New 'The Legend of Khiimori' Game Offers Deep Horse Simulation, Echoing 'Death Stranding's' Obsessive Detail

Oct 14, 2025 at 4:58 PM

\"The Legend of Khiimori\", a new game demo, presents an intriguing gameplay experience that centers on a courier's journey across the vast Mongolian steppes, drawing notable comparisons to the meticulous delivery mechanics of \"Death Stranding\". This title distinguishes itself through an exceptionally detailed horse simulation system, allowing players to delve into the intricate aspects of equine care, genetics, and performance. The game, set to fully launch on November 4, offers a refreshing take on open-world exploration, prioritizing the bond between rider and horse over traditional combat.

Detailed Expedition Across the Steppe: 'The Legend of Khiimori' Unveils Immersive Horse Management

In a recent hands-on experience, the demo for \"The Legend of Khiimori\", available through Steam Next Fest, captivated players with its unique blend of exploration and an almost scientific approach to horse management. This upcoming title, developed by Mindscape, casts players as a Yam courier, a vital role in 13th-century Mongolia. These couriers, essentially mounted scouts, were responsible for transporting goods, messages, and even locating missing community members across the sprawling, untamed landscapes. The game emphasizes a deep connection with the player's equine partner, a magnificent Mongolian horse, echoing the a profound relationship seen in games like \"Death Stranding\" where the protagonist's traversal is equally significant.

A standout feature is the game's elaborate horse management interface. Unlike many other games that feature horses, \"The Legend of Khiimori\" provides an extensive menu dedicated to the player's mount, subdivided into four distinct categories: detailed stats covering aspects like turning speed and maximum velocity, breed information, genetic traits, and perk progression. This level of detail extends to gameplay, where players must carefully manage their horse's health, ensure proper load distribution in saddlebags to prevent injury, and lead them to water. Navigating treacherous terrain, such as mud, requires cautious trotting to avoid falls and injuries, underscoring the game's commitment to realism in horse care. Alice Ruppert, known for her expertise in horse-related gaming content, served as a creative producer and now as a consultant for the game, further validating its commitment to equine accuracy. This immersive focus on the horse, devoid of conventional combat encounters (though wolves and bears inhabit the environment, and a bow is available), promises a deeply engaging experience for those who appreciate nuanced simulation and exploration. The full release is anticipated on November 4.

This game presents a fresh perspective on the adventure genre by placing such a strong emphasis on the details of horse care and the player's journey. It highlights the potential for video games to explore themes of responsibility, connection with nature, and the intricacies of historical roles without resorting to constant conflict. The depth of the horse simulation could inspire other developers to consider more complex and realistic portrayals of animal companions in their games, moving beyond mere transportation and into genuine companionship.