Overlord: Dark Legend

[The-chosen-one]

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/898/898651/overlord-dark-legend-20080813041329246.jpg

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/898/898651/overlord-dark-legend-20080813041314793.jpg


http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/898/898651/overlord-dark-legend-20080813041311965.jpg



Dark Legend will feature an original tongue-in-cheek storyline penned by award-winning games author Rhianna Pratchett, and is set to include a host of old and new franchise-favorite characters, including Halflings, trolls, elves and dwarves, as well as new wicked witches, gingerbread men, and Lil' Red Riding Hood, "the seeming sweet girl with a very personal lupine secret."


The Overlord franchise sparked to life on Xbox 360 in 2007 and immediately drew comparisons to Nintendo's own Pikmin because the main character, although very different from Captain Olimar, controlled his squad of minions around the world very similarly to the way Olimar did the Pikmin. Players used the second analog stick to move the Minions about like a wave.

Of course, Overlord Dark Legend will make full use of the Wii remote to further enhance the experience. According to Codemasters, the Wii remote enables "unprecedented control over the minions." Using the controller, gamers can pluck a minion from the horde, hold him by the neck and shake him around, "throttled to imbue him with some Overlordly power and turn him into a manic minion missile." Now charged with an explosive body, the in devilish critter can be guided into enemies with "hilarious, if rather fatal, consequences."

Overlord Dark Legend sounds very promising to us. For more details, we chatted with Codemasters' Dean Scott, who is serving as associate producer on the project. Here's what he had to say:

IGN: Will Overlord Dark Legend be a port or an all-new game for Wii?

Dean Scott: It's an all new game, designed especially for Wii. New story, new characters, new gameplay. It doesn't make sense to try and port the old version, when the Wii gives you an opportunity to make something that works very differently. The key difference is in how you play it. You point, and the minions go and break and kill things. It's a very literal connection for the player.

IGN: How is Overlord Dark Legend related to the first Overlord game?

Dean Scott: There are lots of subtle connections for Overlord-savvy gamers, but in the lineage of the series the events take place before the original game. So certain things you do set up events featured in the other games. It's not the same Overlord though. We're setting up the idea that there have been a series of Overlords throughout time.

IGN: What can you tell us about the story?

Dean Scott: It's part fairy tale, part classic fantasy, and all hilarious. Obviously we've twisted the fairy tale stuff around, because it wouldn't be an Overlord game without a load of black humor. So instead of helping Little Red Riding Hood find her grandma, you'd be helping the wolf shop for granny-friendly sauces. That's not actually in the game, but you get the idea.

IGN: Any new minions?

Dean Scott: It's the same four minion types, but we've given them new abilities. Some of these may be themed around bodily functions that childish folk like us find hilarious. We'll be revealing more from GC Leipzig.



the game looks really good in my opinion its now on my top 5 most wanted games

[Hero-of-Time]

Now this is more like it!

I played the demo of the 360 version ages ago and really enjoyed it, just never got around it buying the game. It really is like a evil version of Pikmin and the little demons you control are pretty much like Gremlins, evil but funny as hell.

I see there is a DS version coming aswell.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/898/898652p1.html

[Gaijin von Snikbah]

He said "not a port", therefore it is awesome.

[Alsnow]

known about this for a while, just not been aloud to say anything as my friend is an artist for this game. Looks pretty damn good though!!

[triforce_keeper]

This was a great game on the pc, shame my pc was a bitch to it.

[Zechs Merquise]

I quite fancy being the bad guy! This looks cool.

[steggy]

Looks good, like a cross between Dungeon Keeper & Pikmin. Hopefully with humour similar to Giants and Armed & Dangerous, I don't why those two games came to mind though.

Been thinking of wheeling out old Dungeon Keeper lately, mainly so I can slap my minions shouting "WORK HARDER, DAMNIT!" Lol never ceased to be amusing.

[darksnowman]

I have no idea what this is but I'll keep an eye on it anyway cos its giving off a good vibe from what I've read in the opening post. If it was an out and out "dark game" I'd likely be more meh towards it, but seeing as they are going for some comedy and maybe even some good old fashioned fun, it could turn out ok!

[Deathjam]

Another one on this stupidly long list of mine. I just cleared it and now its piled again.

[DCK]

Awesome, awesome. Got bored with it on PC because I felt like I should play it on a couch, staring at a PC, and now I can!

And not a port! Great stuff.

GT preview (sorry for the artefacts):
uqWDa50r9-E

Apparently it's a Dutch production. Go us!

[Emasher]

Another great looking 3rd party game. Hopefully all these ones we're seeing now don't all go the way of red-steel.

This is another game on my "to buy" list then.

[Jordan]

This game just didn't play properly at all. It had a great premise and mechanics but in execution it was a dodgy dungeon crawler with minions.

[Phube]

Hmmmmm?

