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— Spinal's signature maniacal laugh |
Spinal is a reanimated skeleton and the restless remains of an ancient warrior. One of the signature characters of the Killer Instinct franchise, he's been playable in each installment of the series since his debut in the original arcade game Killer Instinct (1994). A successful product of Ultratech's cell regeneration experiments, in Killer Instinct (2013) Spinal is a cursed pirate whose soul has become bound to a mysterious artifact known as the Mask of the Ancients.
Biography[]
Appearance[]
In Killer Instinct (1994), Spinal was a simple skeleton wielding a curved cutlass and buckler shield, spiked gauntlets on his arms, a red bandanna around his skull and hooped earrings dangling from the spots where his ears should be. He has two, glowing, red orbs for eyes.
In Killer Instinct 2/Gold, the ancient Spinal is virtually identical to the one in the future, though he wears a spiked belt and metallic kilt around his waist as well as the previous items.
In Killer Instinct (2013), Spinal receives a large overhaul to his appearance, accenting the pirate theme of the character. He retains his red bandanna, and now wears scraps of clothing, such as a kilt and gauntlets, while having several ropes wrapped around his body to hold the broken steering wheel of a pirate ship around his back in place, buckled boots on both his feet and a large belt around his waist. He retains his cutlass but has traded his buckler shield in for a larger, seemingly-living, magical shield with the face and tentacles of a kraken adorned on the front, with glowing green runes etched on the sides of it. Initially his eyes were green, but fan outcry caused them to be changed to their traditional red hue.
Spinal's retro costume mirrors his original KI1 appearance, though his curved cutlass and his buckle shield has a different design.
Personality[]
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— Spinal's story mode description |
Ever wonder what a few centuries cursed at sea will do to you?
Spinal is maniacal, having been driven utterly insane by his curse over the hundreds (if not thousands) of years that have passed since his death. He cackles with mad glee in the midst of battle, and seems to enjoy the carnage to a disturbing extent. He no longer speaks in any human language, and has become obsessed with finding the Mask of the Ancients; a mysterious artifact to which his soul is bound. Upon finally locating the Mask in a bid to regain his freedom, he finds it drained of most of its powers. Going berserk, the undead pirate embarks on a rampage to find the culprit.
Powers & Abilities[]
A highly skilled swordsman, Spinal appears to have retained all the finesse with a sword and shield that he had in his previous life. He also possesses many unearthly abilities which are steeped in the knowledge of the dead, such as psychokinesis, the summoning of ghostly skulls, and the manipulation of ethereal arms. He can absorb projectiles into his shield, then convert them into his own attacks.
Killer Instinct[]
Spinal's original appearance in Killer Instinct (1994)
Spinal's retro appearance in Killer Instinct (2013), featuring fellow classic character Sabrewulf
Story[]
Spinal's origin is a closely-guarded secret of Ultratech. A secret branch of the corporation, using a variety of special techniques, have succeeded in reviving an ancient warrior. With only the vaguest memories of his past life, Spinal knows how to do only one thing: fight!
Extended[]
A legendary warrior over 2000 years ago, the thing now known as Spinal has been torn from the peace of death by Ultratech's cell regeneration experiments. Trapped in the new world, he has no choice but to obey orders despite his reluctance, and to make things worse, he begins to suffer tormenting flashbacks to the ancient life he can never quite remember. After the awe and wonder he inspired when first unveiled to the public this year, Spinal finds himself in the shadow of Ultratech's latest creations (Fulgore, Riptor, etc.) and, filled with resentment, he sets out to prove his worth.
Ending[]
Tired of constantly being surrounded by death and destruction, Spinal decides on a career break. Although nominated for an Oscar for his first film, Spinal still has great difficulty finding roles that have meat to them.
Killer Instinct 2[]
Spinal's look in Killer Instinct 2 (1996, arcade)
Story[]
Although destroyed by Thunder in the present, a younger Spinal still exists in the past. Resurrected by Gargos and forced to serve him, he goes up against the tyrant to win his freedom.
Extended Story[]
He may have been destroyed by Thunder in the present, but back in the past Spinal is still undead and kicking thanks to the necromantic powers of Gargos which have torn him from the grave. A savage warrior and faithful right-hand man to the Warlord in life, Spinal remains a formidable opponent – but now bears a terrible grudge against the being who would deny him the peace of eternal sleep. Filled with resentment, he fights to avenge himself and hopefully, as a result, return to his well-earned rest.
