, the future might be different. At present, there just isn't enough to do.
GamesRadar 4/5
