Farlight Games, fresh off their successful 2024 collaboration with Lilith Games on AFK Journey, is launching a new title: Ace Trainer. Currently in soft launch in South Korea and the US, this game blends several popular genres in an unexpected way.
Ace Trainer features creature collection, training, and leveling, reminiscent of Pokémon. However, instead of traditional turn-based battles, Farlight adds a Palworld-inspired twist: players deploy their creatures against zombie hordes in a tower defense style. The gameplay is further enhanced by pinball mechanics used to acquire resources.
This eclectic mix of tower defense, pinball, creature collection, and PvP/PvE elements is intriguing, though its global release remains uncertain. The multi-regional soft launch suggests Farlight has high expectations for Ace Trainer.
A Risky Strategy?
Ace Trainer's genre-bending approach is ambitious, perhaps even overwhelming. The combination of PvP, PvE, tower defense, and pinball mechanics raises questions about long-term playability and balance. While each element is individually popular, their simultaneous inclusion might prove challenging to execute effectively. Only time will tell if this "kitchen sink" approach pays off.
For more insightful commentary on gaming news, including our thoughts on Ace Trainer and other 2025 releases, check out the latest Pocket Gamer podcast.
