Overlord II

If that dark place in everyone's heart lies a little bit closer to the surface of yours, this is far and away the best place to let it out. I mean, unless you already have a tower, harem, and army of hilarious little bastards to do your bidding. In which case, do you need a roommate?

While it has base instincts at its core, Overlord II works as a whole because it knows where to exercise restraint. The sound design is crafted with care, so the Minions’ battle cries harmonize in a mayhem that stops short of cacophony. And the story is informed by a surprisingly literate sense of humor that’s more tongue-in-cheek than hand-in-armpit.

If that dark place in everyone's heart lies a little bit closer to the surface of yours, this is far and away the best place to let it out. I mean, unless you already have a tower, harem, and army of hilarious little bastards to do your bidding. In which case, do you need a roommate?

So no, it's not an entirely perfect experience. But all of the above complaints -- even combined with my minor irritation with details like the marionette-like cut scene animation -- barely contests my overall joy at just playing this damn thing. The original Overlord was a perfect send-up and reversal of fantasy game clichés, and the sequel is even more satisfying while fixing a lot of the first game's rough patches. Coupled with other improvements, like the upgraded visual detail, draw distance, and the greater sense of weight behind the Overlord's animations, all add up to something a hell of a lot better than a game I already liked an awful damn lot in the first place.

Con todo esto, Overlord II se trata de una sobresaliente aventura de acción y estrategia que ningún aficionado al género debería perderse. No son muy numerosas las novedades que presenta, pero incluso los aficionados al original encontrarán en este título el suficiente encanto como para quedar prendados de él. Muchas horas de diversión, una historia hilarante, y un diseño de la acción bien desarrollado lo convierten en una de las propuestas más interesantes del año.

Con todo esto, Overlord II se trata de una sobresaliente aventura de acción y estrategia que ningún aficionado al género debería perderse. No son muy numerosas las novedades que presenta, pero incluso los aficionados al original encontrarán en este título el suficiente encanto como para quedar prendados de él. Muchas horas de diversión, una historia hilarante, y un diseño de la acción bien desarrollado lo convierten en una de las propuestas más interesantes del año.

Overlord II is een absolute aanrader voor wie niet vies is van een humoristische en gevarieerde spelervaring.

Böse sein macht Spaß! Wobei, richtig abgrundtief böse ist der Overlord trotz aller Robbentöterei nicht, das haben sich die Entwickler auch dieses Mal nicht getraut. Dennoch sind es gerade der tiefschwarze Humor und die Erwartung des nächsten Gags, die uns immer weiterspielen haben lassen. Diverse Fantasy-Klischees werden von Overlord 2 gnadenlos durch den Kakao gezogen, und spielerisch hat es (in der Einzelspielerkampagne) den ersten Teil noch verbessert.

Sure, there are some glitches and foibles, but some of the best games (Grand Theft Auto, for instance) have a lot of those and still provide plenty of enjoyment. While Overlord II might not match up as evenly as GTA in the glitch-to-enjoyment ratio, it certainly does entertain during its closer-to-greatness gameplay. The key is that Codemasters and Triumph improved the gameplay experience, so hopefully they’ll nail down the loose ends by the time the next Overlord is ready to rule.

Aber meine eigenen Präferenzen beiseite: Overlord II ist teilweise nicht so gut wie der erste Teil, was hauptsächlich am Design der Kämpfe liegt. Dennoch ist Part 2 auch teils unglaublich besser als sein Vorgänger, kleinen Verbesserungen sei dank. Die Grafik hätte ebenfalls mehr als nur einen kleinen Hüpfer vage in Richtung Next-Gen machen können – aber das macht, wie oben schon erwähnt, der Stil der Spieles wieder wett. Kurzum: Wer den ersten Teil mochte mag vielleicht vom zweiten ein wenig enttäuscht sein, sollte ihn sich jedoch trotzdem kaufen. Und Overlord-Neulingen rate ich ohnehin dazu, sofort zum nächsten Spielegeschäft zu laufen und sich dort beide Teile zu holen. Jeder Gamer muss mindestens einmal Overlord gewesen sein, wenn auch nur, um den Hofnarren im dunklen Turm gegen die Wand zu kicken.

Terrorizing fairytale stereotypes with improved mechanics is once again fun, but the minions won’t be able push the game all by themselves for too long.

Terrorizing fairytale stereotypes with improved mechanics is once again fun, but the minions won’t be able push the game all by themselves for too long.

Terrorizing fairytale stereotypes with improved mechanics is once again fun, but the minions won’t be able push the game all by themselves for too long.

Overlord 2 is certainly better than its predecessor and shows that some devs do listen to their community. This game is a must-have for any RPG/RTS fan.