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/898/898651/overlord-dark-legend-20080813041329246.jpg

http://rangersin08.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/sauron1.jpg

[Noku]

This game just didn't play properly at all. It had a great premise and mechanics but in execution it was a dodgy dungeon crawler with minions.

On PC? I beg to differ. On 360? Probably so.

And never thought about the Sauron-likeness before. Nicely pointed out!

[Alsnow]

It should be a good game, its just like pikmin!

[gaggle64]

If it's a proper made-for-wii game, that's great stuff. We don't mind existing series, it's just straight ports that tend towards the problematic.

[Maase]

[Nintendo Troll]Meh, graphics look like N64, Gameplay should be horrible, using motion to do something, get outa here, its going to be shit, and casual-based, so all the kiddies can enjoy it[/Nintendo Troll]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

[Alsnow]

[Nintendo Troll]Meh, graphics look like N64, Gameplay should be horrible, using motion to do something, get outa here, its going to be shit, and casual-based, so all the kiddies can enjoy it[/Nintendo Troll]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt it will be motions to control the character, i should imagine it would be pointing at where you want it to go and do.

[Emasher]

[Nintendo Troll]Meh, graphics look like N64, Gameplay should be horrible, using motion to do something, get outa here, its going to be shit, and casual-based, so all the kiddies can enjoy it[/Nintendo Troll]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

Wii screens always look bad though.

[Hero-of-Time]

Here's a few details from GoNintendo about this evil version of Pikmin :)

Europe: tentative June release
- Wiimote provides FPS-like camera control
- Point and click to send minions to a specific area
- use Z to attack with main character
- due to Wiimote-pointing, you can now send minions to zones that you cannot reach right away
- shake Wiimote to charge minions like a bomb. Shake too much and they’ll explode. Launch minions and they’ll explode on impact. Guide minions slightly by tilting Wimote
- No sex or alcohol references
- up to 25 minions at once, different types as well
- 12-14 hours of playtime with lots of replayability
- there is a castle that acts as a hub
- 5 themes in the game, one including Little Red Riding Hood-turned-into-a-wolf final boss
- Links to Overlord 1 plot

[McPhee]

I liked the first game, so really glad to see a sequel! :D

[The-chosen-one]

does anyone know if there is a release date already for this game?
and still i like the graphics :P

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/901/901981/overlord-dark-legend-20080822024211296_640w.jpg

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/901/901981/overlord-dark-legend-20080822024206780_640w.jpg

[Shino]

Didn't know about this game! Looks pretty good!

...

Now I want to play Dungeon Keeper 2...

[Dante]

new screenshots and new trailer is out. (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen14579_overlord-dark-legend-illustrated-in-pictures-and-video.html)

[Dante]

New trailer is on ign. (http://uk.wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14273777/overlord-dark-legend/videos/overlorddarklegend_trl_fairytale_051309.html)

[ThePigMarcher]

Only recently discovered the 360 version and despite some issues I really enjoyed it , still need to finish of the Raising Hell DLC though.

Good to see that this is possibly coming along nicely (will await some more previews) and it's quite likely to be my next Wii purchase.

Only potential issue is the expected release date being so close to that being proposed for Overlord 2 , so I may end up having an Overlord overload.

[Tellyn]

For anyone interested, Overlord: Dark Legend and Overlord: Minions (on the Wii and DS respectively) are currently £17.95 each on Zavvi's website. Due out tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get the Wii one on Saturday.

http://www.zavvi.co.uk/zavvi/10044853.product
http://www.zavvi.co.uk/zavvi/10044854.product

[markderoos]

For that price.... ordered it :P

[ThePigMarcher]

Not sure whether I am going to pick this up as I keep reading that it is too short and has been dumbed down (the Wii plague :)) but at that price it may be too hard to resist.

EDIT (26/06) - Ended up picking this up this morning (as well as Overlord 2) as I had a few bits and pieces I wanted to trade in. Haven't had a chance to play either of them yet, but will try to post some observations when I have some time with it.

[dazzybee]

Quell impression avez-vous?!

[Tellyn]

My copy should be with me on Monday.

[ThePigMarcher]

*wall of text alert :p*

I have now spent some time with this and am enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Firstly, it definitely is Overlord-lite but that could act as a positive if you are unfamiliar with the series. If you do fall into that camp then I feel that this game really works as an introduction (it is a prequel after all), although fans of the previous game may still get some enjoyment from it.

The other thing that immediately strikes you is that this is a very good looking game, with nice character designs, beautiful environments, well done cut-scenes and clean menus. It's a shame that it is let down a little by the fact that there are clearly some framerate issues in some areas.

It has managed to maintain the humour that the series is known for although it does feel as though it has been reigned in a little, it's still pretty good though and the mischievous minions may well have you chuckling a few times.

