Summary
Xbox console exclusiveKiller Instinct: Anniversary Editionhas received another comprehensive update that introduces gameplay improvements, visual refinements, and a plethora of bug fixes, among other novelties. This patch arrives nearly 11 years following the original release ofKiller Instinct.
The long-running fighting game series was originally created by Rare in 1994. Microsoft got hold of the IP following its 2002 acquisition of the British studio. But it took the company another decade to actually revive the franchise with the 2013Killer Instinctreboot, which was developed by Double Helix Games, nowadays an Amazon subsidiary.Killer Instinct: Anniversary Editionwas unveiledand launched a decade later, in November 2023, courtesy of Chicago-based Iron Galaxy Studios.
The definitive edition of the fighting game then received another patch in December, with Iron Galaxy now following up on that release with the debut ofKiller Instinct: Anniversary Editionupdate 3.11.14. The latest version of the game introduces dozens of changes, including balancing fixes, stability improvements, and even some new graphics options. Specifically,Killer Instinct: Anniversary Editionnow supportsAMD’s FSR 2 upscaling tech, with this addition arriving some 18 months after the open-source solution first became available to Xbox developers.
The 3.11.14 version ofKiller Instinct: Anniversary Editionalso addresses a peculiar bug that sometimes caused attacks to fire in the wrong direction because a character’s stance would end up being mirrored. Furthermore, the patch tackles an unrelated issue that would sometimes cause Riptor’s Flame Carpet to miss unexpectedly, with the remedy arriving in the form of adjusted character hitboxes. Another fix was introduced to Eagle, whose Sonic Screech VFX will no longer linger if the fighter performs hisKiller InstinctCounter Combo Breakerduring the animation.
Maya’s Knife Normals in Killer Instinct: Anniversary Edition Now Hit Harder and Faster
The new patch also addresses some rare issues with dropped input that could occur when relaunching the game using the Xbox Series X/S Quick Resume feature. In terms of balancing, the biggest changes were bestowed upon Maya, whose knife normals—attacks perfomed by holding a direction and pressing a single button—now hit harder and faster. Iron Galaxy said this aspect of her moveset was always meant to be better than her kick normals to incentivize players to hang onto her blades.
Killer Instinct (2013)
WHERE TO PLAY
Celebrate 10 years of Killer Instinct! The legendary fighting game franchise returns with an all new Anniversary update with improved matchmaking, balance updates, and more!Experience the thrill of combat with 29 characters, each with their own unique fighting style, combos, and finishers. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, you’ll find plenty of challenges and rewards in the single-player modes and online multiplayer. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the ultimate fight club and prove yourself as the supreme champion of Killer Instinct!
