Farlight had a stellar 2024, marked by a successful partnership with Lilith Games to bring AFK Journey to the eager fans of idle RPGs. As we step into 2025, Farlight continues its momentum with new releases, and one that catches our attention is Ace Trainer, currently in soft-launch in regions like South Korea and the US.
So, what exactly is Ace Trainer? At its core, it's reminiscent of Pokémon, where you collect, train, and level up fantastical creatures to battle on your behalf. Farlight adds a unique twist inspired by Palworld, shifting the focus from traditional turn-based combat to a more dynamic tower defense setup. Here, your creatures fend off hordes of zombies, adding an exciting layer to the gameplay.
But that's not all—Ace Trainer also incorporates pinball mechanics, allowing you to shoot and collect resources, making for an eclectic mix of gameplay elements. While it might be a while before we see a global release, the soft launch in multiple regions suggests that Farlight has high hopes for this game.
Is it a bit of a "kitchen sink" approach? Absolutely. From what we've seen so far, Ace Trainer tries to blend PvP, PvE, tower defense, pinball, and more into one package. While this might make my head spin, it's clear that the combination of these popular elements could excite many gamers. However, it remains to be seen if this mix can hold up under long-term scrutiny.
For those who enjoy our candid takes on the gaming world, be sure to check out the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer podcast, where we delve into the first news stories of 2025.