If you’ve seen the trailers for Light of Motiram, you might be wondering—is this just a Horizon clone? The similarities are hard to ignore, from the robotic dinosaurs to the tribal aesthetic. But is it a shameless copy/rip-off, or does it bring something new to the table? Let’s break it down.
Light of Motiram vs. Horizon: The Obvious Similarities
At first glance, Light of Motiram looks like a carbon copy of Horizon Zero Dawn. Here’s why:
- Robotic Creatures: Just like Horizon, the game features massive mechanical beasts that roam the world.
- Tribal Aesthetics: The armor designs, weapons, and even the tall red grass are eerily similar.
- Protagonist: A young female lead fighting against mechanized threats sounds familiar?
Even the UI and combat animations seem copied or “heavily inspired”. However, Light of Motiram isn’t just copying Horizon. It’s also borrowing from Destiny, Zelda, and even Palworld.
What Makes Light of Motiram Different?
While the Horizon comparisons are unavoidable, Light of Motiram mixes in other gameplay elements:
- Survival Mechanics: Unlike Horizon, this game leans into base-building, crafting, and resource management—more like Palworld than an action RPG.
- Multiplayer Focus: Early footage suggests co-op play, something Horizon didn’t explore until its sequel.
- “Mechanimals”: Yes, that’s what they call the robot creatures. Some even function like Palworld Pals, gathering resources for you.
So, is Light of Motiram a Horizon copy? Visually, absolutely. But gameplay-wise, it’s a bizarre mashup of survival, monster-taming, and open-world action. Which is not such a bad thing!
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Copy Culture in Gaming
The controversy takes on another dimension when you consider the developer. Polaris Quest is a studio under Tencent (one of the largest gaming companies in the world). This isn’t some small indie team making an homage – it’s a major corporate production with significant resources behind it.
But copyright works differently in different countries, and China is known to remake and remix popular ideas. You can take Apple iPhones and iOS, which you can find similarity in multiple Chinese offerings.
The gaming industry has seen plenty of clones and knockoffs over the years, but rarely do they come from publishers of this stature. With such blatant visual borrowing from a specific AAA franchise. The greatest threat, however, is the fact that most of the time, these titles are offered free of charge.
Will Light of Motiram Actually Release?
Right now, the game is in pre-alpha, and its future is uncertain. If it does launch, expect:
- Legal Challenges: Sony could take action if the similarities are too blatant.
- Mixed Reception: Fans of Horizon might be annoyed, while survival gamers could find some fun in its mechanics.
- Microtransactions: Given Tencent’s history, players should prepare for aggressive monetization.
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Final Verdict: Horizon Clone or Something Else?
Light of Motiram is undeniably borrowing heavily from Horizon, but it’s not a 1:1 copy. It’s more of a survival game with Horizon’s visuals and Palworld’s mechanics. Now, whether that’s a good thing depends on your tolerance for derivative games.
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