Farlight Games, fresh off their successful 2024 collaboration with Lilith Games on AFK Journey, has a new contender in the mobile gaming arena: Ace Trainer. Currently in soft launch in South Korea and the US, this game blends several popular genres in an intriguing, if potentially overwhelming, way.

Ace Trainer is essentially a Pokémon-inspired creature collection and training game, but with a zombie-infested twist. Instead of traditional turn-based battles, players engage in tower defense-style combat, deploying their trained creatures against waves of undead foes. Adding another layer of complexity (and perhaps a dash of chaos), pinball mechanics are incorporated, allowing players to strategically shoot for resources.

This eclectic mix of PvP, PvE, tower defense, and pinball elements raises questions about its long-term viability. While each genre element is individually popular, their combined presence might prove challenging to balance and maintain player engagement. The game's broad appeal, however, suggests Farlight has high hopes for its global success. The soft launch in multiple regions hints at ambitious plans for wider release.

The sheer number of mechanics incorporated into Ace Trainer leaves one wondering if it might be trying to do too much. While the combination might appeal to some, the potential for diluted gameplay remains a concern. For a more in-depth analysis and our take on the game, check out the latest Pocket Gamer podcast.