Tencent’s new open-world game looks eerily similar to Sony’s Horizon series
Tencent has announced a new open-world action-adventure title that looks to combine Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series on PlayStation with Pocketpair’s controversial survival game Palworld. Light of Motiram, developed by Tencent subsidiary Polaris Quest, is eerily similar to Horizon games, right down to tameable mechanical animals – called ‘Mechanimals’. Like Horizon, the game takes place in a post-apocalyptic wilderness full of mechanical beasts. However, Light of Motiram introduces survival and crafting elements similar to Palworld.
Light of Motiram announced
“The Earth and human civilization as we once knew it are gone. Giant mechanical beasts roam free across the untamed wilderness as humanity struggles to rebuild from the dawn of a new primitive age,” the game description continues. Steam. “Journey from lush tropical rainforests to arid desert landscapes and snow-capped mountain peaks – as you discover unique Mechanimals and mysterious ruins in different regions, gradually uncovering the secrets of Motiram.”
Polaris Quest claims the game will feature over 100 customizable Mechanimals to train and tame. While the official website details three such mechanical creatures that resemble a gorilla, a deer, and a bison, the Light of Motiram teaser shows off several other, larger machines, including a giant sea serpent, colossal scorpions, and what appears to be an enormous locust .
Light of Motiram’s “Mechanimals” resemble mechanical beasts from the Horizon series
Photo credit: Polaris Quest
The game also features melee and ranged combat, and players appear to have access to a large hammer as a weapon. According to the developer, players can dodge, block and counterattack. There seems to be a greater emphasis on companion mechanics that can seemingly fight alongside you. “Don’t forget to work with your Mechanimal partners. Choosing the right companion can make your battle twice as effective,” the description reads.
There are several comparisons to be made to Horizon games, from the design of mechanical creatures and the vibrant environments to the post-apocalyptic tribal setting and the red-haired female protagonist seen in the promotional image. Several commentators and industry analysts have spoken out about the similarities on X, accusing the game of plagiarizing Guerrilla Games’ intellectual property.
However, Light of Motiram also features survival and crafting elements like Palworld, which itself has been accused of plagiarizing Pokémon creature designs and is currently facing a lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The developers have highlighted the game’s physics-based building system, which allows players to build elaborate structures. Light of Motiram also comes with survival mechanics, as players must gather resources to survive the wilderness.
Additionally, the open-world title will feature co-op and cross-play for up to 10 players, the developer said. Light of Motiram doesn’t have a release date yet, but the game’s Steam and Epic Games Store pages are now live, where it can be wishlisted. The game will reportedly also makes its way to PlayStation and mobile platforms.
