Overlord was an action-adventure game released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. The original recieved stellar reviews and won Gamespot's "Award of Best Surprise". Now Climax Studios has announced that they will bring Overlord to the Wii. But instead of a quick and dirty port, Climax has decided that the best idea is to make an entirely new game designed specially for the Wii.
I keeeel you! Unless you obey, that is. Then we coo'.
Overlord: Dark Legend blends many different genres into one. On one hand it has been noted for being similar to Pikmin. You control the main character, "The Overlord". He can attack and move like someone from an action/adventure game. He is customizable and can change his appearance based on how you play. You can be evil or incredibly evil.
On the other hand, the decisions you make change the game's story thus giving it certain RPG elements.
Yet another aspect is the puzzle theme. You use your elemental minions to overcome obstacles (which will be explained in more depth later on). But the most important factor of the game is how it is similar to an RTS (Real Time Strategy) game. While moving around you issue commands to your horde of goblin-like characters called "Minions". You tell them to attack, to pillage, or to run away.
Master! Lookie what I found! It's shiny!
There are 4 different kinds of Minions, each with its own "elemental" theme. The Brown Minons are your basic close-combat fighters. The Blue Minions are water creatures that can swim and revive defeated minions. The Red Minions are the game's archers. They atttack at great distances with fire balls and are immune to all fire attacks. The Green Minions are the ninjas of the games. They use stealth attacks and can clear the path of hazzards such as poisonous gases and plants.
Run away, run away!
Minions can be summoned from spawning pits found scattered through the game and can be sacraficed to restore your character's health and mana.
One of the key features of the Wii version of the game is new and better controls over the previous installments. Instead of usind a D-pad to move the cursor, you simply point. Rather than pressing a button, thrusting the Wii Remote forward will launch a fireball. But perhaps the greatest movement is the ability to throttle your minions. You "pluck" one from your horde and shake the Wii remote back and forth (as if you were holding them by the neck) shaking them in the air. This instills fear and obediance in your horde.
The game also features a twisted fairy tale penned by award-winning games author Rhianna Pratchett. The story follows a Cinderella-like boy who is despised by his older brother and sister. This leads the character to strike off on his own as the "Overlord". At that point the story gets outright crazy as the lead characterruns into wicked witches, gingerbread men and Lil’ Red Riding Hood; the seeming sweet girl with a lupine side to her personality.
With its excellent graphics, intriguing (albeit bizarre) storyline, and a cast of seriously cool characters, Overlord: Dark Legend looks like it may be the answer to the prayers of the hardcore gaming crowd.
The game will make its debut on the Wii console in 2009.
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