Overlord on Steam (demo available)
MSRP: $4.99
Platforms: Win, Mac, Linux, PS3, XBox 360
Release: 6/26/07
Steam rating: 93% positive
Sometimes, you just want to be naughty. In Overlord, you play the newly awakened Evil Overlord, who, with the help of your painfully adorable minions, needs to rebuild the Evil Stronghold after the death of your predecessor. Yes, it’s absolutely as campy as it sounds, and it’s still absolutely enjoyable despite being almost 10 years old now.
As an Overlord, of course, you’re not going to want to get your hands too dirty – at least not too often. After an optional brief tutorial, you’re sent out into the world to recover items pillaged from your stronghold by pesky heroes. Under your direction, your minions will do most of the work, up to and including looting fallen enemies. You might find yourself giggling and saying “FOR THE MASTER” at random times after playing.
Although the game is quest driven, that’s about all it seems to have in common with traditional RPGs. As the game progresses, you will learn new magic spells, and discover more powerful minions that you can summon. It’s an amusing, if mostly linear, romp where you’ll need to light halflings on fire, and kill sheep (early and often) for their life energy to replenish your supply of minions who are always willing to do your dirty work.
For the $5 asking price, you’ll likely get about 20 hours of game play. That’s one hell of a deal on a rather unusual game. However, it’s currently on sale on Steam for only $1.24 – that price makes it a complete and utter no brainer. Treat yourself to some chaos and comedy; you won’t regret it.
366 Days of Gaming 