Early access!
We hope everyone is having fun with the new changes and TJ. There's a few balance tweaks coming with the launch of S2 (e.g. Sadira has less KV on air attacks) and we will continue to play, watch, and listen to feedback, so please continue to (constructively) contribute to KI's development here on the forums!
Matchmaking & “the spinal patch”
Many players have commented that after the release of Spinal during S1, matchmaking became more difficult. Before the Spinal update, we were much more tolerant of >50ms pings in matchmaking, supporting pings of up to 200ms. That changed after the Spinal patch, getting a lot more restrictive on pings beyond 50ms.
We’re addressing this. Right around the launch of Season 2, matching search criteria will look at a larger range of pings (up to 150ms) and be less exclusive as it generationally searches for good matches between players. This should result in an easier time finding a match anywhere in the world . Of course, we’ll continue to adjust until we get it right so that everyone worldwide can play anyone else and have a good game.
S2 Progression systems
First things first – SPEND YOUR KP NOW!
We are moving away from a point bank & spend system (KP) and instead embracing an earned XP system based on you just playing the game in any non-practice mode. The new system unlocks items based on player or character level, so you’ll automatically earn your colors and accessories just by playing. The level system will continue to grow over the season, so there’s lots of stuff to chase for each character, including 9 colors (yep, 9! For both S1 and S2 characters!) and other prestige items.
For items that you already own from S1, you will automatically have them unlocked rather than having to hit the character level to access them. This is why you should spend your KP before S2 starts.
“KI Gold”
While all non-premium accessories are available by leveling (i.e. for free), we’re also going to be offering a way to shortcut the level requirements of some accessories and colors through an in-game currency called, appropriately, KI Gold. So if you really want color 6, but don't want to wait to level up to get it, you can buy it right away. For those that don’t buy the S2 ultra edition, KI gold is the new way you’ll also buy the premium accessories if you choose to do so.
And since we believe that there should be badges of honor that you absolutely must earn, things such as color 9 are ONLY available through leveling.
KI soundtracks
The delay in launching the soundtracks was over the offers – we have two albums and a double set, and we didn’t want anyone to buy one individually and then realize there was a double album with a discounted price. We decided to remove the singular albums for now and feature one two-disc 25 track version that features remastered versions of all the Killer Cuts tracks (they sound amazing!), plus all the KI Season 1 music in one package (also amazing!).
THE DIGITAL 2-ALBUM SET WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 14th. We’ll have more information on the outlets soon.
The Season 2 launch trailer
Shortly before Season 2 starts on October 15th, we will release a launch trailer. The trailer features TJ’s track (it’s… really, really good) and gives you a very clear picture of which of the remaining original characters are returning this season, plus drive speculation on the new ones as well!
Is Bayliss fixing/updating/changing/etc. any S1 costumes?
No. Kev is busy with the S2 alternate costumes. I wouldn’t call them retro exactly, but they certainly reflect Kev’s signature style.
Teases:
I never said that character #3 is 3500 years old…
You will see the results of “the 10%” at launch…
