Is Killer Instinct "The World's Most Generous Demo"?

No.

Did I spoil it for you? Well come on, what were you expecting? This game has been hyped so much that, when I got my Xbox One, I had to see what it was all about; and Microsoft saying this was ‘the world’s most generous demo’, only further spurred me on.

Several of my friends received a free code for the full game for being members of Xbox Live, not for a long time, but for having large gamerscore. That was the first time this game put my nose out of joint, which became something of a recurring theme. Next I heard how ‘generous’ the free-to-play version was and thought to myself, maybe it won’t be a huge deal, maybe they’re just giving a few extra things with the full version? I might even pick up the full version if it’s as good as it looks.

Six characters? That doesn’t sound like a lot...whatever, it’s an old RARE game right? No need to worry, I’m sure it’ll be great and they’ll add more characters over time. They’re only going to add two more characters? Hmm interesting choice, but again, surely with all the hype...it’ll be worth it? Right?

Unfortunately, when I first played this game it was the single LEAST generous demo I had ever played. So, at first glance, what do you get? Jago: an extremely clichéd male fighting game protagonist, made up of the same moves that all other games in the genre do better. You also get one stage to play, ONE (but do note other stages are available via the store using your KP - the games currency you gain by doing daily challenges etc - while extra characters are bought with real money). I couldn’t believe how little content was in this… demo? Free-to-play game? I didn’t even know, and I keep up to date with this stuff. Okay so actually it’s not technically a free-to-play game, it’s actually just a demo - and from what I had heard the full game was actually quite enjoyable and an impressive fighter - but going on the PR alone is what we’re here to do; so let’s break it down.

At this juncture I would like to say I have never claimed to be fantastic at fighting games, yet I still find myself fascinated by them and have purchased Mortal Kombat, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Street Fighter IV  in the last year and a bit; the latter I also had several of the add-ons for - so all of my opinions are just that, opinions. The game plays well - with a rock solid frame-rate and fluid animations - and the character you’re given is very much one that, like stated previously, is standard fighting game fare. So, nothing to really turn your nose up at so far?

The game looks pretty good and is possibly the only game, so far, for Xbox One that I haven’t had crash, so that’s something. The demo doesn’t offer moving stages or anything akin to some newer fighters, but what it does offer is an awesome tutorial. Being the average player I am, this was my first port of call. What impressed me most was the way it explained every single idea about the systems to me, in plain English.The tutorial is the best of any fighting game I have ever played. It explained the theory behind using the moves, not just how to make them happen. On the whole, I find fighting games are extremely hostile to new players, but Killer Instinct takes this preconception and stomps all over it.

This is a breath of fresh air in a genre defined by old franchises, with huge learning curves.

Online play is always daunting when playing a fighting game. You’d best put your gaming ego aside for a minute and be ready to accept that you may not be the best. The matchmaking does appear to take some time - at least those times I attempted to play. The main issue is you are matched against people who are also playing the demo version which leads to fatigue extremely quickly. You’d best love Jago and the one free stage you get because boy, will you see them a lot.

The character, aesthetic and sound design are standout parts of this game. With Street Fighter having the monopoly on visual design in this specific genre, Double Helix have taken all opportunity to pour character into every facet of the game. The music throughout is an over-the-top sudo-metal cheese fest, evoking early 90’s gaming nostalgia by the bucket load. All characters look unique and the stunning visuals every time a player pulls of a move of varying complexity, is impressive.

So what are we left with? A demo that manages to be small in size, yet impressive in scope - hinting heavily at the time and love put into this product. I’ve always felt demos are a hard thing to get right and when I started playing this game, we had our differences but I feel we’ve worked it out and I’ve accepted it’s a little odd. I look at it like this: It’s still free, regardless of how much content you get. If you’re not a huge fan of fighting games this might be a way in for you - specifically with the new tutorial system - maybe it’ll spark a new love. It’s worth a download.

For me, it has managed to help me understand the theory behind fighting games a little more, which I can’t state how much I appreciate. I would hope from now on more games take this approach to giving an optional tutorial with this kind of depth, and not assume its core audience are the only ones who want to play it.  

It’s not the world’s most generous demo, but it sure is the most generous free interactive fighting game coach I’ve ever had.