Everybody do the side-step

A new video from developer Arika appears to tease an update in the works for cult fighting title Fighting EX Layer �The video, which sees Fatal Fury's Terry Bogard facing off against FEXL's Allen Snider was released by the developer ahead of Japan's EVO 2023 tournament, whic??h takes place in April.

The key reasoning behind the new video seems a little obscure as of this writing, though said video was followed up by a newer, better-looking version �suggesting that Arika is currently working on something in regards to the Street Fighter EX spin-off title. The most notable moment of this video sees Allen Snider perform several side steps, Tekken-style. This seems to suggest that a "Dodge" ability might be in the works �whi??ch would add a 3D elem??ent to the 2.5D fighter.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-lMEydK10o&t

A brief note accompanying the video references EVO Japan, and also asks fans to be patient with the quality of the video and its effects. The summary of this confusing content drop appears to suggest that Arika has something to show us at EVO Japan 2023, and that it might be a Fighting EX Layer update, complete with new mechanics and, potentially, tweaked visuals and special effects. Of cou?rse, we will? be sure to give you all a heads-up once Arika's plan has been properly explained.

Fighting EX Layer launched on PS4 in the summer of 2018. Following a series of free post-release characters, the title would be successful enough to encourage Arika to develop a PC port later that year. In 2021, a complete edition titled Fighting EX Layer Another Dash was released for Nintendo Switch.

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Available to download in Japan right now

You might remember, back in February, Arika announced an adapted Nintendo Switch edition of its cult fighting title Fighting EX Layer, with the promise of further news on April 1. Well, it seems that "further news" is the game's actual release - at least in Japan - as Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash is now available on the Japanese iteration of the Nintendo eShop, ?with a western release to follow on April 15.

Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash is a free-to-play "stripped down" edition of the 2017 fighter, which features an overhauled control scheme, as well as the removal, or replacement of certain mechanics within FEXL's "Gougi" system. The free-to-play edition of Another Dash includes four characters - D.Dark, Darun, Kairi, and Shirase - while a paid DLC pack adds all remaining members of the FEXL roster, as well as online play. This will be the same delivery system for the weste?rn release, with the paid edition retailing for around $25.

Fighting EX Layer struggled to find?? its place in t?he crowded fighting game market, and while it has never really taken off as much as Arika  might have been hoping, it's a solid little fighter, with am old-school cast of characters and solid and generous support from its developer. Perhaps this new Switch edition will help the game to find a new audience in handheld form.

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Niche fighter revised for new Nintendo release

Arika has announced that it is currently developing a Switch edition of its Street Fighter-adjacent scrapper Fighting EX Layer, which launched on PS4 and PC in 2018. Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash ??is expected to launch on the Nintendo platform later in 2021.

While Arika is keeping information about the new title on the down-low for now, it revealed that Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash is essentially a revised release of FEXL, that switches up some of the original game's mechanics while adding new systems. Elements such as dashes and "Gougi" are gone entirely, replaced by new systems such as EX-Arrow and EX-Illusion. A brief trailer, which you can check out below, gives us a look at some of these systems in action. Arika will reveal more about the spin-off on April 1, four years to the day since Fighting EX Layer was first revealed. Arika also noted it is working on a new netcode system for both FEXL releases, based upon the ??popular rol??????????????????????????lback technology.

Fighting EX Layer climbed many a wall in order to see release, and as it stands is a competent and enjoyable fighting title. The original release was supported with numerous patches, extra modes, guest stars, and even free DLC characters. That Arika has been able to finance and develop a new edition of the game is a testament to the studio's patience and passion within a crowded market. Here's hoping it will pay off when Fighting EX Layer: Another Dash launches on Switch later this year.

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Version 1.14 now live

This past weekend's Japan Fighting Game Publisher Roundtable live str??eam saw almost every major player in the fighting game market gather together to discuss the genre, its most difficult year in recent memory, and several upcoming surprises for some of the biggest fighters in ??today's scene.

Over the course of the event we saw Bandai Namco announce new content for Tekken 7 and Soulcalibur VI, Arc System Works drop new character trailers for Guilty Gear Strive, SNK confirm a third season for Samurai Shodown, while Capcom continues to hold its cards to its chest, holding on for this week's Street Fighter V live stream.

