Fighting games have started a trend of implementing guest characters into their roster. Super Smash Bros., for example, was based on that very premise and has continued to excel throughout the years as a result. Meanwhile, other fighting game titles like Mortal Kombat have begun introducing guest characters such as horror movie icons Jason Vorhees and Predator. There doesn't appear to be any end to this trend either, as Microsoft has announced that Rash from Battletoads will be joining the roster of Killer Instinct.
While the announcement may have initially seemed like a one-off to get fans excited for Rare Replay, comments from the General Manager of Microsoft Studios, Shannon Loftis, claim that "Season 3 will feature guest characters." That's right, "characters" – as in more than one. This could have just been a slip of the tongue by the GM, but it got our minds racing at the possibility of other Xbox-centric guest fighters that could appear in Killer Instinct.
With a focus purely on Xbox properties, we've put together a list of 5 Microsoft-owned characters we'd like to see square off with the likes of Jago and Sabrewulf, although it's safe to say that there are a number of other strong choices we left out. And so, without any further ado, let's take a look at our choices for additional Killer Instinct guest characters.
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Master Chief (Halo)
Let's get the most obvious candidate out of the way first. Master Chief is the poster boy for Microsoft and its Xbox console, and rightfully so. The Halo franchise has sold incredibly well for the company since its creation, garnering an immense fan base and generating billions in the process. It's for this reason that John-117 seems like an all too obvious choice as a playable character in Killer Instinct.
While the fate of the longstanding protagonist is still unknown leading up to the release of Halo 5: Guardians, he's easily the most iconic mascot at the company's disposal. Besides, is it just us or does Glacius look kind of like an ice-covered Covenant Elite? It could just be us.
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Next: A Pair of Agents
Agent (Crackdown)
As one of the most anticipated Xbox One exclusives arriving in 2016, the inclusion of a Crackdown 3 character presents a unique option for the developers at Iron Galaxy Studios. Since the main character (referred to only as Agent) doesn't have an expected look, the Killer Instinct developers can make this character look anyway they want. They could even offer up different aesthetics through skin and costume swaps, just in case fans want to suit up as their preferred avatar.
With the ability to whip Agility Orbs at foes, bust out lightning-quick kicks and punches, or utilize any one of the many weapons in their arsenal, it's safe to say that Agent would be a fun fighter. Plus the battleground that would accompany the combatant could feature stage hazards that involve toppling buildings on the competition, and that could be too much fun to pass up.
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Joanna Dark (Perfect Dark)
As the main protagonist of the Perfect Dark series, Joanna Dark was once a big name in gaming. However, with the Perfect Dark series now sitting idle, Joanna hasn't had much to do. That could change if Dark joins Killer Instinct.
Whether utilizing her unique arsenal of weapons or busting out her encyclopedic knowledge of hand-to-hand combat moves, Joanna would pose a serious threat to anyone that got in her way. Plus the fact that the operative often takes on evil corporations akin to Ultratech ensures that her storyline will fit right in with those of the existing combatants.
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Next: A Newcomer and An Icon
JD (Gears of War 4)
Gamers first became acquainted with JD during the reveal of Gears of War 4 at E3 2015. The newcomer to the series has been made out to be the central character in the new game, or at least the one chapter we've seen of it. As a result, it would make sense that Microsoft would want to utilize the new COG soldier over the likes of series' mainstay Marcus Fenix, since he'll likely be the star of the new game launching in 2016.
With a Lancer in tow, there's certainly an ample amount of damage and combo capabilities for the young soldier. Whether tagging foes with Frag Grenades or juggling them in the air with his Gnasher shotgun, there's myriad potential for the character. Suffice to say, he's good for a lot more than being mauled by Pouncers.
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Banjo and Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie)
Admittedly, Banjo and Kazooie are adorable mascots from an era of gaming where platforming games ran rampant, and their original forms wouldn't work well in a game as violent as Killer Instinct. That's why we're proposing that Iron Galaxy reinvent the characters solely for their ever-growing fighting game. Behold, a realistic and comedic take on the classic honey bear and Breegull duo.
Since there are already werewolves, raptors, golems, and now a giant humanoid toad occupying spots on the roster, a bear wearing a backpack (that just so happens to be stuffed with a red bird) really doesn't seem that farfetched. With a bevy of potential combos thanks to the unique dynamics that would accompany the two characters working in unison, Banjo-Kazooie fans and KI aficionados alike would be in for a treat sweeter than honey.
Image Source: iam8bit
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Which guest characters would you like to see added to Killer Instinct? Do you think Rash from Battletoads is enough for now? Get at us in the comments.