Overview
C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER! Killer Instinct arrived during peak fighting game fever with distinctive pre-rendered visuals and a combo system that rewarded memorisation and timing. The announcer’s enthusiastic calls became iconic. Rare’s Western take on the genre found success in arcades and a surprisingly capable SNES port, though the series would lie dormant for decades.
Fast facts
- Developer: Rare.
- Publisher: Midway (arcade), Nintendo (console).
- Year: 1994.
- Hardware: Rare’s proprietary arcade board.
Combo system
| Mechanic | Function |
|---|
| Auto-doubles | Extended combos |
| Linkers | Combo connections |
| Enders | Combo finishers |
| Combo Breakers | Defensive escape |
Visual style
| Technique | Result |
|---|
| Pre-rendered sprites | Distinct look |
| Dark aesthetic | Gothic fighters |
| Stage variety | Dramatic arenas |
| Ultra combos | Spectacular finishers |
Character roster
| Fighter | Style |
|---|
| Jago | Balanced |
| Orchid | Speed |
| Glacius | Alien ice |
| Fulgore | Cyborg |
| Spinal | Skeleton |
| Sabrewulf | Werewolf |
Announcer legacy
| Call | Impact |
|---|
| ”Ultra Combo!” | Iconic |
| ”C-C-C-Combo Breaker!” | Meme status |
| ”Supreme Victory!” | Memorable |
See also