Farlight kicked off 2024 with a bang, continuing their successful partnership with Lilith Games to launch AFK Journey, catering to the ever-growing demand for idle RPGs on mobile devices. As we step into 2025, Farlight is not slowing down, with their latest venture, Ace Trainer, currently in soft-launch in regions such as South Korea and the US, catching our attention.
So, what exactly is Ace Trainer? It's a game that unabashedly draws inspiration from Pokemon, where you collect, train, and level up fantastical creatures to battle on your behalf. But Farlight adds a unique twist, reminiscent of Palworld, by having your creatures defend against zombie hordes, transforming the gameplay into a thrilling tower defense experience rather than a traditional turn-based battle.
Adding to the mix, Ace Trainer incorporates pinball mechanics, allowing players to shoot and collect resources, creating an eclectic blend of genres. While this combination might not be ready for a global rollout just yet, the soft launch in multiple regions suggests that Farlight has high hopes for Ace Trainer's future.
**Far shot?** Describing Ace Trainer as "everything and the kitchen sink" feels apt, given the diverse elements we've seen so far. As someone in the UK, I haven't had the chance to play it yet, but the mix of PvP, PvE, tower defense, and pinball elements is dizzying to consider!
While this blend might make some of us roll our eyes, it's clear that others are excited by the prospect. These are all popular features in today's gaming landscape, but combining them all in one game raises questions about their long-term viability and appeal.
If you enjoy our candid take on gaming news, be sure to check out the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer podcast, where we dive into the first news highlights of 2025.