Joystiq

We've always known that zombies are tools. Well, mostly in the sense that they want to bite us on our vulnerable, fleshy bits, but one should certainly consider the possibilities afforded by having a snarling, undead force at one's disposal. That's what Tecmo has in mind for Undead Knights, a newly announced action game -- with just a sprinkle of strategy -- for the PSP.

Stuck in the midst of a royal power struggle, you're encouraged to see every enemy as a potential ally. Casting you in the role of the anti-hero, Undead Knights sees the dead join your ranks, an increasing and varied assortment of undoubtedly foul-smelling monsters which will act out your every destructive whim. If we had to draw a comparison, we'd say it sounded a bit like Overlord -- or perhaps a more sinister Tokobot. Either way, Tecmo intends to keep things relatively smooth and simple, with action forming 80% of gameplay, and strategy relegated to those times when the unique services of certain felled enemies are required to progress.

If you feel conquering is best done in the company of friends, you'll be pleased to note that Undead Knights will support 4-player ad hoc multiplayer and co-op. It will rise to retail in 2009.