Unlike so many other sequels, Overlord II navigates the fine balance between completely reinventing the game and not adding enough features to make it feel like more than just a glorified expansion pack. Aside from the often-mediocre framerates and some painfully spaced checkpoints, I had a disturbing amount of fun terrorizing, killing, and/or enslaving all who stood in my way.

Licht tactische gameplay met zwartgallige rotbeesten die er een rotzooitje van maken. Klinkt goed en zo speelt het ook. De flauwe humor is niet aan iedereen besteed en de verwarrende camera en wisselende framerate dreigen de game af en toe onderuit te schoppen, maar het sinds het eerste deel onveranderde spelprincipe staat nog steeds als een huis. Triumph heeft die zelfs uitgebreid met veel meer opties en talloze details die het echt een complete ervaring maken. Het voelt goed om slecht te zijn!

Overlord II macht als Fortsetzung vieles richtig: Es gibt zahlreiche schöne Locations, abwechslungsreiche Aufgaben und erweiterte oder sinnvoll abgeänderte Spiel-Elemente. Dass ich mit Teil 2 aber trotzdem nicht ganz zufrieden bin, liegt an einigen kleinen Schwächen, die in der Summe einfach stören. Vor allem, dass ich meinen Untertanen zu häufig unter die Arme greifen muss, nervt. Zudem ist eine Story fast nicht vorhanden und die Zwischensequenzen leiden unter mäßigen Sprechern – das trübt etwas den Spaß am Bösesein.

Overlord II is een goede game geworden. Waar de humor misschien niet iedereen aanspreekt, staat de gameplay gewoon als een huis. Ondanks de kleine irritaties, zoals de niet altijd lekker werkende camera, zorgen de verschillende soorten puzzels, de ijzersterke soundtrack en boeiende wereld voor een fijne game waarin de innerlijke duivel in je zich even helemaal uit kan leven.

The biggest detriment Overlord II faces is also one of its strongest points: it really doesn't take any major steps forward from the last game. But the original game was terrific, and there's enough that's new and enough that's been improved upon to make Overlord II as enjoyable as the first. The game isn't terribly long, likely lasting most players a bit more than twenty hours if they take their time, but there is room for a second playthrough if players want to try a different evil philosophy. Many RPGs offer players a choice between good and evil, but no series takes the same approach as Overlord. As Gnarl the Minion Master says, "It's good to be bad, but it's better to be evil."

Overlord II macht als Fortsetzung vieles richtig: Es gibt zahlreiche schöne Locations, abwechslungsreiche Aufgaben und erweiterte oder sinnvoll abgeänderte Spiel-Elemente. Dass ich mit Teil 2 aber trotzdem nicht ganz zufrieden bin, liegt an einigen kleinen Schwächen, die in der Summe einfach stören. Vor allem, dass ich meinen Untertanen zu häufig unter die Arme greifen muss, nervt. Zudem ist eine Story fast nicht vorhanden und die Zwischensequenzen leiden unter mäßigen Sprechern – das trübt etwas den Spaß am Bösesein.

Unlike so many other sequels, Overlord II navigates the fine balance between completely reinventing the game and not adding enough features to make it feel like more than just a glorified expansion pack. Aside from the often-mediocre framerates and some painfully spaced checkpoints, I had a disturbing amount of fun terrorizing, killing, and/or enslaving all who stood in my way.

Overlord II is een goede game geworden. Waar de humor misschien niet iedereen aanspreekt, staat de gameplay gewoon als een huis. Ondanks de kleine irritaties, zoals de niet altijd lekker werkende camera, zorgen de verschillende soorten puzzels, de ijzersterke soundtrack en boeiende wereld voor een fijne game waarin de innerlijke duivel in je zich even helemaal uit kan leven.

To be fair, most parts of Overlord II are fun, and its problems are offset by high production values and funny dialogue (oh, those minions!). A lot of folks missed the original game, so here’s your second chance: Overlord II preserves what worked last time, improves what didn’t, and tries several new ideas on for size. They don’t all fit perfectly, but few other developers are even using Overlord II’s dark materials, let alone with this much success.

But let's be realistic, that sort of thing wouldn't really fit on the game's morality slider. There are few titles that are as charming as Overlord II, and only in this distorted fantasy world could playing the bad guy be so fun, engaging and - most importantly - guiltless.

Overall, in what has been a pretty underwhelming year for games so far, Overlord II feels like a shining beacon of quality. Not only is it a distinct improvement on the original, but the new features add greatly to what was already a superbly entertaining game. It manages to strike an excellent balance between being challenging and rewarding, and does so throughout with a wicked smile on its face. If the original was something of a sleeper hit, then the sequel ought to wake people up to its deliciously evil charms.

