The update also delivers a resolution bump to 900p

Oct 15, 2014 06:33 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft Studios and Iron Galaxy Studios have released the launch trailer for Killer Instinct: Season 2, the next chapter in the Xbox One exclusive fighting game's life cycle.

Killer Instinct is the remake of the classic combo-based fighting game that many gamers enjoyed in arcades or on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, available as a free-to-play game exclusively on the Xbox One home console from Microsoft.

The game was released as part of the console's launch lineup of video games, and original developer Double Helix Games was universally praised for the manner in which it brought the classic back to life, preserving the original feel and gameplay dynamic.

Anyone with an Xbox One device can simply download the title and jump right in, but only one of the fighters in the game's expanding roster is available for free at any one time, with the warriors being rotated periodically.

What's new in Season 2

Season 2 comes with two fresh fighters right off the bat, in the form of TJ Combo, Mike Tyson's slightly more aggressive virtual alter ego, and Maya, a deadly warrior wielding a pair of kris knives with deadly proficiency.

The announcement on the Xbox Wire states that the update will also deliver a ton of new features, customization options, and loads of content for both single-player and multiplayer fans.

In addition to this, two more classic fighters have been confirmed for the future, in the form of the flaming Cinder and Riptor, your not-quite-friendly neighborhood dinosaur. Several other upcoming fighters have been teased in the form of silhouettes, so there's a lot of stuff coming our way.

"Along with the returning classics, all-new characters are coming to Killer Instinct: Season 2, including an ancient Babylonian sorcerer, an avenging ghost, a battle-hardened war golem, and more," the announcement reads.

A lot of improvements to gameplay

Alongside a sleek new interface, designed specifically to make navigating and interacting with the game more intuitive, players will be able to enjoy the numerous balance changes made to the cast of Season 1, in preparation for the new challenges.

The new "aerial recapture" feature enables select characters to catch an opponent in mid-air and slam them to the ground in order to continue their combo.

This will be enhanced by more juggling air attacks, but also by Air Breakers and Air Counter-Breakers, new features that will ensure that there's always a two-way interaction between fighters.

The new ranking system for Season 2 will enable the best fighters to earn costumes, accessories and other such honorific items faster, and all individual characters will have their own level, in addition to the overall player level.

Killer Instinct: Season 2 is available starting today, October 15, exclusively on the Xbox One, with TJ Combo as this week's free playable character.