But amidst all of this new content, arguably the most actually proactive, positive, and important announcement was made by Arika, concerning its ultra-niche fighter Fighting EX Layer. In an update that is live in-game right now, Arika has implemented the highly-v?aunted rollback netcode to its one-on-one slugfest, hoping to improve online stability far beyond that of its AAA contemporaries.

There is a strange and sad irony behind Fighting EX Layer and its inability to "play among the big boys." Many people, myself included, complain about publisher behavior in regards to modern fighting games. More often than not, these gripes relate to expensive DLC, player-punishing mechanics,? and sub-standard online gameplay.

Yet Fighting EX Layer, the quietest fighter, with the smallest budget, not only gave away a chunk of its DLC for free but - with this latest update - is now attempting to be the slickest example regarding stable gameplay. Arika has directly addressed common fighting game complaints and taken steps to rectify them. During the stream, as noted by EventHubs, Arika said it was also testing cross-play integration between PS4 and PC platforms, which would certainly help expand FEXL's admittedly modest player pool.

In a live stream which ultimately boiled down to "Here is the next run of DLC we're getting set to sell you," it's an almost melancholic irony that the smallest developer, with the smallest title, is the only party that directly addressed one of the genre's most dogged issues. Will rollback netcode and crossplay help grow the FEXL audience to a Tekken or a Street Fighter level? Probably not. But ther??e's certainly lessons to be learned from the underdog here, one of prioritising your title's core iss?ues before queuing up run after run of paid content. Whether this lesson was learned - or even acknowledged - remains to be seen.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC.

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New character and online mode added

Developer Arika will be rolling out its July update for Fighting EX Layer tomorrow and it's explaining literally everything that you'll get. Along with the new char??acter and a beta version of an online mode, there's a three-and-a-half-hour trailer that shows off all the new features. I don't know if I have the fortitude to sit th??rough all of that, but there's literally no mystery to what version 1.30 will be bringing to the game.

As a qui??ck refresher, the update will add fighter "Area," smooth out network connections between players, add a spectator mode, and add a mode where a lobby creator can spectate matches. Area will not be coming with Expert Mode challenges, though she'll be playable in every other game mode. Ne??ws on the arcade port is still MIA.

FIGHTING EX LAYER Ver1.3.0 2019/07/17 17:00（JST)  [Arika via YouTube]

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Updated online modes coming with rollergal

Arika continue to plug away at their niche punch-up Fighting EX Layer. July will see a new update to the PS4 and PC fighter, tweaking the game's online modes and adding a new fighter to the ro?ster.

Super-genius Area is the daughter of a successful scientist, who uses his leftover inventions to kit herself out with unique offensive and defensive options in battle. Rolling around on blades like it's '98, Area is capable of both fast movement and powerful attacks, courtesy of her mighty mech arm. Area is currently the last of FEXL's DLC characters.

Along with Area, update 1.3.0 will add Spectator options to the online mode, allowing players to watch matches while waiting in lobbies. Online itself will also receive further tweaks to improve general stability and connection. There is no specific release date for the new patc?h.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC.

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Geek Chic

While perhaps not the most popular fighter on the block, Arika's wild one-on-one title Fighting EX Layer has its own dedicated audience. Rightly so, given that it's a very fun fighter. This week, fans got to check out FEXL's next potenti??al roster addition, the brain??iac engineer Area, in some new development footage.

I say "potential," because it's still not a sure thing that Area will be coming to FEXL at all. Arika has been playing most of its DLC, platform ports and o??ther post-release activities by ear, and although work has clearly begun on creating Area, Akira President Akira Nishitani notes that her appearance on the roster isn't fully confirmed as of yet.

Area, who first appeared in Street Fighter EX2 Plus, is the super-genius daughter of an already pretty smart inventor, who converts her father's failed experiments into weaponry for use in battle. Speeding around on rollerblades, Area uses her speed to dash in and out of range, while laying in heavy-??hitting strikes with her oversized mechanical arm. What a charmer.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC,

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Tezza and Shazza join DLC crew Tuesday

Arika has revealed the release date for Fighting EX Layer's next DLC characters. Franchise veteran Sharon and Fatal Fury guest star Terry Bog??ard will both be made available as DLC char??acters from March 26.

