Overlord
- October 26, 2007
- Triumph Studios
- 9h median play time
Overlord is a fantasy hack and slash game with excellent mechanics, exceptional graphics, and stellar music. As the Overlord, players command a horde of minions, completing quests, and conquering the world through strategic battles and loot collection. The game is single-player and multi-player, with a unique story that combines evil bidding with impish humor, but can be very grinding and buggy.
Reviews
- Unique gameplay that combines action and strategy with humor.
- Charming art style and engaging story with dark comedic elements.
- Variety of minion types adds depth to combat and puzzle-solving.
- Clunky controls and camera issues can hinder gameplay experience.
- Lack of a map or clear navigation can lead to frustrating backtracking.
- Some minion AI behavior is inconsistent, leading to accidental deaths.
- story424 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story features a mix of humor and dark fantasy elements, allowing players to take on the role of a villain seeking revenge against corrupt heroes. While some players appreciate the comedic writing and engaging plot twists, others find the overall narrative to be somewhat generic and lacking depth, with repetitive quests that can detract from the experience. Despite its flaws, the story is often described as entertaining and memorable, particularly for those who enjoy a satirical take on traditional fantasy tropes.
“While you may be the villain of the story, your actions often have unexpected consequences, forcing you to grapple with the ethics of your choices.”
“I love the funny take on the medieval fantasy genre; the characters, dialogues, and the plot are really well written and executed.”
“The story is brilliant though, with some clever twists and turns.”
“The story has some neat ideas going on, but it isn't too much to write home about, I think.”
“There's no real story to hook you.”
“The story is pretty much forgettable but I totally recommend playing it, though.”
- humor348 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Overlord" is widely praised for its quirky, dark, and satirical elements, often drawing comparisons to classic titles like "Pikmin" and "Fable." Players enjoy the hilarious voice acting, witty dialogue, and the amusing antics of the minions, which contribute to a lighthearted yet twisted narrative. While some critiques mention gameplay flaws, the overall comedic tone and engaging story make it a memorable experience for fans of dark humor.
“The voice acting is hilarious and the gameplay is enjoyable, although the minion control is slightly troublesome but not impossible with a keyboard and mouse.”
“Being an evil overlord, meaningful choices, customization of the evil tower, and of course dark humor makes this game one of the many underrated gems we did not know we need.”
“The humor of the minions lightens the mood.”
- gameplay284 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Overlord is characterized by its unique minion-commanding mechanics, which blend action and strategy, allowing players to control a horde of goblins to solve puzzles and engage in combat. While many players appreciate the humor and charm of the game, criticisms often focus on clunky controls, frustrating mechanics, and a lack of depth that can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the game offers an entertaining experience with a nostalgic feel, though it may require some patience due to its dated design and occasional technical issues.
“With its dark humor, engaging gameplay, and charming art style, it offers a refreshing take on the classic fantasy genre.”
“The blend of action and strategy keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout.”
“The minion-focused gameplay around combat and puzzle solving are some of the most original and well-thought-out systems of any game I've played.”
“The game lacks variety and gets old pretty quickly due to how limited the gameplay is.”
“My game time in this game is summed up by a loop of 15 minutes of fun, 60 minutes of frustration/backtracking, 15 minutes of fun, 60 minutes of frustration/backtracking, etc... I finally had to put this game down, as there are a lot of other games more worth my time that have more polished controls and don't string out the gameplay by making all of the puzzles a fetch quest.”
“The mechanics of the game are innovative: the idea of controlling a small army of minions, but the execution of this said mechanic is lacking and empty somehow.”
- graphics160 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, while reflective of its 2007 release, are generally considered charming and colorful, with a unique art style that resonates well with its dark humor and fantasy themes. Many players appreciate the nostalgic appeal and find that the visuals hold up reasonably well, especially when played at higher resolutions, despite acknowledging some dated elements and occasional graphical glitches. Overall, the game's aesthetic successfully complements its gameplay and storytelling, making it a visually enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
“The fable-like graphics pop, which still looks amazing today, and the writing has a ton of tongue-in-cheek and not-so-tongue-in-cheek humor.”
“The character and creature designs are particularly noteworthy, capturing the game's humorous and dark aesthetic perfectly.”
“The graphics are beautiful for its time, and it reminds one of Fable when playing.”
“Additionally, since it's from the 360 era, the graphics are pretty old.”
“Overlord is already an older title, so you shouldn't expect anything in terms of graphics.”
“The graphics are dated, and the story is very shallow, but it was worth the couple of bucks I spent on it.”
- grinding50 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, especially in the late game where farming for resources like "souls" and "life force" becomes necessary for progression. While some enjoy the gameplay and the satisfaction of leveling up gear, many express frustration with the repetitive nature of grinding, particularly due to poor navigation tools and the need for backtracking. Overall, the grinding can detract from the enjoyment, making it feel more like a chore than a rewarding experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding minions is also probably the worst part of the game, as the only real way is doing arena fights multiple times.”
“Couple this with the fact that grinding for types is a slog due to only certain enemies giving the souls you need to spawn more; this one type has basically killed all enjoyment I've had for this game.”
“While it has its fair share of flaws (minions occasionally spawning in areas they can't get out of, dumb enemy AI, cheap 'difficulty' boost which only serves to make the game more tedious), there is too much to like to really dwell on the negatives, but you should be aware they are still there.”