Controls on the whole are done well and I would probably struggle less if I wasn't switching between this and the 360 sequel. Pointing to target and sweeping minions is effective enough and doesn't seem laggy. There are a few camera issues although once you get used to things it isn't too bad.

The lack of buttons on the Wiimote means that switching minion types and spells is left to the d-pad mostly and this can be a little cumbersome but I don't see how Activision/Climax could have done it differently (other than some sort of on-screen menu with IR input). The biggest problem so far has been my failure to make effective use of the continuous magic, one-off spells are fine, but perhaps I am missing something somewhere.

One thing that I haven't run into yet is some of the pathfinding issues that did plague the 360 original. Maybe it has just been luck (or the fact that your max army is smaller) but I don't remember seeing any minions getting left behind or stuck and that small improvement deserves a mention.

The story so far has been pretty good with references to a few fairytale characters , ie, Little Red Riding Hood , Tooth Fairy etc. How much further it can move on remains to be seen, especially as this looks to be short, but I am enjoying it so far.

Regarding the Overlord-lite statement, money is too easily available so you won't have any trouble powering up your armour, weapons or minions. Lifeforce collection is now incorporated as one, so it removes a little of the strategy required if you want a particular minion type. Should you die during a boss battle (I have once), then you restart with the boss's health as it was when you died a la Bioshocks' Big Daddies, except the bosses aren't tough so it really isn't needed in this game, despite my one failing :p.

It definitely looks like it is going to be a short game. I have only put in around 3 and half hours and have already discovered three of the minion types and uncovered just over half the map area. There will be some back-tracking due to discovering new minions but as the areas are so small, it still won't take long to return to those areas to get the missed items. If you are new to the series, then I suppose it may take a little more time, but even then, you won't feel overwhelmed or lost at any point, like you may do in the other consoles versions.

With all that being said, I am really enjoying it and as the game is available cheap I do feel that it is a worth a try. Just don't try to take on Overlord 2 at the same time, because the step up is causing me a few problems in that one.

[marcel]

hey guys,
ive got 2 questions.

1. Does the game fill the screen completely (no underscan), because of burnins on my plasma tv.

2. Is the game playable in 480p?, because my tv is sucky for upscaling 480i/576i signals.

[ThePigMarcher]

Wow, the reviewers weren't kidding when they said this was short.

Lucky if I managed to get 7 hours out of this, another example of developers giving Wii owners the big time shaft.

Save your money people and rent instead.

*returns to Overlord 2 to get some sort of longevity*

[Ganepark32]

Got this through in my consignment of review titles so will give it a play sometime later in the week. Kinda looking forward to it as I've never played the Overlord titles and even if it is short, that's good for me because I have Another Code: R on the go at the moment as well.

[Flayl]

Wow, the reviewers weren't kidding when they said this was short.

Lucky if I managed to get 7 hours out of this, another example of developers giving Wii owners the big time shaft.

Save your money people and rent instead.

*returns to Overlord 2 to get some sort of longevity*

UGH, you know this was going to be the first Wii game I bought since the fall of last year. Why must they keep taunting me :cry:

[Tellyn]

I've played this for a good couple of hours, and it's giving me mixed feelings. On the one hand I quite like the story and the creative direction... But it feels very, very linear. There's not much room for exploration, as you're basically confined to walking down paths in a straight line. The camera is very dodgy and the frame rate seems to go to pot whenever I move.

Other things I like are the little cutscenes that you can activate by stepping into yellow circles. One of your minions usually does a cool routine, such as scaling a windmill or skiing down a rope, jumping off and doing a flying death kick into a ninja's face, and you get a chest of treasure at the end. Your minions can also pick up accessories such as hats and swords, which is a nice touch.

The voiceacting is wonderfully over-the-top, but your minions have a knack for repeating lines too many times. That's the only complaint on that front.

I'll report back when I've played more, but for now...

"Fear my pumpkins... FEAR THEM!"

UGH, you know this was going to be the first Wii game I bought since the fall of last year. Why must they keep taunting me :cry:

Out of curiosity, why this?...

[Flayl]

I love strategy games and humor, much like anybody else interested in the game I suppose.

[Ganepark32]

Started this yesterday and it's alright. Nothing special. Feels rather lethargic but having not played the original Overlord game, I don't have anything to compare it to. The lighting and character models are good though, although there are a few downsides to the graphics where they could have improved things beyond what they are. But as a first try at bringing the franchise to the Wii, it's not a bad effort.

[daftada]

I love strategy games and humor

Then why haven't you bought Little Kings story???

[Flayl]

Then why haven't you bought Little Kings story???

It looks cutesy rather than humourous?

[ThePigMarcher]

It looks cutesy rather than humourous?

It is cutesy but there is also plenty of humour in it. Also has longevity which this game lacks, it really is worth a look and has been the highlight of the Wii so far this year.

I may be biased though :p.

[Tellyn]

It looks cutesy rather than humourous?

Comments like this make me feel very, very sad. :(