Gaming Signal: Overlord Demo Impressions

Overlord Demo Impressions

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to try the demo for the upcoming XBOx 360 game, Overlord. Think of overlord as an evil version of Nintendo's Pikmin.

In both games, you have minions that you can control to do your bidding, but in Overlord, not only are you evil, you can also take part in the action, axing things or using magic to wreak havoc. Such as casting a fireball into a field of wheat to burn those pesky, demonic halflings which are infesting the land. Oh the halflingmanity. There is nothing like the cries of halflings burning to get the blood going!

Apparently, the real game will have you working your way up to total domination of the world around you, and offing any and all annoying heroes who may get in your way.

The gameplay in the demo was short, but fun. You can control your minions (of which there are several types) by pointing and sending, or by using the right stick to directly control them. Additionally, you can melee attack with your axe or caste magic spells (you only get fireball in the demo). You have certain objectives to accomplish on each level, and you use the minions to help you achieve them, taking breaks in your stronghold (where you can kick the Fool) between levels.

As much fun as it is to burn halflings, I did have a few issues with the game. First, the camera control stinks. You have to depress the
LB and then use the right stick to move the camera. It feels clunky. Also, you can use the Y button to send your minions to a certain spot, but there is no indicator on where, exactly, you are pointing. The same thing happens when casting a spell. But these are seemingly minor nits. In the full game they may become more annoying, or go away with familiarity.

So I'd have to say that Overlord is now on my list of games to acquire. Did I mention that you can regenerate your health and mana by sacrificing your minions at the appropriate shrines? Sweet.