I like the attempt to simplify EX Layer's gameplay by giving the characters less and excluding the Gougi, but I'd rather play the original Fighting EX Layer just without the Gougi. Not to say that I dislike the Gougi though, it made EX Layer distinct from Arika's previous fighters even if it's not a preferable system for me over a more traditional fighter. Arika fighting games don't hit the same when their gameplay is simplified, that ridiculous level of freedom and wackiness I feel shouldn't ever be limited, though I can see it appealing to some fans of Arika's games and whoever likes these more simplified fighters like Guilty Gear Strive or Mortal Kombat 11. That new Fighting EX Layer Arika's been showing is looking a lot more up my alley, good to see that they're still working on fighting games, despite their small and lesser known presence in the industry.

This is apparently a fighter based off the street fighter EX series and fighting layer as well as the port version of it on the switch. Thankfully it does control rather well, and is fairly fun to mess around with in terms of movement and fighting mechanics.

While this game is a free to download game, the single player content is pretty much free to any characters you have, which the free version gives you a total of 4 characters. While the 2D art style of each character certainly pops, compared to the 3D model counterpart it leaves much to be desired. The game has a sort of arcade post 2000s vibe to it, with a lot of the stages looking rather rough around the edges, but as a sort of intentional way.

Overall, Fighting Ex Layer is a surprising find for a free barebones fighting game. The single player content is certainly lacking and the rest of the characters have to be bought, but if you are ever strapped for cash and just want to play a new fighting game, Fighting Ex Layer can certainly help you with that itch. Very neat.