Sharon, who starred in Street Fighter EX 2 & 3, is a gun-toting secret agent who lives undercover as a kindly nun. We??ll known for her shocking red hair, dead-eye sharpshooting skills and weird, one-leg pants. In battle, Sharon utilises her effective military martial arts, along with her trusty six-shooter, to take out her opponent.

The Legendary Wolf, Terry Bogard, is the star of a zillion SNK fighters and one of fighting games most recognisable characters. Terry joins FEXL as part of a crossover deal that saw Skullomania appear in SNK's own SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy. Terry will be bringing his famous repertoire of moves, such as Power Wave, Burn Knuckle and the almighty Buster Wolf.

Both Sharon and Terry Bogard will be made available for purchase on March 26. Sharon will be included free alongside the latest update, while Terry will be paid DLC, costing around $5. Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC.

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Pullum is my Golden Goddess

Arika continues to update their niche release Fighting EX Layer. Update 1.1.4 adds a few minor aesthetic changes, as well as ??bringing balance changes to the game's kooky roster.

Nine new tunes have been added to the game's soundtrack, whilst intense all-gold/silver numbe??rs are now available to purchase for the roster's DLC characters, Vulcano Rosso and Pullum Purna. These costumes can be unlocked once your total match count exceeds 1000, so better get punchin'.

Blair, Shadowgeist, Skullomania and Garuda have received some buffs/nerfs, whilst the air game has been tweaked across the board, with adjustments made to airborne hitboxes. Arika has also stamped out various bugs that were affecting Fighting EX Layer's HUD, statistics, visuals and more. You can check out the full list of patch notes right here.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC

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Updates now live on all platforms

It still amuses me that we live in an era where arcade games get patched live?. I'm sur?e for the operators it beats having to order in new boards or replacement chips, then physically install them into your cabinets. Everything's just a PC nowadays, I guess.

Case in point, Arika's Fighting EX Layer, which has just received a new update, bringing the fist-??throwing fighter to Version 1.1.3. The patch is now live on PC, PS4 and arcade platforms, tweaking in-game balance while also removing some bugs and making efforts to improve online matchmaking for the PS4 edition.

The "Teleport" feature has seen the biggest alteration, not only does the ability now feature a longer startup,?? but you can no longer telepo?rt into mid-air. This change was implemented as Arika noticed players acted far too cautiously when the teleport skill was chosen by the opponent, which was slowing down matches.

The full notes on Version 1.1.3 can be found right here. Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC. Three more DLC characters are headed to FEXL's quirky roster very soon.

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Are you okay?

Developer Arika has released some cool screens of the next three fighters expected to be joining the Fighting EX Layer roster: Sharon, Area and Fatal Fury's King of the Streets, Terrence Bogard.

Gunslinger Sharon is taking time out from all her shooty-shooty chicanery to perform a butterfly-inducing flip-kick. Tech-whiz Area is prepping her armour for battle, while the better-looking Bogard brother can be seen busting out two of his classic Fatal Fury moves, Crack Shoot and Power Wave.

Although there are no dates set for the roster additions to step into the ring, we do know that two of the upcoming FEXL characters will be free do??wnloads. If I were a betting man, I??'d say its safe to assume that Terry will be the paid DLC character.

Fighting EX Layer is available to download now on PS4 and PC.

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One paid DLC and two coming for free

Developer Arika has announced that there will be three more characters headed to their fighting game Fighting EX Layer in th??e first part of 2019. Two of these three characters will be added to the roster free-of-charge, whereas ??the third character will be paid DLC.

Now available on both PS4 and PC, Fighting EX Layer has expanded its roster since release with additional classic characters such as Vulcano Rosso and Pullum Purna. We also know that ??gunslinger Sharon, nerd-gal Area and?? even SNK's Terry Bogard are expected to step into the ring in ??future, so one would assume these are the three characters in question, though that hasn't been officially confirmed.

