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KI3: Evidence Mounts, Plot Thickens

Photographic evidence emerges that suggests Rare itself is the one dabbling in music for a project labeled "Killer Instinct 3."

By Brad Shoemaker  |  Sept. 5, 2008

Totally the same table! Proof! Of something!
Totally the same table! Proof! Of something!
A couple days ago, speculative sheet music was making the rounds that seemed to have come from a third installment in the Killer Instinct fighting series. But some random sheet music doesn't mean squat. Anybody could throw together a quick melody and slap on whatever title they wanted, right? Games music composer and friend of Giant Bomb Chris Tilton turned out a synthesized version of the track just to give us an idea of what it might sound like in its final, arranged form.

Today Tilton hit us back playing the role of Internet detective with this hot tip:

Music4Games.net has coverage of the Viva Pinata recording sessions.

You'll notice that the picture of the Viva sheet music is sitting on the very same table that the Killer Instinct 3 sheet music was sitting on. So, I'd say they definitely recorded a theme. It's still no solid confirmation though. They could have written a theme just "for fun." However, it seems more likely that they'd take the time to do it if it was a real project.

Is this what they call investigative reporting? It feels so...so foreign. Anyway, Killer Instinct 3! Look for it on an Xbox near you...maybe sometime!

On a somewhat Rare-related note, M4G also describes a "promotional disc" of music from Trouble in Paradise. Does anyone know what this thing is about or where to get it? Because I need it. Preliminary googling has turned up no info. Is it some kind of preorder bonus? A Europe-only release? How can I get my hands on this hot piece of merchandise? Inquiring minds--or at least I--want to know!
Filed under: Killer Instinct, Xbox 360
34 Comments
Berkieon Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.
I want KI  1 on the XBLM. KI3 might be cool.
Dizzyhipposon Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
If rare brings back KI then capcom better bring back rival schools
StarFoxAon Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:16 p.m.
Oh my god, yes. I want this game. Now.
MasterSplinteron Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:18 p.m.
Rare has the first Viva Pinata soundtrack free on their website, so I would imagine they will release the Trouble in Paradise soundtrack there as well. Maybe.
FuzzyFace56on Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
KI3 would be pretty sweet to see, they should add the old ones on XBLA if they can over time working up to the release.
mrflukeon Sept. 5, 2008 at 3:30 p.m.
interesting if they bring back the killer instinct i wouldnt be surprised that you will hear more of ki3 after mk and street fighter are out and see how those fighting games sell

might be too late in the game too bring it out this year so look 4 it next year if it does happen
maz99on Sept. 5, 2008 at 4:12 p.m.
Hope they bring it back. I played so much KI on the SNES.
DukeTogoon Sept. 5, 2008 at 4:17 p.m.
Many games and films have promotional soundtracks that get made up for...promotional purposes.  The ironic thing is these usually end up in the hands of PR and marketing folks as freebies and not in the hands of folks that truly want them.  There is always the chance that it will show up in bootleg form via pressed discs or mp3s.  My once prized Medal of Honor soundtracks are now on itunes, so anything is possible.

M4G is pretty legit site and a great little community for the game music professionals to announce stuff.

Since both games are from Rare, and the cost of setting up a recording session is no joke, it makes perfect sense to record for other projects.  Whether this is for some promo disc of music for a game that never got made, or for a future sequel is still up for grabs.
Torbon Sept. 5, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.
That music...actually sounded really good. O.o
I was impressed. It was grand.
ArbitraryWateron Sept. 5, 2008 at 6:24 p.m.
Does anyone even care about Killer Instinct? It's not MK or Street Fighter, that's for sure. Plus, as the giant bomb staff have continually repeated, fighting games are irrelevant in the gaming mainstream. It will sell 5 copies unless MS decides to market the crap out of it (after which it will sell 10 copies.)
zoozillaon Sept. 5, 2008 at 8:35 p.m.
That "Killer Instinct" music sounded way too Lord of the Rings for me.  Maybe it would work with Soul Calibur, but KI?  I don't know.
Light_Geigeron Sept. 5, 2008 at 10:02 p.m.
I just want an arcade perfect port on of the first killer instinct on XBLA
Jarlaxleon Sept. 5, 2008 at 10:16 p.m.
Killer Cuts 3?    Hell yeah, I say.  Bring on some Jago and Fulgore action!!!!!
ChrisTiltonon Sept. 5, 2008 at 10:37 p.m.
I felt the Violin line easily implied the chord progression that I used over and over. The reason it sounds like LOTR is because these same chords are used for Gandalf after the caves of Moria, and also appears in main theme of hundreds of other films. I just thought it was funny, so that's why I made it. I'd imagine if they made another Killer Instinct game, it would be totally rethought, and it would be purposefully over-the-top cheese.
myketunaon Sept. 5, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.
That sort of sounds like some kind of KI3 teaser trailer music more than the main theme. Maybe they put that title on there to throw us off. But then again, I was never really into Killer Instinct to begin with.
ChrisTiltonon Sept. 6, 2008 at 12:42 a.m.
MyKetuna, there's also the possibility that my arrangement is totally off and totally wrong!

Edit: Personally, I think Rare is putting together a demo presentation to show Microsoft, to see if they'll financially back the full production of KI3. I think the release of the Main Theme pic was a "cross your fingers folks!"
MangyForestCaton Sept. 6, 2008 at 12:50 a.m.

Chris Tilton:

ChrisTiltonon Sept. 6, 2008 at 1:20 a.m.
No sarcasm at all Mangy. My arrangement consisted of total guesswork and fun.
HTTenraion Sept. 6, 2008 at 3:05 a.m.
Wow...that theme was...FUCKING. AWESOME. The only thing it's missing is the shred of an electric guitar.

I wonder what that theme would sound like if the violins were a low, chugging riff instead...then we might be onto something.

Nice work ChrisTilton...er, Chris. ^_^
ChrisTiltonon Sept. 6, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
Already been done, HT. A fellow by the name of Chris Allen Luke created a Drum and Electric Guitar version - (http://www.chrisallenluke.com/nerdiest/KI3-guitar.mp3). So I took that, and mixed it in with the full orchestra version that I did  - http://www.christilton.com/blogs/KI3_theme_fullepicness.mp3

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