Introduction

Amid anticipation and excitement, developer Polaris Quest unveiled their latest open-world adventure, *Light of Motiram*, earlier this week. However, a 16-minute gameplay reveal has left many fans skeptical, leading to cries of it being nothing more than a 'Horizon clone.'

Gameplay Reveals and Comparisons

The gameplay video, showcased by Tencent Games and its subsidiary Polaris Quest, sparked lively debates across gaming forums and social media. Players have been quick to draw comparisons to the acclaimed *Horizon Zero Dawn* and its sequel, citing notable similarities in aesthetics and gameplay mechanics. Many viewers noted the resemblance of the game's 'mechanimals' to the robotic creatures that players encountered in the Horizon series, further intensifying the criticisms.

Distinct Features

While there are some distinct features that set *Light of Motiram* apart, such as the ability to recruit and tame animals, which Horizon's gameplay lacks (aside from the select mounts in *Horizon Forbidden West*), the backlash has persisted. The game also introduces the concept of building shelters — a feature not present in the Horizon titles.

Multiplayer Emphasis

Perhaps the most striking difference is the game's emphasis on cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Marketed as an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) experience on Steam, *Light of Motiram* diverges from the single-player narrative focus that is a hallmark of the Horizon franchise. This could potentially open up new avenues for exploration and player interaction, though it remains to be seen if fans will embrace this fresh take.

Community Reactions

As the conversation around *Light of Motiram* heats up, discontent has spilled over into platforms like Reddit, with users expressing their frustrations and bewilderment. One Redditor notably exclaimed, "They even stole the damn font! That’s just crazy," illustrating the depth of the perceived similarities. Another user shared, "I thought it was an official Horizon spinoff at first," showcasing how easily some fans were misled by the trailer.

Conclusion

With no official statement from Sony regarding the potential similarities and alleged copying, it remains uncertain if they will address these claims. Whether or not *Light of Motiram* can carve out its own identity in the crowded gaming landscape is a question that only time will answer. Scheduled for release on iOS, PC, and PlayStation 5, the launch date is yet to be determined. As we approach its debut, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how this title evolves and whether it can stand on its own two feet amidst these daunting comparisons.