Fighting EX Layer has had a rocky start since its launch back in June of this year. To Arika's credit, however, they have managed to secure not only DLC (some of which is free) but also a PC port and an upcoming arcade release, all of which was considered unlikely if FEXL wasn't fin?ancially successful. Arika clearly have a lot of faith in the game, and are making plans to see that it is suppor?ted throughout 2019.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and PC.

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New video teases character and updates

Arika are still putting their weight behind their quirky fighting game Fighting EX Layer, with a new video t?hat not only reveals the dates for some?? of the PS4 titles next steps, but also gives us a glimpse at another classic fighter returning to the fold.

Sharon, who made her original debut in 1998's Street Fighter EX2, is a European gal who lives a double life as a secret agent and also a nun in the orphanage she grew up in. An expert?? in the field of combat and espionage, Sharon is remembered by fans for her bizarre costume - consisting of half a jacket and half a pair of pants, and for bringing a semi-automatic handgun to her fist-fights, but it looks Sharon may have traded out all of the above in her new look.

Also noted in the video are dates for Fighting EX Layer's Japanese arc?ade and physical releases.  An update for the PS4 version should drop on November 30, the same day as the game's PC release, where it will be made available on the Steam platform.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4 and is comi??ng to PC Nove??mber 30.

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Discount for first-week purchases

Arika has announced that their quirky fighting title Fighting EX Layer will ??be landing on the PC platform at the end of November, following its PS4-exclusive release earlier this year.

The 3D fighter features a screwy roster of characters made famous in the Street Fighter EX series of the mid-'90s. These include fighters such as D. Dark, Shirase, ?Shadow Geist and, of course, the unforgettable Skullomania. The PC por?t will contain the recently-added Arcade and offline VS. modes, as well as additional DLC characters Vulcano Russo and Pullum Purna.

There will also be a discount for early purchases, with ten bucks lopped of the $40 price tag for the first week of release. You can check out video of the PC version in action below. Fighting EX Layer launches November 30 on PC and is available to purch??ase now on PS4.

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Keep dancing, Pullum

We are a few months removed from the release of Arika's charismatic fighting title Fighting EX Layer, a game that was always a risky dice-roll, given the currently crowded fighting game market and FEXL's niche brand appeal.

Arika has released a statement looking at various aspects regarding where the game stands after its honeymoon period. Opening with the admittance that sales of the PS4 download-only title "weren't the best", Arika do acknowledge players support in helping them release two free characters, Vulcano Russo and Pullum Purna.

Regarding the upcoming arcade release and PC port, the developer says that the decision has been made to focus on the PC release next. A lack of funding is? cited, with the team asking for the community's understanding as they attempt to keep all versions of the game in alignment with each other. Though the??y admit they might not be able to do so.

To this end, Arika has no plans to implement cross-play between the PC and PS4 platforms. A real shame, as it would be a great idea to pool the communities (ala Killer Instinct) but it seems the resources ?are just not there. The statement ends with? the sad sentence "We apologise for our lack of ability", although something might be lost in  translation.

Fighting EX Layer is a good fighter with a neat and unique cast. Opening it up to other platforms will be a positive step for both the game and the brand. The struggle is very real, especially if Arika are being so open about it, and so early into the game's lifespan. Hopefully they can pull things back, especially with Soulcalibur VI and Dead or Alive 6 both releasing in the next five months.

Fighting EX Layer is available to download now on PS4 and is currently ????in development for PC.

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'2019? 2018? 4K? 4K!'

As revealed in this adorably modest teaser video, Arika is bringing Fighting EX Layer to PC.

The video is literally just a few seconds of a match, a zoom out to reveal a Steam library page with Fighting EX Layer, and some amusing closing text: "??2019? 2018? 4K? 4K!" Short and sweet.

Lately, Arika has kept itself busy by adding DLC characters li?ke Pullum Purna and Vulcano Rosso to the Play?Station 4 version. By the time the game hits PC, it should be in a pretty good place.

As Chris said in his review, "EX Layer truly is for someone who real??ly enjoys the art of fighting without a whole lot of extra gametypes to go around. The foundation is there, it just needs to be built up further."

Fighting EX Layer [Twitter]

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Free DLC characters, stages and balance changes

Today sees the release of the first major update to Arika's PS4 punch-up, Fighting EX Layer. Upda?te 1.1.0 will bring with it two sexy new characters, a ?new single-player mode and a host of balance tweaks and bug fixes.