Overlord II will feel largely familiar to players who weathered through the original game. The development team has shored up some – but not all – of the loose elements to make the gameplay a bit tighter and added in minor touches here and there that generally enhance the evil enjoyment it dishes out. The new additions help to amp-up the inherent fun of being a rampaging dark overlord, but the linear path of destruction you’ll create doesn’t really feel like epic progress. You’ll find some entertaining mayhem here. Just don’t expect to be blown away.

Overlord II will feel largely familiar to players who weathered through the original game. The development team has shored up some – but not all – of the loose elements to make the gameplay a bit tighter and added in minor touches here and there that generally enhance the evil enjoyment it dishes out. The new additions help to amp-up the inherent fun of being a rampaging dark overlord, but the linear path of destruction you’ll create doesn’t really feel like epic progress. You’ll find some entertaining mayhem here. Just don’t expect to be blown away.

While not a vast improvement over the original, the gameplay and story are still solid and provide plenty of fun moments. Sadly the dubious multiplayer has come along for the ride yet again and it just does not seem as fresh as the first game did. I would urge you to give it a go, but considering how cheap the original is by now, you will probably pay over the odds for what is basically more of the same.

Despite its annoying foibles, the entire Overlord II package adds up to a fun game that is hampered by some real issues. If you can get past the wonky targeting system and are content to micromanage your minions, then Overlord II is an ideal way to spend some of your spare time if you want to be a little evil. After all, you'd probably get arrested if you try to club a baby seal in real life.

Though it doesn’t quite have the wile to ascend to triple-A status, Overlord II whips its subjects into shape with general gameplay improvements and its trademark sense of humor. It isn’t quite king of the hill just yet, but if you’re looking for an enjoyable—albeit predictable—vent for your evil emotions, then this could be a decent option.

Véritable pied-de-nez à tous ces jeux qui nous donnent à observer des elfes hautains et magnifiques, des chevaliers vertueux et des nains inflexibles, Overlord II nous sert une aventure drôle et bien menée. A la tête d'une petite armée de larbins dévoués, on se fait du bien en répandant le mal. Et si les nouveautés de ce second volet ne sont pas très nombreuses ni très significatives, elles permettent néanmoins de donner encore un peu plus de profondeur à l'expérience. Le titre saura donc séduire les possesseurs du premier épisode comme les néophytes désireux de passer du côté obscur.

Véritable pied-de-nez à tous ces jeux qui nous donnent à observer des elfes hautains et magnifiques, des chevaliers vertueux et des nains inflexibles, Overlord II nous sert une aventure drôle et bien menée. A la tête d'une petite armée de larbins dévoués, on se fait du bien en répandant le mal. Et si les nouveautés de ce second volet ne sont pas très nombreuses ni très significatives, elles permettent néanmoins de donner encore un peu plus de profondeur à l'expérience. Le titre saura donc séduire les possesseurs du premier épisode comme les néophytes désireux de passer du côté obscur.

Véritable pied-de-nez à tous ces jeux qui nous donnent à observer des elfes hautains et magnifiques, des chevaliers vertueux et des nains inflexibles, Overlord II nous sert une aventure drôle et bien menée. A la tête d'une petite armée de larbins dévoués, on se fait du bien en répandant le mal. Et si les nouveautés de ce second volet ne sont pas très nombreuses ni très significatives, elles permettent néanmoins de donner encore un peu plus de profondeur à l'expérience. Le titre saura donc séduire les possesseurs du premier épisode comme les néophytes désireux de passer du côté obscur.

Jag hade gärna sett ett mer dynamiskt och fritt Overlord II, mer möjligheter att rasera byggnader och miljöer och mer alternativ att lösa situationer på. Detta är väl mer önskemål än klagomål och i slutändan är Overlord II ett sött och gulligt spel med mjuka former som tilltalar alla aspirerande onda överjävlar, goda doser humor och läcker design med glimgen i ögat överskuggar det faktum att det finns lite småfel.

Podsumowując, trzecia cześć serii (nie licząc spin-offów), to porządny, rzemieślniczy kawałek kodu, który poleciłbym głównie graczom, którzy do tej pory nie mieli do czynienia z serią. Znajdziemy tu ciekawą fabułę, świetny humor i, co według obecnych standardów jest nie lada wyczynem, dwanaście godzin rozgrywki. Jeśli zaś jesteś fanem serii Overlord, radzę poczekać, aż gra ukaże się jednej z tańszych serii, bowiem zbyt mało tu zmian, by rzecz można było nazwać pełnoprawnym sequelem.

