Where The Hell Is Killer Instinct?

MasonicGamer.com: Where the hell is Killer Instinct 3? In fact where the hell is Killer Instinct in general? Seriously how is it that as of 2013 we’ve still yet to receive anything Killer Instinct related, no sequel and no ports of the originals. This franchise is for all intents and purposes completely dead with it’s the lastest release dating all the way back to 1996′s Killer Instinct Gold for the Nintendo 64. In order to look ahead we have to look back in order to see how this entire mess came to be.

[Godchild1020]

Looking at those images brings back memories. I would gladly take a reboot to the series if NetherRealm Studios can get their hands on it.

Also, where the hell is the Bloody Roar reboot? I loved playing that game and it sucks that the studio closed. I hope one of these third party studios can buy the IP and reincarnate the game. Even if it only comes out as a digital only title to test the waters. Another game NetherRrealm Studios should reboot.

[NukaCola]

100 times yes for Bloody Roar. I loved the original.

[amaguli]

Hudson Soft was working on a new Bloody Roar, but that was before they merged with Konami.

[zerocrossing]

Yes Bloody Roar!!! We need a reboot or sequel.

Bloody Roar 3 was my favourite but they were all great, solid brawlers.

[-Gespenst-]

The music in Bloody Roar is the best thing ever. Total butt-rock, but so catchy.

[Oh_Yeah]

Another good question is, where the hell is powerstone 3?

[Mounce]

The question isn't 'Where is Killer Instinct', you have to dig deeper.

It's....Where's the creators?. . . Aka. Rare?

The answer? Dead. Or Kinect and Avatar clothing-creators.

Rareware and their old symbol is even in the image above....They're not there and Microsoft owns them and clearly doesn't see profit in it. Shame, always.

[DivineAssault]

"Orchid" "Supreme victory" "Ultraaaaaaa combo" lol the joy

[TheRacingX]

ca ca ca ca combo breaker....

[thebudgetgamer]

Rare is too busy making avatars and awesome Kinect games.

[Ezz2013]

that's what makes me angry at MS
they know xbox fans don't bash them for the lack of exclusives and what make it worse most of those exclusives went multiplat
they don't bring any thing new to the table don't want to take risk with new ips and bury awesome ip's like KI
for kinect

[sandman224]

Who ever is responsible for not allowing KI to happen need to be locked up in state prison.

[ScubaSteve1]

Microsoft

[TheRacingX]

I believe Nintendo owns the IP

[BitbyDeath]

@TheRacingX,

RARE owns the IP, MS own RARE.

[hazardman]

MS owns Killer Instincts IP which they got when they bought Rare. I think all of RARE IPs are owned by MS except Donkey Kong series.

[hazardman]

Yes we need Killer Instinct and since RARE has been working exclusively on KINECT games, it would be cool if MS brought in a 3rd party dev to work on it. I think it might happen. I guess we have to wait and see.

[RuleofOne343]

Wouldn't a 3RD party want to take it multi-plat or have it as a part of a deal. it would be much easier to keep it in house like some other house than Rare & theirs will be no such thoughts of multi console sales or even interest in doing so.

[hazardman]

I know what you mean but as long as MS is owner and publisher it would never go on other platform. MS would just pay said developer to make their game for them. IDK but it sounds good. haha...

[ShinraE5]

I really believe we will see this next generation. MS has had a lot of time to focus on other things.

They know this gen is close to done, and the launch of any system is crucial....wouldnt this be the perfect game for a launch window or an early release?

[Ezz2013]

yet sony bring alot of new ips to this gen
why they are not doing the same as MS
and i don't get "this gen is close to done"
is somehow when next gen start (whenever it start)
xbox360 and ps3 will vanish from the earth ???!!!
so who bought xbox or ps3 this year or next year
can suck it ??!!
this gen won't over untill sony and MS stop supporting ps3/360 and stop making them

EDIT: yes this is true and i also own both
if and big IF they have KI for next gen xbox
i will get nextbox day 1 along with ps4
bt if no ..then ps4 only and wiiu

[ShinraE5]

Sony and MS operate differently.

Sony started with less titles and produced more over time.

MS started with more titles and produced less over time.

Something like KI would be an awesome reason to get the next xbox.

And I own both, so I got to enjoy the best of both strategies!

[hazardman]

Too bad because Im certain MS gonna have a great launch lineup even without KI.

[wishingW3L]

the main theme was really good.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Didn't the name change hault the production of it? I don't think the name would be that big of a problem. Just call it Killer Instinct X or something.

[Belking]

It's still coming for XBLA. This just may be a next gen title too, which is even better.

[KrimsonKody]

Or,
They could just call it KI: Instinct Kills or something.
Hey, it's working for DmC: Devil May Cream, (cough), I mean Cry.
Lol.

[Daver]

This is the only game that could have made me buy a xbox this gen but they didnt even care about the franchise. The first Killer Instinct is still one of the best fighting games ever made. Second was not as good tho.