Strutting into battle today is Italian fighter Vulcano Rosso, whose fiery attitude is exemplified in his flame-based fighting abilities and eccentric wardrobe. Joining him is Fighting EX Best Girl, the beautiful Arabian dancer Pullum Purna, whose happy-go-lucky demeanor and exquisite dance maneuvers hide a dangerous martial artist. Both characters join the roster fre?e of charge.

Rosso and Purna bring with them two new stages, as well as an abundance of balance changes, Gougi adjustments, and various tweaks to FEXL's presentation, combo trials, A.I and more. You can find the full list of patch notes over on the official Facebook page. Finally, Arika has announced that they are working on getting a physical release of the game in Japan, though no men?tion was made as to whether it would make the leap to international shores.

Fighting EX Layer is available for digital download now on PS4.

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She makes me feel like dancin'

This weekend contained a wealth of good news for fans of Arika's recently-released PS4 title Fighting EX Layer. Not only did we get some new characters teased, including a very special guest star, but we also ?received news of an arcade release for the nich??e scrappy fighting game.

If that wasn't enough, we finally got a release window for the game's first two DLC characters. The cheerful Arabian dancer and all-round Best Girl Pullum Purna and the revenge-fueled fashionista Vulcano Rosso will be coming to Fighting EX Layer, free of? charge, between the end of August and September.

Arika have since released two videos of the upcoming superstars in action, so if you want to see Pullum fast feet hit the dance floor (and her opponent's noggin) or if you want?? to witness Vulcano stylin' and pro?filin' in the heat of battle, then check out the new videos below.

Fighting EX Layer is available now to download on PS4

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That boy/girl sure gets around

Arika has dropped a selection of exciting news beats in regards to their one-on-one fighter Fighting EX Layer. The news was revealed during this weekend's ongoing EVO 2018 f??estivities.

First up, SNK's Terry Bogard (the male iteration this time) will be making an appearance in the FEXL roster as a guest character. Sporting his iconic Fatal Fury look, Terry is quite a coup for the niche fighting title, with his classic "Running Wild" stage appa??rently also along for the ride.

We also have a release window for free DLC characters Vulcano Russo and (Best Girl) Pullum Purna. The two returning fighters will be added to the roster as a free update between the end of August and September. Speaking of additional characters, two more classic FEXL stars have been teased,?? rollerblading tech genius Area and gun-toting secret-agent nun Sharon.

Finally, if all that wasn't enough, Arika are making strides to get Fighting EX Layer an arcade release in its native Japan later this year. All in all, a very exciting series of reveals for FEXL fans, as well a welcoming sign that the developer has faith in FEXL's future.

Fighting EX Layer is available for download now on PS4.

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Ogres and onions

_{[Editor's note: This is coming in a little later than expected, but with EVO this weekend we figured it was the perfect time to really dive into this and share our thoughts, especially after so many "where's my spy camera" questions about this one.]}

Arika's origins aren't typical of a third-party developer that spun off from its former parent company. In the mid-'90s a bunch of Capcom developers, including one who co-created Street Fighter II, split and created their own studio. But unlike, say, Platinum Games, who had nothing to do with Capcom after its formation, Arika immediately worked with the publisher on a major property: Street Fighter.

The developers' creation, Street Fighter EX, was popular enough to warrant several remixes and two full sequels, and enjoyed a decent run of four years spanning two generations until it k??ind of fizzled out. Much of their work after that could be described as transitory.

For years Arika remained dormant, hard at work on the "Classics" line for the 3DS and other odd jobs, but now the team is back in the game with Fighting EX Layer -- a new oddity with some of the original characters created during the EX era.

Fighting EX Layer (PS4)
Developer: Arika
Publisher: Arika
Released: June 28, 2018
MSRP: $39.99 (light version) / $59.99 (standard version)

One thing I loved about the Street Fighter EX series is how insane its character design really got: it's the kind of stuff Capcom stopped doing after a while. It gets a little too anime for some folks, sure, with characters like Kairi who sport the "power overwhelming" archetype, but the fiery skeletal samurai of Garuda is uniquely out there, as is the very creepy garrote-wielding Doctrine Dark, and of course, the always recognizable Skullomania. All of of the above and a few more are back for EX Layer.

