FIGHTING EX LAYER
Released Nov 2018
After a long wait, Arika's EX characters gather once again for another exciting battle! Kairi, Skullomania, Blaire, Pullum and the others are all back with the latest graphics. And this time they're bringing a brand new system - the "Gougi System". Grasp victory with Gougi!
83% positive · 904 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $0.99
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Evaluation
FIGHTING EX LAYER launched on Steam on November 29, 2018 and received a series of updates over the following years: new characters (Sharon and Terry in March 2019, Area in July 2019), balance patches, netcode improvements, and cosmetic DLC. All 18 DLC items listed on the store have been released, with the last arriving in March 2019.
The most significant recent activity came on December 10, 2025, when ARIKA posted a [development_status] update in commemoration of the studio's 30th anniversary. That post released a beta code giving Steam players access to a PS5 build of the game that was shown at EVO Japan 2023. Crucially, ARIKA explicitly stated: "There are no plans to expand this beta version in the future." The same day, a minor bug-fix patch (version 1.5.7) was also released.
This December 2025 developer statement is the clearest signal available: the studio acknowledged the game's history, offered a one-time celebratory bonus, and drew a firm line under any further development. The game is complete.
Evidence
ARIKA posted a 30th-anniversary update releasing a beta code for a PS5 build, explicitly stating 'There are no plans to expand this beta version in the future.'
Version 1.2.0 added characters Sharon and Terry, a new stage, and new BGM — the only major_content update post-launch.
Content
18 of 18 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
ARIKA
Achievements
41
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP · Local/Split Screen
About this game
・"That" EX Series Is Back! 
After a long while, the EX Series loved by Fighting Game fans around the world has finally returned!
・The Characters Are Reborn With Beautiful New Graphics
Kairi, Skullomania, Blaire, Pullum and the rest; in total 15 classic characters have been recreated with beautiful new models. Watch as the EX series is reborn and the battle unfolds with the latest graphics!
・The New "Gougi System" Plays A Huge Role In Battle
By fulfilling certain requirement mid-battle, your character is given amazing new abilities- that's "Gougi"!5 Gougi make up 1 Set which is called a "Gougi Deck". There are 15 different Gougi Decks ready for you to try.
Experiment with the different characters and Gougi Decks, and find the combination that matches your own style!
・Two Unique Input Styles
The game features two different input styles; "Progressive" which is a simple style that doesn't require any complicated command inputs, and "Classic" which keeps the inputs that same as classic Fighting Games.
・Various Modes to Enjoy
Of course there is Online and Offline Versus modes, but there are also Arcade Mode and Training Mode for you to enjoy single player content.And then the legendary Expert Mode from the EX Series makes its return; try to clear it with every character!
Regarding the In-Game Descriptions In Ver1.1.1, the set Menus and Options (i.e ONLINE VS, RANKED MATCH), Information, and some other sections are displayed in the English Alphabet, but now the description sentences will support 12 different languages.
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Arabian, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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