[D2K]

Tim and Chris Stamper, Louise Stamper, Chris Seavor, Chris Tilson (a lot guys named 'Chris' worked on KI :) Mark Betteridge, Ken Lobb, and many others that I can't remember at the moment that worked on Killer Instinct back in the 1990's have either quit Rare or were fired from Rare.

We will never know the reasons why there was never a KI3 was made back then, but now none of the people whom created the game work there so that is the main reason why there is no KI3.

The current Rare staff is a fraction of what it used to be and they simply do not have the resources to even try to develop a game of that scale anyway. And anyone whom loved KI would want it any other way. It's one thing for a new studio or new personnel to volunteer for a project because they would have the enthusiasm and drive to produce a great product, but when you are 'forced' to do something creatively it handcuffs you.

It's been nearly 17 years since Killer Instinct 2 was released in arcade and after all this time I would not want them to even ATTEMPT to make it because it would just bastardize the franchise. I would rather remember Killer Instinct for what it was rather than see some halfhearted attempt to appease fans that have not moved on.

Back in July it was reported that Nintendo was aggressively negotiating with Microsoft to buy back some of it's old franchises and possibly even buy Rare back. Considering that Rare already has 720 games in development I would assume talks fell through.

It also stand to reason that Microsoft's attempt to renew the license to Killer Instinct could have been a move to block Nintendo from outright buying it back when the license expires.

If there was ever going to be another Killer Instinct game made I would rather Nintendo be at the helm. Perhaps producing it like they did before and had say Retro Studios develop it. But first they have to get their hands back on it. If people really want this game made, they need to pressure Nintendo to get those license rights back. If rare had any intention of developing another KI game or even making HD remakes of KI 1 and 2, they would have done so by now.

The fact that the founders of Rare Tim and Chris Stamper quit their own company should be a clue on how much of a fiasco Rare has become. I hope this information has been helpful for some and can help others come to terms with where KI is as a franchise.

[Belking]

Actually Rare wasn't even profitable until they were bought by MS. That's why Nintendo let them go in the first place. They are still one of the best and most respected studios in the industry with or without Killer Instinct. They are also one of the most secretive so you never know what they are up to which is a plus IMO.

[D2K]

sorry

[D2K]

didn't mean to post 3 times

[SwiftArsonist]

as long as MS dont hire Nihilistic Soft was the developer im ok

[Godchild1020]

No one will be hiring them again, at least not under that name. They changed their name to Nstigate Games. And will mostly be doing work on Ios and Android.

[Xenomorph]

I've been telling people that THIS is the game that should be remade.

1. Installed fanbase of KI lovers
2. Awesome roster of characters
3. C-C-C-COMBOS
4. Potential for 2D remake (ALA MK9)
5. It's Killer Instinct FOOL

[saoco]

HEY!!! I KNOW, I KNOW..... on Super Nintendo.

ULTRAHHH-ULTRAHHH-ULTRAHHH

[god_mode]

Contrary to popular internet belief the fighting community and a lot of gamers are NOT hoping looking for a new Killer Instinct.
The game when released was mediocre at best and was trumped very quickly by Darkstalkers and MK2.

Release it as an XBL download but do not waste time or money on a new KI that would be exclusive to only one console.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Just release them in HD on the Xbox marketplace. See how many sales it gets, if it's enough then make a 3rd Killer Instinct. Don't let this franchise die!

[Sniperwithacause]

Why do we as gamers feel that there needs to sequels made for everything? Serious question. The more numbers you out beside a title one less new IP could be created. Plus I'd prefer a new bloody roar. Hypocritical I know. I'm part of the problem.

[NastyLeftHook0]

if sony owned rare, we would have a killer instinct game.

[jdubdoubleu]

Normally with an article being this long I woud have maybe read some of it or just scroll to the bottom for the comments (N4G), but not this one. This was the best article i've read in a long time. Being such a KI fan I feel for the same way you do. KI GOLD brings back such great memories. You should send a letter to M$ or RARE about this game and your thoughts and see what kind of response you get, if any, then share it with us if its worth it. I would write a letter myself but im not good at explaining myself or using big words. Great article!!

[A7XEric]

The sad thing is that Microsoft is missing a huge opportunity to capitalize on the rejuvenated interest in fighting games over the last couple of years. They have a window of opportunity to make this game happen but its slipping away.

[StreetsofRage]

Bingo! I been saying this for awhile. Once Street Fighter 4 came out, the 2D Fighter hype train was at an all time high. They had a great opportunity. Regardless, this game will sale like hotcakes if it ever comes out.

[jetlian]

best to wait now for next gen. MS will start off good but if the games dont sell they will cut them off

[YipMan]

http://www.ign.com/articles...
For the uninformed idiots critising/blaming Microsoft for not trying to revitalise the franchise.

[Max-Zorin]

Killer Instinct need to make a comeback for crying out loud. I miss owning people with Sabrewolf and Glacius.

[YourGreatUncle]

I wouldn't want this Rare team making a new KI game. I'm pretty sure close to 95% of the original members left. It wouldn't be the same. It's just like how I don't want them making a new Conker or Jet Force Gemini.