There's no denying that Overlord II is an enjoyable expansion on the original idea, which will entertain the fans. Unfortunately, the frustrations seem to mount up as you get further into the game, making it plainly obvious that Triumph has failed to really address key issues that thwarted the original. Stronger level designs, a rethink on the Minions/Orbs setup, and further playtesting on the checkpoint system could have made this a lot better.

If you liked the first game, then this is worth a purchase. Fans of the original will be prepared for the game's less savory moments and will be more than happy to struggle through for the end result. The ride is incredibly bumpy, but ultimately worth it.

There's no denying that Overlord II is an enjoyable expansion on the original idea, which will entertain the fans. Unfortunately, the frustrations seem to mount up as you get further into the game, making it plainly obvious that Triumph has failed to really address key issues that thwarted the original. Stronger level designs, a rethink on the Minions/Orbs setup, and further playtesting on the checkpoint system could have made this a lot better.

Despite its annoying foibles, the entire Overlord II package adds up to a fun game that is hampered by some real issues (in the same way that the game's sound is, for the most part, solid). If you can get past the wonky camera and are content to micromanage your minions, as well as the targeting system, then Overlord II is an ideal way to spend some of your spare time if you want to be a little evil. After all, you'd probably get arrested if you try to club a baby seal in real life.

Despite its annoying foibles, the entire Overlord II package adds up to a fun game that is hampered by some real issues (in the same way that the game's sound is, for the most part, solid). If you can get past the wonky camera and are content to micromanage your minions, as well as the targeting system, then Overlord II is an ideal way to spend some of your spare time if you want to be a little evil. After all, you'd probably get arrested if you try to club a baby seal in real life.

The real shame is that Overlord II can be entertaining. It shamelessly embraces its evil heritage, and goes to great lengths to put the hilarious minions front and center. On the other hand, it just doesn’t play well. The controls are clunky, the pacing is unsatisfying, and the multiplayer feels tacked-on. While the original Overlord was a compelling game at heart, Overlord II just feels like an unpolished retread of ­familiar ground.

The real shame is that Overlord II can be entertaining. It shamelessly embraces its evil heritage, and goes to great lengths to put the hilarious minions front and center. On the other hand, it just doesn’t play well. The controls are clunky, the pacing is unsatisfying, and the multiplayer feels tacked-on. While the original Overlord was a compelling game at heart, Overlord II just feels like an unpolished retread of ­familiar ground.

Overlord II initially appears to be a worthy sequel, but once you come to the realisation that it's really not sufficiently different to its predecessor, it's difficult to justify a purchase if you already happen to own the original. Bugs and glitches still pervade much of the game, with graphics and animations that seem a tad unfinished and crude. None of these issues conspire to completely break the game, but they do make for a sequel that fails to be what it could have and should have been. That said if you missed the original game, then Overlord II will be a pleasantly fresh gameplay experience well worth your time. If however, you caught Overlord the first time round, then you may find yourself feeling a little disappointed and short-changed by this sequel. Overlord II is solid enough, but it doesn't go quite as 'over-the-top' as we'd have liked.

Overlord II is a sequel that is neither bigger nor better than its predecessor. The size and scope have been dialed back to something that is more akin to a straight action game. And since none of the frustrating elements of the first have been fixed, this game just isn't much fun. No amount of British wit could bring a smile to my face as I treaded through the tedium that is Overlord II.

A disappointing sequel that is arguably inferior to the original, despite more amusing minion antics.

Overlord II is a decent game that maintains its predecessor's greatness, but it doesn't show enough progression or improvement. The unforgiving checkpoints and host of other problems make it a frustrating experience, making for a sinfully fun title that forces you to a steep penance for your enjoyment.

Overlord II is a sequel that is neither bigger nor better than its predecessor. The size and scope have been dialed back to something that is more akin to a straight action game. And since none of the frustrating elements of the first have been fixed -- namely the camera, control, and save structure -- this game just isn't much fun. No amount of British wit could bring a smile to my face as I treaded through the tedium that is Overlord II.

Overlord II is a sequel that is neither bigger nor better than its predecessor. The size and scope have been dialed back to something that is more akin to a straight action game. And since none of the frustrating elements of the first have been fixed -- namely the camera, control, and save structure -- this game just isn't much fun. No amount of British wit could bring a smile to my face as I treaded through the tedium that is Overlord II.

It’s a shame that we’ve had to focus on the negative aspects of this game, because in most respects Overlord II is nearly there. It can be a lot of fun and beating up familiar looking green-clad elves forces a wry smile, but for the most part the poor combat, paper-thin strategy and technical limitations hinder a product laced with potential.