FIGHTING EX LAYER

FIGHTING EX LAYER is a niche fighting game developed by Arika, serving as a spiritual successor to the classic Street Fighter EX series. Priced at an exceptionally low cost of around $1, it offers solid and fundamentally sound gameplay with a focus on precise mechanics and a unique Gougi system that adds strategic depth. The game features a modest roster of characters, each with distinct playstyles, and includes modes like Arcade, Training, Expert Trials, and local/online versus.

Visually, it blends 3D models with a retro aesthetic, though some players find the animations and UI underwhelming compared to modern fighters. The sound design and voice acting receive mixed feedback. While the game performs well on platforms like Steam Deck, its online community is small, leading to sparse matchmaking. Additionally, the lack of robust single-player content, story mode, and some quality-of-life features limits its appeal for casual players.

Despite these shortcomings, many praise the game’s value for money, mechanical depth, and nostalgic charm, especially for fighting game enthusiasts. However, some criticize the Gougi system and desire more content and polish.

Highlights

Players especially appreciate the solid core fighting mechanics and the unique Gougi deck system that adds strategic variety. The game’s roster is diverse, with characters offering different playstyles, appealing to fans of the EX series.

Graphically, the game strikes a balance between retro charm and modern 3D models, and it runs smoothly on various platforms including Steam Deck. The training and expert modes provide good challenges for players seeking to master the game.

Overall, the game offers a fast-paced, skill-driven experience that feels rewarding for those who enjoy traditional fighting games.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the lack of substantial single-player content, such as story mode and offline versus CPU battles, which disappoint casual players. The Gougi system is divisive, with some players finding it gimmicky and intrusive.

Visual and animation quality is seen as subpar by some, with rushed or awkward animations and less polished UI. The sound design and voice acting have also been described as repetitive or low quality.

Online matchmaking suffers due to a small player base, making it difficult to find matches. Additionally, some technical issues like resolution scaling and control configuration have been noted.