Farlight has kicked off 2025 with a bang, following a successful 2024 collaboration with Lilith Games on the mobile release of AFK Journey. Now, they're turning heads with their latest venture, Ace Trainer, which is currently in soft-launch in regions like South Korea and the US. So, what exactly is Ace Trainer bringing to the table?
Ace Trainer dives into the familiar territory of collecting and training fantastical creatures, reminiscent of Pokémon. But Farlight adds a unique twist, drawing inspiration from games like Palworld. Instead of traditional turn-based battles, you'll find yourself using your creatures to fend off waves of zombies, transforming the game into a thrilling tower defense experience.
But that's not all—Ace Trainer also incorporates pinball mechanics, allowing you to shoot for resources. This eclectic mix of genres, including PvP, PvE, tower defense, and pinball, showcases Farlight's ambitious vision. While it might be overwhelming, the early soft launch in multiple regions signals high hopes for Ace Trainer's future.
Describing Ace Trainer as "everything and the kitchen sink" might be an understatement. While I'm based in the UK and haven't had the chance to play it yet, the sheer variety of gameplay elements is both intriguing and dizzying. These popular mechanics might appeal to a broad audience, but the question remains: can they hold up under long-term scrutiny?
If you enjoy our take on the latest gaming trends, don't miss the newest episode of the Pocket Gamer podcast, where we dive into the inaugural news for 2025.