Endings[]
Kill Kim Wu[]
Freed of the chains of slavery, Spinal relishes his freedom. Unable to recover the artifact that summoned him, Spinal contemplates his future. Consultation with his ancestors offers Spinal no guidance. Sadly, he resigns himself to an eternity alone and without purpose.
Don't Kill Kim Wu[]
Freed of the chains of slavery, Spinal relishes his freedom. Unable to recover the artifact that summoned him, Spinal contemplates his future. Lost, he goes to consult with his ancestors. During the ceremony, he learns one important lesson: never leave your enemies alive.
Killer Instinct (2013)[]
Spinal's new appearance for Killer Instinct (2013)
Spinal was revealed on Halloween 2013 at the end of Orchid's trailer, and was set to be available in January 2014 in the launch trailer.
Story[]
Awakened after centuries, and under the control of an ancient artifact, Spinal’s sole quest is to find the Mask of the Ancients. The relic was used to give him life and bind him to this world. Spinal’s hope is that once it is in his possession, it will grant him freedom.
Extended Story[]
The Quest of the Searing Skull:
- Main article: The Quest of the Searing Skull
Stage[]
Spinal in his new Shipwreck Shore background stage for KI (2013)
- Main article: Shipwreck Shore
Similar to the Ship stage (KI2)): The shores of sorrow were to be the final resting place of countless vessels that were victims to Spinal and his pursuit across seven seas to regain of some artifact of power. The Shipwreck Cove is a graveyard of souls and broken hulls that have accumulated over the years and its new home of creatures and kraken of the waves.
During an Ultra Combo, a kraken's tentacles will grab the wrecked ship in the background, then smash it in half, and drags it into the depths of the wasted ocean.
Trivia: During the slow music due to characters not moving, his remixed classic theme, "Ya Ha Haa" will play.
Endings[]
Spare Sabrewulf, ULTRA Fulgore:
Though Sabrewulf manages to escape, Spinal succeeds in recovering the Mask of the Ancients. Returning to his ancient lair, Spinal destroys the mask, freeing his soul forever. Peace washes over Spinal, and he joins his ghostly crew, vanishing with the outgoing tide.
Spare Fulgore, ULTRA Sabrewulf:
It's all relative
Spinal defeats Sabrewulf, only to discover control of his body is no longer his own. He struggles to break free, but is powerless against an unseen force, a chilling voice gloats, "An immortal warrior? I do believe I'll have a good use for you..."
ULTRA both Sabrewulf and Fulgore:
Triumphant against all who stood in his way of his quest for freedom, Spinal's prize is finally within reach. Savoring his victories, eternal rest had lost much of its appeal. Spinal decides there will be enough time for peace--for now, wanderlust, adventure, and freedom are enough.
Gallery[]
Killer Instinct (2013)[]
External links[]
- Spinal's character page at the official Killer Instinct website
- Spinal's gameplay profile at Infil's The Complete Killer Instinct Guide
Media[]
- Spinal's trailer - Spinal's official reveal for Killer Instinct (2013)
- UA Bass (Spinal) vs. Chicago Kid Amenty (Maya/Shin Hisako) - Video compilation of pro gamer matchups with Spinal (KI 2013)
| Killer Instinct (1994) Characters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playable | Jago ·Black Orchid ·TJ Combo ·Glacius ·Chief Thunder ·Sabrewulf ·Spinal ·Cinder ·Riptor ·Fulgore | |||
| Boss | Eyedol | |||
| Killer Instinct 2/Gold Characters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playable | Jago ·Black Orchid ·TJ Combo ·Glacius ·Sabrewulf ·Spinal ·Fulgore ·Maya ·Kim Wu ·Tusk | |||
| Boss | Gargos | |||
| Killer Instinct (2013) Characters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Jago ·Sabrewulf ·Glacius ·Thunder ·Sadira ·Orchid ·Spinal ·Fulgore ·Shadow Jago | |||
| Season 2 | TJ Combo ·Maya ·Kan-Ra ·Riptor ·Omen ·Aganos ·Hisako ·Cinder ·ARIA | |||
| Season 3 | Kim Wu ·Tusk ·Arbiter ·Rash ·Mira ·Gargos ·General RAAM ·Eyedol | |||
| Season 3+ | Kilgore ·Shin Hisako ·Eagle | |||
