Overlord

74%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,048 reviews
  • story
  • humor
  • gameplay
Overlord Game Cover
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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.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,048 reviews
story250 positive mentions
grinding94 negative mentions
  • Unique gameplay that combines action and strategy, allowing players to control an army of minions.
  • Humorous and engaging story with a satirical take on traditional fantasy tropes.
  • Charming graphics and character designs that hold up well despite the game's age.
  • Clunky controls and camera issues that can hinder gameplay, especially when managing large groups of minions.
  • Lack of a map or clear navigation tools, leading to frustrating backtracking and confusion.
  • Some voice acting and character animations are subpar, detracting from the overall experience.
  • story848 mentions

    The game's story is a mix of humor and dark fantasy, featuring a unique premise where players take on the role of an evil overlord seeking revenge against corrupt heroes. While some players appreciate the comedic elements and plot twists, others find the narrative to be simplistic or repetitive, with a lack of depth and engaging characters. Overall, the story is seen as entertaining but not particularly groundbreaking, often relying on humor to maintain interest.

    • “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.”
  • humor696 mentions

    The humor in "Overlord" is widely praised for its quirky, dark, and satirical elements, often drawing comparisons to classic titles like "Pikmin" and "Dungeon Keeper." Players enjoy the hilarious antics of the minions, clever dialogue, and the game's ability to blend comedic moments with a twisted narrative, making it a memorable experience. While some find the humor occasionally crude or repetitive, the overall consensus is that it adds significant charm and entertainment value to the gameplay.

    • “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 in this game is amazing and the puzzle elements are interesting enough to where you have to think about it, without being so complex as needing a guide every few minutes.”
  • gameplay568 mentions

    The gameplay of Overlord is characterized by its unique minion-commanding mechanics, which blend action and strategy, offering a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. While many players appreciate the humor and engaging level design, criticisms often focus on clunky controls, frustrating mechanics, and a lack of depth that can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the game provides a fun and nostalgic experience, though it may require some patience due to its technical shortcomings.

    • “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.”
    • “Unfortunately, the controls are a little unresponsive at times, the levels are very linear with too many backtracks, and the gameplay gets a little bit monotonous after a while.”
  • graphics320 mentions

    The graphics of the game, while dated due to its 2007 release, still manage to hold up reasonably well, particularly when played at higher resolutions. Many players appreciate the charming art style and vibrant colors, which evoke nostalgia and complement the game's humorous and dark themes. However, some acknowledge that the visuals can feel outdated and may not meet modern standards, yet they often find that the engaging gameplay and unique aesthetic outweigh these graphical limitations.

    • “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.”
    • “Overlord is already an older title, so you shouldn't expect anything in terms of graphics.”
    • “Graphics don't hold up too well in the current age, but still some really solid gameplay and it takes a surprising amount of time to beat.”
    • “The graphics are dated, and the story is very shallow, but it was worth the couple of bucks I spent on it.”
  • grinding100 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious, especially in the late game where farming for minions and lifeforce becomes necessary. While some appreciate the need for grinding to enhance gear and progress, others feel it disrupts the flow of gameplay and detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, players suggest that while grinding is a significant part of the experience, it can lead to frustration if not managed efficiently.

    • “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.”
    • “So, by the second to last boss fight I managed to run entirely out of the only minion who could do reliable damage to anything in the level, and the only way to earn my minions back would be through extensive, boring, stupid, ugly grinding.”
  • music68 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and adapt to various scenes, particularly noting the climactic final battle music as a standout. While some find the soundtrack fitting and enjoyable, others describe it as occasionally forgettable or repetitive, especially when spending extended time in one area. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a solid complement to the game's whimsical and comedic tone, contributing positively to the overall experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Music: forgettable.”
  • stability54 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting various bugs, glitches, and crashes, particularly related to AI and minion mechanics. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, others express frustration with the frequency and impact of the glitches on gameplay. Overall, the game is described as charming but marred by stability problems that can detract from the experience.

    • “Runs great on Windows 10, a must buy at this price.”
    • “Runs smooth, not very buggy, cheap.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability46 mentions

    The game offers high replayability due to its engaging choice between good and evil paths, diverse gameplay options, and a corruption system that encourages multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the nostalgic charm and humor, alongside various game modes and upgrades that enhance the experience. However, some note a lack of diversity in gameplay, which may limit replay value for certain players.

    • “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.”
    • “The replay value of this game is very high.”
    • “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, livestock, and the baying of sheep as your minions ride and crack at them.”
    • “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.”
  • atmosphere28 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a charming blend of British humor and dark comedy, creating an immersive and distinct world. Each area is well-realized, with unique music and details that enhance the experience, while the overall tone is playful and tongue-in-cheek. Despite some minor flaws, the game's quirky storyline and humorous art style 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 peace 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.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the heartfelt connection players develop with their minions, particularly during moments of sacrifice that evoke genuine sadness. The balance between engaging gameplay and emotional investment is noted, with players feeling both joy and heartbreak as they navigate the game's challenges. Overall, the simplicity of the story enhances the emotional experience, allowing for powerful moments without unnecessary urgency.

    • “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.”
    • “Watching them charge ahead — especially into certain death — with such gusto and fury is utterly heartwarming.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally solid, especially for those familiar with older hardware, as it originates from the Xbox 360 era. Users report improved performance with configuration adjustments, and the game runs smoothly with an intuitive control scheme and stable frame rates, minimizing issues like stuttering or lag. However, there are some uncertainties regarding the online multiplayer experience.

    • “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).”
  • monetization4 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 excessive monetization tactics. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a nostalgic and enjoyable gaming experience.

    • “Approaching Overlord, you should first of all throw out advertising posters in a demonically red palette, despise the slogan 'think evil.'”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviewers praise the character development for its impressive designs and animations, likening them to a mature take on classic Disney films. This artistic style enhances the overall experience, contributing to a rich and engaging narrative.

    • “The character designs and animations are really good, reminding me of classic Disney films but with a mature twist in their animation style.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

Buy Overlord

Play time

9hMedian play time
11hAverage play time
17hMain story
27hCompletionist
5-18hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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