Killer Instinct 2 Rare Retrospective

Development on KI2 got underway almost immediately after the release of its predecessor, when it became evident that the game was going to gather a considerable fan base worldwide. To the satisfaction of some and the disapproval of others, the sequel retained the same essential 2D combat structure, though in a tweaked and updated form: new additions to the system included the mini-ultra, upgradeable combo finishers, super linkers, ultra breakers and a stone/scissors/paper formula for the special moves, all of which contributed to a new depth of challenge for the devoted gamer.

The graphics, too, were treated to a major overhaul, with the dramatic storyline twist giving scope for the rotational 3D / multi-layered parallax backdrops to be far more diverse and exotic than those featured in the original, ranging from ancient stone circles through devastated city blocks to galleys manned by the living dead. These also included limited character interaction for the first time in the form of breakable items, hidden sections of battleground and more knockoff points, features accessible to fighters both old and new: Tusk, Maya and Kim Wu replaced the original’s Thunder, Riptor and Cinder following the results of a character popularity study carried out on North American KI2 arcade boards. Previous boss character Eyedol gave way to his arch-rival Gargos, and the Spinal, Glacius and Sabrewulf featured in this game are all somehow different to those of the original. Another new feature was the inclusion of multiple endings for each fighter depending on certain factors throughout the course of the game: the abandonment of an increasingly cliched ‘tournament’ storyline freed the reins for a far wider spectrum of possibilities.

Killer Instinct 2 was released in early 1996 following the final beta tests in late ’95. Since then it has achieved a level of success and a hardcore fan base similar to those of its prequel, despite receiving no home conversions other than the N64’s substantially refined KI Gold.