Here's the thing though: it really is just a few. Not including a day-one DLC character (omitted from the "light" edition), there's 12 fighters available at launch. Now I've always felt that numbers in a fighting game are arbitrary. If a game has even just several fighters, as long as they're all fun to play in their own way, I can deal. EX Layer succeeds in meeting that c?riteria with the exception of a few throwaways.

It ticks most of the standard fighting game boxes. It has a grappler (Darun), but only one. There's a charge character (Jack), a few fighters have counters (Sanane/Shirase/Hayate), and so on. Most of the cast's uniqueness is housed within their aesthetic. A series of looks, mind, that's wildly subjective. Arika didn't have a massive budget for this project and it shows, mostly due to the lack of detail with particle effects and accessories/abilities. For me it's not as big of a deal because of the work they put into the engine, ensuring that it all flows well and combos feel natural (Unreal Engine 4 generally takes care of the basics). But if you scoffed at King of Fighters XIV, this isn't going to excite you either.

I'm really torn on the implementation of the Gougi system (read: decks of abilities that influence small bonuses in combat), especially since several variations are tied to DLC (you get 10 more if you opt for the standard version of EX Layer). It's intriguing in theory -- the "Aggro" deck boosts your damage and the "Juggernaut" deck grants additional defense. I get the gist and experimenting with different Gougi can change the way you approach any given match. I like it, but I'm uncomfortable with the idea ??that every player doesn't have access to every deck.

If none of this is exciting to you Arika made one concession to capture what I would classify as the "on-the-fence fighting game fan." You can swap to a separate control scheme called "progressive" at any time, which simplifies commands like quarter-circle-forward for a fireball (Kairi) into just forward and punch. That's it, though. You basically need to have your whole body over the fighter side of the fence already.

EX Layer truly is for someone who really enjoys the art of fighting without a whole lot of extra gametypes to go around. You have an arcade mode (added after launch), challenges, training, and offline/online ?versus. That's it! Arika focused on refining its combat system and doesn't even provide a lengthy tutorial to show y??ou the ropes -- that's your job.

As someone who has been playing fighters for nearly three decades, I can get on board with Fighting EX Layer's lack of pageantry. What I can't accept quite as earnest??ly is its issue with roster playstyle diver??sity. The foundation is there, it just needs to be built up further.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game purchased by the reviewer.]}

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Throw down with Hokuto

Arika have released Update 1.0.7 for their PS4 punch-up Fighting EX Layer. The update, which is live in-game now, adds an Arcade Mode has been added to? the game's main menu, providing some sorely-needed single player content.

The new Arcade Mode, will see your chosen fighter face off with seven randomly-chosen opponents, culminating in an eight and final battle against Kobudo practicioner Hokuto, who serves as the final bo?ss. The?re are unfortunately no endings or unlockables within this new mode, but at least there is some degree of offline content now.

Arika aren't quite done yet, and are already at work on Fighting EX Layer's (or FLEX as the community are calling it... I know, I know) next update, which hopes to improve matchmaking and general online issues. We are also expecting to hear more about upcoming characters Vulcano Russo and Pullum Purna at next month's EVO tournament.

Fighting EX Layer is avai?lable for purchase now from the PlayStation Store.

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Single player content coming very soon

While Arika's scrappy fighting title Fighting EX Layer is a lot of fun, its definitely considered an underdog in the current crop of fighting games. Not helping is the fact that the game has launched with very little offline content, even?? the most rudimentary vs CPU option.

That's set to change, however, as earlier this morning Arika held a live stream to show off a new Arcade Mode, currently in development for the PS4 title. The new mode will feature multiple difficulty options and is expected to arrive in Fighting EX Layer very soon, perhaps even within the week.

Fighting EX Layer will also be making its presence felt at EVO 2018, to be held in Las Vegas in just a couple of weeks. Arika will be hosting a side-tournament, with a "tentative" plan to run a 64-player single elimination tournament over two days. There's also talk of a $5,000 USD prize pot, though the organisers are currently waiting to he??ar confirmation from their overseas division.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4.

