Arika’s Fighting Layer EX Demo Headed To PSN This December

A few weeks ago we reported that Arika would be releasing a demo sometime in the near future. They’ve finalized the date when the beta will take place. Directly proceeding Playstation Experience 2017, December 14 you’ll be able to try out the ‘Mysterious Fighting Game’ now officially titled Fighting Layer EX. The beta will last about two weeks and feature the six playable characters: Kairi, Garuda, Skullomania, Darun Mister, Allen Snider and Shirase (Hokuto?). Sadly no Doctrine Dark (sad face).

Series creator Akira Nishitani went into detail about the Gougi system:
“I want to change the flow of matches.”

For example, in most other fighting games, aside from times where you think, “I can win in one more combo,” “I can win if I chip him out,” and “I’m in the corner,” your battle strategy doesn’t really change that much, right? I wanted to change this on a system level and make a game where matches get crazier and more exciting as they go on.

“I want players to have different ways to play depending on their Gougi.”

This goes without saying! I’m sure there will be some Gougi that work well with other Gougi, and some that suit certain characters better than others.

“I want to continue adding Gougi and change the game environment.”

This is still just an idea, but I’d like to add new Gougi at certain fixed intervals, which would in turn create the feeling of a new game. Even by adding just a single Gougi, I think you would be surprised by how much the characters can change. Although as a developer, I’m quite worried about whether or not something crazy will occur!

The little time I had with the Evo2017 build of the game, the Gougi system seemed fairly busted in a good way. I think it will open up new possibilities and give players more options. Check out the latest trailer below: