User Score
8.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 87
  2. Negative: 7 out of 87

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  1. May 7, 2011
    9
    In my opinion, Overlord is one of the funniest games out there to this day. The controls are a bit wonky at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to them, and that is the only complaint I can think of off the top of my head. On top of that, this game has superb writing and an excellent plot, which takes your character through each of the seven deadly sins. Each of the environments you play through is greatly unique, with its own additional unique set of characters. What's really odd about this game, is that it is a complete satire on the stereotypical fantasy game, and as such uses about as many stereotypes for its various characters as possible. But in the end, Overlord stands out as an extremely unique game, and a superbly unique fantasy. It is amazing how it can do both at the same time. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this game, and it was well worth the $20.00 I bought it with from steam a couple years back. (It's probably much cheaper now.) To this day, it's still greatly enjoyable. Expand
  2. Dec 1, 2011
    5
    The horrible controls, awful minion AI and lack of an in game map make this game way more frustrating than fun, which is a shame because there's tons of personality and humour in here. I guess I should stop buying console ports because they're rarely done well.
  3. Heavy
    Jul 5, 2007
    4
    The controls for the PC version in not good at all they feel rushed and clumsy. Further more the game suffer from lack of mature content. I understand that I'm probably not in the targeted demographic for this game but a little more "raw"ness is desperately needed. There is one quest that is "Find a misstress for your tower". Well this is of course a special female not one you can abduct in town (Real evil) but a rather plane looking lady you rescue by fetching her bags. And she don't look at all like the kind of evil mistress i wold like. I want wings and horns and leather and whips. Iäm supposed to be EVIL!. This is only one example where the have toned down the game to get a ESRB Rating teen. Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  4. kyleb
    Jul 6, 2007
    9
    The most fun I've had with a game in a long time. I've yet to get tired of the absolute havoc the minions unleash upon a fresh room of enemies and loot. It's not so much the battles which make the game so enjoyable as the exploration. The game maps are endlessly inventive and so deep that you keep finding new areas open up around corners you thought were dead ends. The puzzles are well planned and never too frustrating. My only criticism are that the battles are far too easy--your minions typically swarm over opponents much as the dead soldiers did at the end of Return of the King. Also, the quest log should more specifically reflect the area you're in to avoid confusion as the areas are huge. But these are no reason to skip this super innovative game. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. Douwed.R.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    Very refreshing Dutch game, excellent! Although critics sometimes say different minion control is very smooth and simple once learned.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. AlecT.
    Jul 7, 2007
    9
    Most fun I've had playing a game in some time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. DrewN.
    Jul 24, 2007
    8
    PROS: Challenging gameplay, wickedly humorous, cohesive and interesting story CONS: Linear nature and lack of customization options limits replayability, weak multiplayer. I never had any problems with the controls or camera as many reviewers seemed to. Overlord is not as original as they claimed, also, Dungeon Keeper immediately comes to mind. Still, its a rare enough twist on the genre to seem fresh, and performing black deeds and minor acts of wanton cruelty give the game a pulse. Graphics are detailed and pleasing if not groundbreaking, and the voice acting is well done. The game falls down in the multiplayer, uninspired and limited as it is. It almost seems tacked on to meet some marketing droid's requirements ("It has to have mulitplayer to sell!"). Bottom Line: Fun game and worth the purchase, even moreso if one waits for it to hit the discount racks. What limits this good game from being a great game is its lack of replayability; once you've finished it, its destined to gather dust on a shelf. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. Fred
    Jul 28, 2007
    8
    The game is conceptually fine, but you won't be able to run it without a cutting edge computer. The recommended requirements are actually minimum requirements, and the minimum requirements... I don't know what those are for. So other people can laugh at you, I guess. Because it's not possible to play the game with that system. I would like to point out that the reviewer below who gave the game a 4 and complained about his mistress not being evil enough should actually play the game, since there are two mistresses, and he's talking about the tame one. The game was made to be a dark comedy, not a rape fantasy. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. PeterB.
    Aug 13, 2007
    3
    If you love loading screens, you'll love this game. I don't love loading screens.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  10. JayS.
    Aug 21, 2007
    9
    The game-play mechanics are incredible and appear to have undergone rigorous play-testing. Also, the graphics are beautiful, only enhanced by a slight glow that radiates from everything in the game. The only thing that hurts this game at all is that there is a lack of freedom of choice as exists so often in newer games. But, with so many areas to explore and multiple paths to take in many of those, this game allows *just enough* freedom to not seem linear. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. VovaG.
    Sep 17, 2007
    9
    I think, that it is amasing game, full of funny adventures of the DARK Lord and his goblins. P.S. My loads are fast.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. AndrewB.
    Oct 1, 2007
    8
    Playing Overlord I felt didn't quite give the sinister theme game reviewers said it had, in my experience. I felt it was pretty childish at times and weak humour. But although I didn't quite get what I thought I might, I can't see it's not a good game... The storyline is good with some pretty exraordinary characters you will meet along the way and plots. You CAN customize your tower but it's not neccessary, just have some fun with the decorations. The graphics are great but the requirements are pretty tough; as others have said, the 'minimum system requirements' isn't quite right... But assuming you have the neccessary hardware you're in for a treat. There's quite a few options for enhancing your armour which can make the game easier BUT at the cost of some serious grinding. There are 'side-quests' too, but you'll generally get round to doing pretty much all quests at some point but with that said, when to do them is entirely up to you. There's a fair bit more to mention but overall it's a pretty innocent yet entertaining bundle which will easily keep you occupied for hours. I would say worth: $59 or anything under. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. JeroenR.
    Oct 8, 2007
    8
    The game is simply stunning to behold. Perhaps not the most advanced engine they nonetheless went for a wonderfully crafted world. The sounds and soundscapes are nicely done as well. The controls could have been done a bit better and the autosave option is simply annoying for a PC game. It shows that it is not the primary platform that the game was targeted for. The best part of the game is simply the mischievous nature of your minions. The stuff they find and use, the voices they have and the things they say are all very nice. The good-natured fun-poking at established fantasy games and books is also very nice and will get you giggling with glee often enough. I only wish they expanded a bit more on the mistress or the tower customization. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. DennisR.
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    A really good game, a few loading screens but they don't bother me much. Its a very fun game with black humour and enough free will to keep you entertained. The specs don't really lie, playing it low graphics, 1280x960 with a P4 Prescott 3.2Ghz and an X1550 OC'd at 648/428.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. JozoJ.
    Oct 30, 2007
    9
    After yet another half-life clone this is a very refreshing game. Fun to play and the controls (on a PC) are very easy once you get used to it. I read a comment that the "mistress of the tower" was not evil enough as in not having a whip...uhm yeah.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. Andreas
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    Overlord is so nice realy good play respect CodeMasters
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. ThiagoS
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    Nice and fun game with some dark humor and good graphics and sounds (if you can run it at the max setting)
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. JimT
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    Too funny to be evil. Hilarious Minion actions, the concept is so simple controls extremely easy to use fun with evil! Quell your evil desires...
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. JM
    Jun 16, 2009
    9
    what i've found its that if you wish to avoid all the loading screens then you could grab the console versions ( at the time of writinng the game is now out on ps3, xbox 360 and being worked for the wii) but in terms of the game it's just what i need to fill the niche of mayhem, richly combined with whacky characters, humour and a quirky minion system. the bosses, though a little lacking in the difficulty sector, accurately depict their downfall (see each boss has succumbed to one of the seven deadly sins). the pc i have found can be at times clumsy with controlls like this (psychonauts is another example). the camera is at times difficult to work with but its all countered by the fact that you can slaughter a village for stress relief. once the sequel is released the pain can really begin Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. [anonymous]
    Jun 19, 2009
    10
    this game really brings out some of the best games ive played : fable and pikmin. the controls are awesome and the humor is great
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. JohnC
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    One of the funnest games ive played in the past few months was a nice break from the old FPS. Some of the best comedy ive seen in a video game love the minions. Also got it on an amazing deal on steam only $8 in a compilation with Overlord+ Hell Rising, and Overlord II ty steam for putting this on sell or i probably would have never played it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. Nina
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    Excellent game. childish enough for kids to enjoy. but enough adult humor hidden in for adults to have fun as well. the gameplay mechanic works for everyone. I must recommend getting a controller though as minion control is a pain without it. fun for all ages. and twisted enough to really take out pent up aggression with if you are playing as the TRULY evil overload.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. Sep 21, 2010
    10
    Very good and funny game!
