A Farewell And Thank You To Double Helix Games

June 10th, 2013. I was at the University of Southern Californina (USC) Galen Center in Los Angeles, sitting amongst a thousand or so other people, a congregation of press and Xbox fans waiting for Microsoft to begin their E3 Media Press Briefing. In the months leading up to the event, rumors were swirling of a new Killer Instinct being in development, with Microsoft having renewed the KI trademark, been denied it, then went through the trouble of reaching an agreement with Fox to use it. With that knowledge on my mind as I sat there waiting, I wasn’t just hoping for Killer Instinct to be announced, I was anticipating it. I was probably one of the few–if not the only–people wanting that announcement more than anything else that Microsoft could showcase at the event. And then it happened. About halfway through the briefing, the lights fade, a “coming to your home in 2013” voice resonates throughout the building, then the first glimpse of Killer Instinct is revealed, showing the new character models of Sabrewulf, Jago and Glacius. Excitement soared through my body and I clapped and cheered with many others from the crowd. Killer Instinct was finally back and I couldn’t have been happier… that is, until the briefing concluded.

As I left the Galen Center feeling like I was floating on cloud nine, I received a message from Amir (fellow founder of KIC), informing me that Rare (original creators of Killer Instinct) wasn’t developing the game, but rather another studio called Double Helix Games. My excitement immediately came crashing down, replaced with disappointment, doubt and probably a slight bit of anger. It had been years since we had seen a game from Rare outside of the Kinect Sports franchise, so it was shocking to say the least to learn that one of their own IP had been outsourced to another developer. Not only that, but to a development studio I had never heard of. Double Helix Games? Who were they and what had they developed in the past? I researched the company later that day and learned of their past pedigree of movie based games and a somewhat poorly received entry in the Silent Hill franchise, none of which did anything to qualm the doubts infiltrating my mind. Had Microsoft really just revived one of the most highly anticipated franchises and handed it off to a studio with–arguably–no memorable games in their portfolio? Could the developers at Double Helix Games handle such a beloved IP or would Killer Instinct’s return be short-lived? The answer to those questions would be resolved the following day.

On June 11th, I waited just outside Microsoft’s booth at the LA Convention Center for the doors to be opened. After a night of unrest and unrelenting thoughts on how Killer Instinct would play, my anticipation level was through the roof and I was finally about to get my hands on the game for the first time. When the doors eventually opened, I rushed to the Killer Instinct specific section, where Microsoft had four stations setup for play, each equipped with two Killer Instinct themed fightsticks allowing for eight players to simultaneously play. I spectated the gameplay as I waited for my turn, closely watching every detail and beginning to “feel the hype” every time I witnessed large combos and heard the trademark C-C-C-Combo Breaker! My turn finally came and I selected Sabrewulf, ready to do battle against my opponent. I don’t recall if I won or lost that match, but I do remember all doubt about the game and Double Helix simultaneously exiting my way of thinking. I spent roughly twelve hours of my time at E3 in the Killer Instinct booth alone, returning again and again and again to experience what was undoubtedly the best and most exciting game on the showfloor. Killer Instinct was back!

It speeds up the lowest price for cialis formation of cartilage and also improves the blood circulation in the joints. When it is a combination of both, it is referred to as mixed incontinence. viagra prices in usa Damiana is an outstanding hormone regulator that strengthens the nervous viagra 50 mg http://raindogscine.com/?attachment_id=186 system too. There were days when women had to stay alone sad and stressed generic viagra sale out.
Double Helix Games proved that week that they had what it took to take such a beloved IP as Killer Instinct and craft it and mold it into something that both fans new and old would love and enjoy. In the months that followed, they continued to build upon the hype they left in the wake of E3, leaving fans salivating for the next character announcement and any bit of KI news that surfaced. The majority of hands-on impressions from fans leading up to release were glowing with positivity, leading Killer Instinct to be one the most anticipated games–if not the most–slated for Xbox One’s November 22nd release. Since then, it has become increasingly more popular, having been accepted widely by the Fighting Game Community (FGC) and becoming a participating title in some of the biggest gaming tournaments in the world such as SCR and NCR and the upcoming MLG Anaheim Championship and EVO 2014. It also continues to be one of the biggest selling digital titles on the Xbox One games store.

Sadly, news surfaced in February that Double Helix had been acquired by Amazon and that development of KI would cease at the studio following the conclusion of the game’s first season (which has now ended). Despite that unexpected revelation, Double Helix made a name for themselves with their time with Killer Instinct. They’re a living embodiment that a games development studio can, with a single product, create something magical and so incredibly good that it will forever leave an impressionable mark in the minds of gamers.

I personally want to take a moment to thank everyone at Double Helix involved with Killer Instinct Xbox One’s development. Each and every one of you did such an incredible job at reviving a franchise that had lied dormant for nearly two decades! It has been a great pleasure to experience your work with KI from the very first time I played it at E3 last year to the hours I continue to pour into it today. Suffice it to say, Killer Instinct Central wouldn’t even exist right now if the game hadn’t left such a positive impression on me last year! So thank you all once again for all of your hard work and I wish you all the best of luck on your future endeavors with Amazon.

For everyone reading, I would like for you to also take a moment of your time to share your thoughts about Double Helix in the comments below. As mentioned above, I believe they did an amazing job with Killer Instinct, but I’d love to know if you share those same sentiments or if your opinion is the polar opposite of mine. Let me know!