Zynga releases Pokemon-style game

Zynga's reputation as a copycat studio won't be reversed with the release of its newest game. The company today launched Montopia, a "battle monster" role-playing game that bears a number of resemblances to Nintendo's popular Pokemon series.

The game, available today as a free download for Android and iOS devices, asks players to "Collect them all," which is similar to Pokemon's iconic "Gotta catch 'em all" tag line. Additionally, Montopia has players collecting monsters--some bearing striking resemblances to Pokemon creatures--and building a team to battle other players.

As of press time, neither Nintendo nor Zynga had responded to GameSpot's requests for comment.

This is not the first time Zynga has created a game bearing resemblances to an established property. In January, indie developer Nimblebit released a tongue-in-cheek thank-you note directed to Zynga over similarities between its Tiny Tower and Zynga's Dream Heights.

Additionally, Zynga recently drew the ire of Electronic Arts, which is currently suing the company over claims that The Ville is a Sims Social clone. An EA representative said the case against Zynga is a matter of principle, and that the publisher was obligated to bring the suit because unlike many other operations that have alleged theft at Zynga's hands, EA "has the financial and corporate resources to stand up and do something about it."