  24. Jun 11, 2011
    10
    The game is just a boat load of fun, I never had another game put a smile on my face during the entire campaign the way Overlord did. Also it is not a short game, took me about 19 hours to beat (with the raising hell expansion). The minions are a delight to play with and the developers payed attention to the small stuff. they took the time to make sure there is something unique about every single quest. I can safely say that this game is the best fun I have had playing a video game. it mixes fighting, strategy, and puzzles very well. over all a great game and is highly recommended. Expand
  25. Sep 3, 2011
    9
    Great visuals and fun gameplay, this Real Time Strategy/Action Hack and Slash type game is really fun and, if you're buying off of Steam is definitely worth the $5. In my opinion it's worth alot more! You play the Overlord who has been awakened and needs to gain full power over the world again. Pretty basic story but heroes and mistresses and other things make the story fun and original and there is enough humour for everyone! You have control over 4 minions: Browns, Reds, Greens, and Blues. Browns being the idiotic beat-'em-up guys, Reds being the archers, Greens being the assassin's, and Blues being the healers of your small army. These 4 groups make the game very fun as they have their skills and weaknesses! Only downer for me would be the animation quality for the Overlord's attacks, they look repetitive and eventually get boring to watch but that isn't important at all! Can't wait to buy the DLC: Raising Hell! Expand
  26. Oct 7, 2011
    10
    There are plenty of kill or be killed games out there, from past, present, and we know future tense also. I picked this game up and I can tell you that even though it's written in a dark tone, it still comes off as being a whimsical and humorous title to say the very least. The graphics are crisp, the audio is clear down to the voices of the funny creatures. I personally have never given a title a "10", in my 30+ years of gaming until now. This title even though it is on the macabre side, yet actually facetiously tends to pull it off. And you will catch yourself at times chuckling to yourself at some of the writer's humor. I had to go back to steam and download the additional add-ons, since I knew with certainty I would love this title. I really don't believe that you would be disappointed at your purchase, should you consider spending a nominal amount on this one! Just catch it when it goes on sale like I did, or go ahead and spend a $9.99 on it. It was quite refreshing the mere half an hour I spent playing it. Of course you can play with mouse and keyboard, but I think it's a lot more fun to grab a cheap microsoft x-box "canned ham" controller and plug it right in. Have fun always, and I hope my review helps anyone out there! Expand
  27. Oct 25, 2011
    5
    I must have been under the illusion that this game would be at least in some ways reminiscent of Dungeon Keeper when I purchased it. It isn't and I made a big mistake. This is a game brimful of pre-pubescent humour, unoriginal premises and tired cliches. My minions seemed quite adept at not doing what I wanted them to (or was that intentional?) - either way I ceased caring very quickly. I also stopped caring about my long term goals with equal alacrity and uninstalled after about 5 hours. Expand
  28. Nov 17, 2011
    9
    Overlord is a game with great idea and good visual overview though controls are sometimes a bit clumsy which appears when you try to command your blue minion to revive another minion. Blue minion will A. attack enemy, B. pick up armor/weapon, C. fetch a lifeforce D) Revive minion
  29. Jan 7, 2012
    2
    The story idea was great. The controls were horrible. lack of a map made trying to find my way around far more time consuming then necessary. I got to the next to last boss and quit.
  30. Jan 16, 2012
    9
    Awesome game. I really love controlling the little minions. It's also long and I wasn't ever really bored. I did however dislike the AI glitch in the Browns that makes using them with rally points way harder than it needs to be. Seriously, go out and buy this game now! Or wait for a Steam sale and you can often pick it up for less than $2!
  31. May 6, 2012
    7
    It could be a very good, original game. Sadly, it suffers from consolization. Beginning with awful interface - it's as bad as it could be. Controls are pain in the ass. But game is entertaining, riddles are not complicated much, good humour is there as well. It's just positive. I haven't finished it (controls!), but man, I've had a good time with it for 7 hours. Graphics are still solid, music is good too. Plus: our minions. It's worth to try. Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. If Overlord is a villain, then it's one of those buffoon-ish sidekicks in a Disney movie. It tries and tries hard to be dark, to carry out depraved deeds and thwart the heroes. But it just can't help but cutely (and it is cute) bumble every attempt, conform to cliches at every chance, and grin gently at its own sophomoric humour. [July 2007, p.82]
  2. More than the script (generally witty and sharp, if occasionally undercut by an iffy voice-actor) or the graphic design (a brother to Fable's faux-fantasy charm), the constant capering of your charges is what gives the game its personality. That is, they have a lot of personality and so does the game.
  3. The balancing could do with some tweaking, with some enemies too hard to defeat and some bosses too easy. [Aug 2007, p.70]