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 they 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.