- music34 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and complement gameplay, particularly during key moments like boss battles. While some find the soundtrack memorable and fitting, others describe it as occasionally repetitive or forgettable over time. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's charm and immersive experience, despite minor criticisms.
“The characters are charming and the soundtrack is fantastic.”
“The ambient music is nice and calm and adapts perfectly to the situation or scene.”
“Each area or part you visit has their own theme or initial welcoming music playing, carefully accompanying the gameplay, yet truly enhancing the overall gameplay.”
“Towards the end of the game, the soundtrack just seems to...stop.”
“Overly cheerful music being drowned out by the bleating of sheep being murdered by your minions and them yelling 'for the overlord' really best part.”
“The soundtrack is not awesome, but as stated, it fits the game's setting and helps set up the atmosphere.”
- stability27 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches, particularly with AI and controls, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. While some players found the game enjoyable despite these issues, others experienced significant problems such as crashes and unresponsive mechanics. Overall, while the game has charm and fun elements, its stability is often undermined by technical shortcomings.
“Runs great on Windows 10, a must buy at this price.”
“Runs smoothly, not very buggy, and affordable.”
“The game is buggy as hell to get playing with DLC and some things don't seem to work right.”
“The first 2-3 hours were fun, then it starts to slow down, and by ten, I just threw down the controller in frustration, as I couldn't get through 30 minutes without something going royally wrong (including freezes, enemies cheaply spawning right behind you and killing your weakest guys in a flash, and the fact that you can't unsummon your minions when needed).”
“Overlord is a buggy game, as it has crashed multiple times on my system.”
- replayability23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, largely due to the choices between good and evil routes, a corruption system, and various gameplay modes that offer different experiences. Players appreciate the nostalgic charm and humor, as well as the flexibility in character perks and paths, which encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some reviews note a lack of diversity in gameplay experiences, suggesting that replayability may hinge on personal enjoyment rather than significant changes in gameplay.
“Not terribly long, but very replayable and always a classic.”
“The choice between good and evil gives this game a lot of replay value.”
“It takes around 13 hours to finish and does not outstay its welcome while giving you tons of options for multiple paths, gear upgrade system, different spells, and replayability.”
“Going back to replay value, the corruption system is pretty much the only thing making you replay this game.”
“Not much diversity from one game to another, so replayability mostly feels like a sociopathic destruction of people and livestock.”
“Played on Xbox 360 and it was a pleasurable experience the first time around, but there is no replay value after 30 hours of gameplay.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a distinct British charm infused with dark humor, creating an immersive and quirky experience. Each area is well-realized, featuring unique music and environmental details that enhance the overall ambiance. Players appreciate the game's comedic fantasy elements and the engaging, tongue-in-cheek storyline, which contribute to its enjoyable and memorable atmosphere.
“The atmosphere, the twisted comedy, the mechanics - I mean, look, this game is a must-play classic from Xbox 360, and you really cannot go wrong with Overlord.”
“There's a ton of small things like minions picking up and using armor/weapons or your appearance changing as you become more evil that create a really immersive atmosphere.”
“Don't take that as 'this is a complete mess of a painting with no artistic integrity.' It's more 'an imperfect piece with a few missteps in creation but an overall enjoyable point.' However, I believe it more than makes up for what parts of it are sloppy with a charming atmosphere and sense of humor.”
“I found the bizarre storyline, comedic fantasy atmosphere, humorous art style, and music to be the most notable aspects of the game.”
“The soundtrack is not awesome, but as stated, it fits the game's setting and helps set up the atmosphere.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the deep attachment players feel towards their minions, with moments of joy and heartbreak as they witness their bravery and vulnerability. The narrative, while simple, effectively evokes strong feelings, particularly during poignant moments like the appearance of beloved characters or the loss of cherished minions, making the experience both engaging and touching.
“Watching them charge ahead — especially into certain death — with such gusto and fury is utterly heartwarming.”
“I cried when Archie Wobbleboard appeared; such a powerful moment.”
“Seriously, those goblins are so adorable, it's actually heartbreaking when one that's been with you on many adventures falls dead.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally solid, with users noting that it runs well on modern systems despite its Xbox 360 origins. Performance can be improved with configuration changes, and players report a smooth experience with intuitive controls and stable frame rates, although online multiplayer performance remains untested by some reviewers.
“The gameplay, graphics, controls, and performance are all great.”
“If you're worried about performance on your computer, this game is from the Xbox 360 era.”
“But I made some configuration changes, and the performance got a whole lot better.”
“Thankfully, little has changed between PC and console; from the get-go, Overlord is easy to pick up and play, with its intuitive control scheme and solid FPS. You won't have to suffer through stuttering or lag (though I can't personally attest to the online multiplayer).”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is viewed positively, with players appreciating its affordability and value compared to many modern titles that are perceived as cash grabs. The game is considered a classic worth the investment, offering a rich experience without aggressive monetization tactics.
“Approaching Overlord, you should first of all throw out advertising posters in a demonically red palette, despise the slogan 'think evil.'”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development for its impressive designs and animations, likening them to a mature take on classic Disney films. This aesthetic enhances the overall storytelling and emotional depth of the characters.
“The character designs and animations are really good, reminding me of classic Disney films but with a mature twist in their animation style.”
“The depth of character development is impressive, making each character feel unique and relatable.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, with their backstories and relationships adding layers to the overall narrative.”