

Metacritic
IGDB
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French Bread and Ecole Software created this 2D fighter set in a modern fantasy world where vampires hunt humans with supernatural powers. The Exe:Late revision launched in arcades back in September 2013 before hitting consoles and PC later. You fight on vertical stages using one of many distinct characters who each have their own unique moveset. Arc System Works published the Western release for PlayStation 3 and Windows after Sega handled the Japanese arcade run. The game dropped on Steam in July 2016. It feels like a spiritual successor to Melty Blood but with a completely new roster and mechanics designed to be fast-paced and technical.
You select a character and clash against an opponent in intense rounds where positioning matters more than button mashing. The core loop involves managing distance while using special moves that consume an EX gauge. You can charge your attacks for stronger hits or perform quick dashes to close gaps. A standout feature is the Backdash mechanic which lets you instantly reverse direction to avoid pressure. Matches often come down to reading your opponent and punishing mistakes with high-damage combos. The story mode offers a narrative wrapped in visual novel segments between fights. You spend most of your time practicing in training mode to master specific frame data since mistakes get punished heavily.
Players respect the technical depth here even if the learning curve feels steep for newcomers. Metacritic gave it an 80 while IGDB users rated it a solid 75 based on eight reviews. The community moods lean toward competitive frustration mixed with deep appreciation for the mechanics. Average playtime suggests people stick around to grind rather than just playing casual matches. You need roughly 10 hours to see most content since the achievement system is demanding. Only 53 achievements exist and the average unlock rate sits at a low 10.9 percent. The hardest trophy "Thanks for Playing!" has only been earned by 1.20 percent of players who finished every mode. This data shows the game demands serious dedication from its fanbase.
This title works best for people willing to invest time in learning complex mechanics without holding their hand. The $5 price point on Green Man Gaming makes it an easy buy for fighting fans looking to expand their library. You will spend most of your time grinding through training mode and trying to unlock that elusive 1 percent achievement. It is not a casual pick up and play experience but rather a serious contender for those who enjoy technical depth. Skip this if you want simple controls or instant gratification because the skill ceiling is very high.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
75.0
RAWG Rating
4.0
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