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ON A BOAT! Remember when that was a thing?

Arika posted a message on their official Facebook page announcing the first developer live stream session since the release of their own Fighting EX Layer. The live stream will be used to showcase some of the new content headed ???to the game later this year.

Expected to get some screen time are two of EX Layer's upcoming DLC character, the ruggedly handsome Vulcano Rosso and, my personal favourite, the lovely Arabian dancer Pullum Purna. Both characters will be coming to the game's roster, free of charge, in the forthcoming months. Also on ??show is a new stage, which sees fighters square off on the deck of an expensive cruise liner.

In attendance for the live stream will be special guest Akira Nishitani, which fight fans will know is responsible for the creation of Street Fighter II. The live stream will take place on July 19 at 20:00 JST, a bleary-eyed 04:00 in Pacific Time. Fans can check out the stream live on Twitch.

Fighting EX Layer is available now as a digital download on PS4.

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Pullum on the way, Huzzah!

In a very surprising move, Arika has announced that two previously-teased characters, Vulcano Rosso and Pullum Purna, will indeed be coming to their recently released Fighting EX Layer, absolutely free.

In the lead up to Fighting EX Layer's release, Arika stated that extras such as a PC port or DLC characters would only be financially viable if the game was a huge success, which led many doubters to complain that the team were holding the characters "hostage" to coerce more sales. However, not only will the characters definitely ?be joining the roster later this year, but you won't have to pay a penny to play ?as them. Pretty swish.

Pretty-boy Vulcano Rosso, distinguishable by his outrageous hair and fashion sense, is an Italian fighter who utilises Jeet Kune Do in battle, while the lovely Pullum Purna is a Middle-Eastern heiress who incorporates Arabian dancing into her own beatdowns. There is no specific date for either character, but more details are expected at the EVO 20??18 tournament, to be held in Las Vegas next month.

Fighting EX Layer is available now on PS4.

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Skullomania is running wild

After much mystery, today sees the launch of Arika's nostalgic punch-fest Fighting EX Layer, a somewhat-sequel to the cult Street Fighter EX titles of the late '90s. The developer has released ?a launch trailer to kick off the celebrations.

Fighting EX Layer, coming exclusively to PS4, sees a roster of familiar faces make their long-awaited return, such as D. Dark, Allen Snider, Hokuto, Blair and the irrepressible Skullomania. This eccentric cast will engage in fisticuffs both on and offline in EX Layer's unique one-on-one engine.

It's been a long, and kinda bizarre, road to release for the new title. Having debuted without so much as a name around a year ago, characters and information was drip-fed to fans through live streams and odd, cheap trailers. Arika have openly stated that the game needs to be a success at launch if it is to see any DLC, physical editions, or a proposed PC port.

The game is also being sold under two different price points. The "Light" version, priced around $40, comes with 12 characters and? five "Gougi" decks, allowing for various stat buffs in battle, whereas the "Standard" edition adds the character of Hokuto and ten additional Gougi decks.

But the time for talking is done and now Fighting EX Layer must join the fighting game market and try to carve out a niche for itself. With the power of nostalgia and a cast like no other fighter, it definitely has the ability to make a name for i??tself, but I can't help but wonder if elements such as the twin-price-point and lack of single-player content might hinder the game's sales. I'd like to be proven wrong.

Fighting EX Layer launches today for PS4 an?d is purchasable from t?he PlayStation Store.

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She moves in mysterious ways

Arika have released an image, teasing another possible DLC character for their upcoming release Fighting EX Layer, which launches on PS4 next week.

Over on twitter Arika posted an image announcing that the quirky fighting title will be putting in an appearance at the CEO 2018 tournament, which takes place in Daytona, Florida on the weekend of June 29. The message is coyly stamped over what appears to be a screenshot of Street Fighter EX' best girl, Pullum Purna.

The absolutely delightful Middle-Eastern millionaire is one of the few veteran characters who is yet to receive a spot on the Fighting EX Layer roster. Like the recently teased Vulcano Rosso, Pullum is a DLC characte?r in creation, b??ut is only expected to launch should the new game prove a financial success.

