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Parents' Guide to

Killer Instinct

By Brett Molina, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Fast-paced brawler is exciting, but brace for some blood.

Game Xbox One 2013
Killer Instinct Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Killer Instinct Game: Screenshot #1
  • Killer Instinct Game: Screenshot #2
  • Killer Instinct Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Dan M.
Dan M. Parent
February 19, 2018
age 14+

14+ is fine

I really liked fighting games when I was in college and killer instinct was one of the games I played. There isn’t a lot of blood but the paid version is rated M for some reason. I really think this game is fine for most teens over the age of 14
Sam M.
Sam M. Parent of baby-year-old
October 14, 2017
age 14+

Sure why not

Dont care much about fighting games but this is pretty fun. Fantasy violence. More blood than most T rated games (altho the most recent Complete Edition is Rated M, probably for the older games packaged with it or a new character whose head is split in 2 down the middle, with some viscera shown)It splashes on ground but dissappears fairly quick, and some attacks are pretty savage. But not nearly 18+ level like Mortal Kombat X. There no explicit body damage or gross fatalities.
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

KILLER INSTINCT is a free-to-play fighting game based on the classic arcade franchise. The free version features one fighter, Jago, whom players master through a series of game modes and tutorials. Player can opt to purchase additional characters -- from the werewolf Sabrewulf to a mysterious icy creature called Glacius -- separately or upgrade to a $20 version of the game with six characters at launch. Players participate in standard one-on-one matches or engage in a Survival mode where they'll face an endless array of opponents.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (9 ):

Killer Instinct a great fighting game that's easy to pick up and learn. Players can easily mash their way through fights and have an enjoyable time, but they'll need to work on their timing to learn more advanced techniques. The free version may offer access to only one character, but it includes all game modes, so players can find out if they like it before spending any money.

That said, it's pretty thin on options. Even when upgrading to the $20 version, players have only six fighters to work with at launch, with two more arriving in future downloads. There's also a limited number of game modes. Regardless, Killer Instinct is a fun, exciting brawler at a low cost.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the appeal of fighting games. Why are players so interested in these types of games? Do they feel realistic to you?

  • Families also can discuss the impact of violence in media. How do you feel after playing a fighting game?

Game Details

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