Killer Instinct
Game by Rare
Reviewed by Myau84
Myau84@aol.com
Size: 4MB
Save: None
Released: 1995
Works with: All Game Boys
Miscellaneous Features: 2 Players, Super GB enhanced

Opening Snide Remarks: I have been a long time fan of the Killer Instinct
series. I love the arcade, SNES, and N64 versions. I found this for a good
price (used), so I bought it. But I was a little cautious. After playing the
horrid Mortal Kombat games on Game Boy, I figured that the game couldn't
handle a fighter. Let's see how this turned out.....

Gameplay: Wow, this is Game Boy? Killer Instinct plays exactly like the
arcade! I should of known that Rare could pull something like this off. There
are tons of moves and tons of combos in the game. A lot are similar to the
older versions, so I didn't have much trouble. Every character has moves
performed basically the same way, so it's good to play around with everyone.
Luckily, there is a practice mode!

The moves must be accurate to pull them off. Sometimes, a little too
accurate. This may upset some people. This game is all combos. Sometimes if
you just press every button at once, you can get some major hits. You simply
start a combo by doing a move, attacking, and doing another move. I've done
ultras with Sabrewulf about 5 times on accident!

Graphics: I thought Donkey Kong Land 2 was too bright and dark! The
characters look like shadows, and you can barely see the backgrounds. You can
switch between light and dark in the options, but both of them are still hard
to see.

Still, the characters and backgrounds are detailed, if you can see them.
Maybe if I had a GBC this wouldn't be a problem. You should see the vs.
screen, the characters look awesome! Framerate is good, especially during
huge combos.

Audio: I don't really care much for the audio on Game Boy, so there's not
much to say. The music is pretty good. It has the familiar Killer Instinct
feel to it. Sound effects don't really effect the game much. You don't really
pay attention to them while playing.

Replay Value: There are many difficulties in Killer Instinct. Start on very
easy, and work your way up. The higher the difficulty you're playing, the
more you'll be rewarded for beating the game. This gives the game much replay
value. It takes time to master your character, and there are a lot. This is
one fighter that won't get boring fast.

Final Analysis: If you want a fighter for Game Boy, this is the one to get.
It's as good of a port as the Donkey Kong Lands were. This game pushes Game
Boy to its limits. A must for any Killer Instinct fan!

Overall
Gameplay: 8.5
Graphics: 7
Audio: 7
Replay Value: 9

Final Score: 8.5

Currently Known Codes:
Random Select: At the character select screen, press UP and START at the same
time.

Play as EYEDOL: (This doesn't mean you'll win though..) At the screen where
they show the fighters close-up pictures before a fight; hold RIGHT and then
press SELECT, START, B, and A. (Just hold down RIGHT; don't hold down the
other buttons. Or you'll reset the game.)