It's a tough call, as this can clearly be seen as characters (and the supposed PC port) being "held hostage" by the developer. There is an argument for that. But, in Arika's case, I genuinely think they just don't have the financial resources to build extra content for a game that they must know is niche at best. Not putting dollar into post-release for a product that might not bring in the big bucks, especially for a smaller company, is unfortunately ?just good business sense. It's worrying, however, that taking such a path can also be construed as having a lack of faith in your own product.

The long and short of all of this is, we all need to buy Fighting EX Layer, or I won't get ??to play as Pullum Purna. You can pick up the g?ame digitally on June 28, when it launches for PS4.

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With comparison shots

Arika is the Little Engine that Could. No one thought that Skullomania would be returning to the big time anytime soon, but Arika has made it possible by way of Fighting EX Layer on PS4. Soon, actually, on June 28!

While you wait, the compan?y just put out a PS4 versus PS4 Pro comparison video that mostly looks the same. The latter might sport some extra particle effects it seems, but it seems fairly identical on both pieces ??of hardware. We'll get more hands-on tests in the week to come.

Arika has a lot riding on this release. 13 fighters are in at launch, but depending on how it sells there might be more -- or if it goes south, none at all. With very little to go off of I'm still cautious, but will b?e giving i??t a shot as soon as possible.

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Mysterious Fighting Game finally ready to rumble

Developer Arika have announced that their long-awaited punch-up, Fighting EX Layer, will finally launch on PS4 on June 28.

Fighting EX Layer was first revealed on April 1, 2017 before being officially revealed at EVO that Summer. Originally nameles?s and shrouded in mystery, Arika have since added classic characters to the roster, detailed the game's mechanics, and tested online gameplay via last December's beta. It appears that the game is now good to go and will become available at the end of the mo?nth.

Fighting EX Layer will be available for purchase in two formats: The Light Edition comes with 12 playable characters and five "Gougi decks" (bonuses that help your character in battle) at a cost of around $40. The Standard Edition, featuring 12 characters, plus DLC character Hokuto and 15 Goug??i decks, will be available at around $60.

There are currently no plans to port the game to other formats, or release any further DLC, though Arika have previously stated that those options are a possibility, should the game see financial success. Although Fighting EX Layer is a fun title, it has a upward battle brawling its w?ay through a crowded market to find its audience, but don't bet against the plucky underdog.

Fighting EX Layer will be available for download on PS4 June 28.

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Skullomania is running wild

Developer Arika have released 12 minutes of footage taken from their upcoming fighter, once simply known as "The Mysterious Fighting Game" before eventually being given the not-as-cool title of Fighting EX Layer.

In the video, we get to see a bevy of characters from the one-on-one fighter engaging in wild, non-Queensbury rules action. Fans of the classic Street Fighter EX titles will recognise D. Dark, Hokuto and, of course, the unmistakable Skullomani??a, of whom fans have being clamouring to see return for years.

Fighting EX Layer will be released as a digital-only title for PS4. Arika have stated that a physical edition, a PC port and DLC content will only be considered if the game is a success. This is a gamble, considering the the title's niche appeal, lack ?of features and two-pri?ce-point delivery system.

Regardless, the game does look ??like it could be a lot of fun, so here's hoping a lot of fight fans take the plunge upon launch, tentatively scheduled for the end of June.

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Kyudo master returns to the ring

PlayStation have released three trailers for Arika's Don't-Call-it-a-Comeback punch-up Fighting EX Layer. One trailer showcases the return of Hokuto, while the other two are for ?the game's two release formats: "Light??" and "Standard."

Hokuto, who made her first appearance in Street Fighter EX, is a woman of strong, noble spirit. Calm in nature and controlled in the fight, she harbors sorrowful feelings over her confused genealogy, as her true parentage was kept hidden from he?r until she became an adult.

The two other trailers are named after the game's decision to release in two formats: a "Light" edition featuring 12 characters and five "Gougi" decks (stat buffs, not dissimilar to Street Fighter X Tekken's derided gems) and a "Standard" Edition, wh?ich will include 12 characters, plus Hokuto and 15 Gougi decks.

Fighting EX Layer is expected to launch ??digitally on PS4 t?oward the end of June.

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