What is Fighting EX Layer?
Fighting EX Layer is a 2018 fighting video game developed and published by Arika. It is a spiritual successor to Fighting Layer (1998) and the Street Fighter EX series (1996-2000), reusing many of the same characters.
Questions about Fighting EX Layer
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was Fighting EX Layer released?
Fighting EX Layer launched for PlayStation 4 on the 28th of June 2018. Ports for Microsoft Windows and arcades followed on the 29th of November 2018, a mobile version arrived on April Fools' Day 2019, and a Nintendo Switch port called Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash released in 2021.
Who developed Fighting EX Layer?
Fighting EX Layer was developed and self-funded by Arika, the Japanese studio behind the earlier Street Fighter EX series and Fighting Layer. Arika's president, Akira Nishitani, said the studio had just barely enough money to finish the project without outside help.
How many playable characters does Fighting EX Layer have?
Fighting EX Layer launched with 13 playable characters, all drawn from the Street Fighter EX series. Four more characters were added for free after launch, and a guest fighter from SNK's Fatal Fury series, Terry Bogard, joined as paid downloadable content, bringing the total to 18.
Why did Arika self-fund Fighting EX Layer instead of using a publisher?
Arika's president Akira Nishitani said the studio had just enough funds to complete the game without external help and wanted to keep the company financially healthy. He also said he was seeking publisher or investor partnerships to expand the game's scope and roster.
How did critics review Fighting EX Layer?
Heidi Kemps of GameSpot gave Fighting EX Layer 8 out of 10, praising its fighting mechanics and Gougi system but criticizing spotty netcode. Chris Carter of Destructoid rated it 7 out of 10, praising the character designs and combat while criticizing its limited modes and lack of roster diversity.