Bargain bin
- by Sammy Barker
Tokyo-based dev ARIKA was founded by Capcom legend Akira Nishitani, who worked on iconic 90s arcade titles like Final Fight and Street Fighter 2.
In his new company, he created the Street Fighter EX trilogy, a largely underappreciated twist on Capcom’s fighter franchise, which repurposed the franchise’s 2D action in 3D.
These titles are often overlooked by modern fighting game fans, but while not flawless, we’ve always enjoyed the way they feel. We have particularly strong memories of Street Fighter EX3 on the PS2, a launch title at the time.
Fighting EX Layer, released on the PS4 in 2018, was created as a spiritual successor to both 1998’s original Fighting Layer and the Street Fighter EX series, featuring some overlapping original characters.
And it’s currently $0.99/£0.79 on the PS Store, an all-time low promotional price, as ARIKA celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Here’s what the dev wrote on social media:
“Since our founding in 1995, we have pursued the essence of ‘play’, bringing many titles into the world over the years. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the players who have supported us, the development staff who have walked alongside us, our publishers and partner companies, and the game fans who have warmly cheered us on.”
While there are a lot of technical gameplay mechanics to wrap your head around here, it’s also probably the most accessible fighter ARIKA’s ever made, with auto-combos and a simplified command system.
Honestly, even though we never got around to reviewing this game when it launched, we’ve been playing it on and off for several years now. And thus we highly recommend you give it a try for its new bargain bin price point.
[source youtube.com]
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.
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This Underappreciated PS4 Fighter Can Be Yours for Less Than a Dollar
Unveiling a Hidden Fighting Gem on PS4
Are you a fan of fighting games but hesitant to break the bank on pricey titles? Fear not.One underappreciated PS4 fighter is currently available for less than a dollar, providing tremendous value to both casual and competitive players alike. Budget-conscious gamers now have access to an incredibly fun, mechanically rich fighting game without compromising quality – a rare find in the gaming world.
Why This PS4 Fighter Deserves More Attention
This particular PS4 fighting game stands out despite being overlooked by the mainstream. its strategic depth, unique characters, and crisp fighting mechanics rival those of big-name franchises in the genre. The fact that it’s now available for less than a dollar makes it a must-have for your collection.
- Complex yet accessible gameplay: Easy to pick up for beginners, challenging for veterans.
- Unique roster: Memorable characters wiht quirky movesets and balanced stats.
- Engaging single-player modes: From story-driven campaigns to challenging arcade modes.
- Competitive multiplayer: Local and online battles with responsive netcode.
Gameplay Features That Make It a Steal
Despite its low price, this PS4 fighting game punches well above its weight with features that provide hours of enjoyment:
- Fluid combat system with customizable combos and special moves.
- Intuitive controls compatible with DualShock 4 and even newer controllers.
- Training mode with tutorials, helping new players build skills.
- Unique mechanics like burst counters, environmental hazards, or team battles that spice up matches.
- Frequent updates and community events keep the game fresh and engaging.
Table: Rapid Comparison with Popular PS4 Fighters
| Feature | Underappreciated Fighter | Popular PS4 Fighter #1 | Popular PS4 Fighter #2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Under $1 | $20 – $60 | $30 – $60 |
| character Roster | 20 Unique Fighters | 40+ Fighters | 35+ Fighters |
| Multiplayer | Online & Local | Online & Local | Online & Local |
| Training Mode | Comprehensive Tutorials | Advanced Tools | Basic Tutorials |
| Community Activity | Active & Growing | Highly Competitive | Established |
benefits of Owning This Budget-Kind Fighter
Choosing this underappreciated PS4 fighter for your gaming library unlocks several key benefits:
- amazing value: at less than a dollar, you get premium fighting gameplay comparable to much pricier games.
- Great for newcomers: Balanced difficulty helps beginners understand fighting game fundamentals.
- Low system requirements: runs smoothly on any PS4 model, allowing broad accessibility.
- Supports controller options: Works seamlessly with PS4’s dualshock 4 controller and offers compatibility tips for newer peripherals.
- Community-driven content: Join fan forums to unlock guides, mods, and friendly competitions enhancing your gaming experience.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Experience
Buying the game for a bargain is just the start. Here are some useful hacks to get the most out of your PS4 fighting experience:
- Practice daily: Spend 10-15 minutes a day in training mode to sharpen your combo execution.
- Join online forums: Engage with other players to learn new strategies and stay updated on game patches.
- Customize controls: Adjust button mapping in settings to match your preferred playstyle.
- Explore story mode: Even casual players benefit from the lore and challenges present in single-player campaigns.
- Stay updated: Check for game updates regularly to avoid missing out on new characters or balance adjustments.
Firsthand Experience: what Players Are Saying
Here are some authentic reviews from players who picked up this game for a fraction of its value and found themselves pleasantly surprised:
- “I didn’t expect much for less than a dollar, but the gameplay depth blew me away. Perfect for casual matches with friends.” – Jamie L.
- “Simple to learn but hard to master. Shows that big production budgets aren’t everything in fighting games.” – Marcus T.
- “Combos flow smoothly, and online matches rarely lag. Great deal for skill-building without spending a fortune.” – Anika S.
How to Purchase This PS4 Fighter for under $1
This fighter occasionally goes on sale in the PlayStation Store and through third-party digital retailers. Here’s a quick checklist to snag your copy:
- Monitor PlayStation Store’s weekly sales and flash deals sections.
- Subscribe to newsletters from gaming deal sites that track PS4 discounts.
- Redeem PlayStation Store gift cards or points for further savings.
- Consider regional pricing differences-sometimes accounts set to other regions see steeper discounts.
- Act fast-deals like sub-dollar pricing are usually brief and highly popular.
Game Compatibility and Controller Support
Modern PS4 controllers like the DualShock 4 and even new generation controllers such as the DualSense for PS5 work flawlessly with this fighter.
- Input responsiveness: Low input lag ensures fluid gameplay on PS4 hardware.
- Customizable button layouts: Supports remapping to optimize your fighting style.
- Wireless and wired play: Works well whether connected via USB or Bluetooth.
For players upgrading to PS5, this game remains fully compatible via backward compatibility. Just remember, using the same playstation Network account on PS4 and PS5 concurrently may cause session conflicts if both systems are playing the game at once.[[3]](https://www.resetera.com/threads/just-got-a-ps5-can-i-keep-using-my-ps4.1103448/)
Summary Table: Must-Know Quick Facts
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Price | under $1 during sales |
| Platform | PS4 (backward compatible on PS5) |
| Genre | Fighting Game |
| Multiplayer | Online & Local |
| Controller Support | DualShock 4, DualSense, USB Controllers |
| Community | Active with guides and competitions |
