Fighting Layer
(LAST UPDATE: 9/2/08)

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General: Fighting Layer is an obscure 3D fighting game, made by Arika, and was licensed to Namco for distribution in Japan only. Fighting Layer features a completely unique cast of characters, as well as two characters from the Street Fighter EX series, Allen and Blaire.

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   The game looks and plays quite similar to that of the SFEX series, but with a few differences including a sidestep (by oddly hitting forward + HP or HK). There are some solid gameplay elements, including safe falls, special/super move cancels, and special moves that break your opponents guard. Aside from a few unique features, the gameplay isn't really a completely unique experience.

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   Graphically, Fighting Layer looks like a second generation PS1 game... Blocky character models and character faces that make you cringe. It also appears that several animations from the SFEX series were actually borrowed for this game, but most of the actually fighting moves are completely new; and some ain't too bad. There's a Tae Kwon Do kid / Hwoarang rip-off, a wrestler who whips out chairs and tables to beat his opponents with, and even a shark... Yes, there is a bonus boss fight with a shark, underwater. And he's damn hard to beat. He kind of eats you if your not careful.

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   There's not much to the sound of Fighting Layer, besides the wacky announcer who takes entirely too long to say a character's name. Cool things about this game? Well, some of the super moves and special moves are well done, and look like they hurt. Probably the coolest part of the game, is when you finish off your opponent with a super move; as the action goes super slow-motion... It can appear quite dramatic, and cool, at times.

Manufacturer: Arika
Platforms: Arcade
Release: 1998 (Japan)
Characters: Allen Snider, Blaire Dame, Tetsuo Kato, Hong Gillson, Lan Yinghua, George Jensent, Janis Luciani, Shang Fenghuang, Exodus, Sessyu Tsukikage, Cappricio, Jig Jid Bartol, Joe Fendi, Clemence Keliber, Preston Aja, Vold Ignitio
Related Games: Street Fighter EX, Street Fighter EX 2, Street Fighter EX 3

 
Gameplay Engine
 6 / 10
Story / Theme
 4 / 10
Overall Graphics
 6 / 10
Animation
 7.5 / 10
Music / Sound Effects
 7.5 / 10
Innovation / Creativity
 5 / 10
Customization / Options
  3.5 / 10
Intro / Presentation
 3 / 10
Replayability / Fun
 5.5 / 10
"Ouch" Factor
 8 / 10
Characters
 6.5 / 10
Overall Score
5.5 / 10

Closing Comment: Here's another one of those fighting games that you may have missed but then again, didn't miss too much. It's an interesting title but seems rushed... There's practically no intro. The selection screen and character art isn't half bad but the character designs are ehhh... A mixed bag, as I like to say. ~F.Yagami, Webmaster of TFG