Metareview: Overlord 2
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Jun 25th 2009 at 7:00AM } 
- 1UP (A-): "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."
- OXM (80/100): "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."
- Eurogamer (80/100): "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."
- Game Informer (65/100): "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."
- IGN (60/100): "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."
Gallery: Overlord II
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Glenn @ Jun 25th 2009 7:19AM
Unfortunately, based on my experience with the demo I'd have to agree with IGN on this one. It stays true to the original in certain ways, but it has lost much of its kick. Strangely, when I saw minions riding wolves beating seals with clubs all I could say was, "meh. its been done".
But yea I have to agree with IGN on the camera/controlls issue. I also didn't like how the minions couldn't traverse ten centimeters of water to get one of those shiny yellow balls. Very annoying
Cody @ Jun 25th 2009 8:52AM
Hmm interesting...
I'll definitely be giving Overlord for Wii a rental soon.
Vidikron @ Jun 25th 2009 9:17AM
I was just glad they didn't instantly drown in the water like in the first game. I actually managed to get a couple of my minions into deeper water, but they got stuck there. They just sat that and wouldn't come even when I tried to recall all the minions.
Anyway, I enjoyed the demo. It was pretty much like the first game which is what I was wanting.
Vidikron @ Jun 25th 2009 9:18AM
*They just sat there
Knight Marquise @ Jun 25th 2009 11:44AM
Interesting Glenn, because my opinion is the exact opposite of yours.
Of course the camera issue is still there, although they did put a "fix" in. Personally I think I had an easier time controlling the Minions in the first one, however, the sheer *fun factor*, voice talent, writing, etc, for this game, outshines any minor complaints for me.
I think it boils down to if you liked the first one, you'll like this one. If you didn't, I doubt Overlord II is going to reel you in.
Silencio @ Jun 25th 2009 3:29PM
The first one was alright... for about thirty minutes.
Lustis @ Jun 26th 2009 5:49AM
Knight Marquise, I completely agree with you. I actually have the full game and I love it, I did love the 1st also.
Hoffer @ Jun 25th 2009 7:26AM
I'm surprised to see such a wide range between 1up and IGN, etc...
I loved the first game and am definitely playing part 2.
Beastage @ Jun 25th 2009 7:48AM
IGN been giving low scores to nearly everything lately and usually have a quite a big margin between meta rating and the user rating.
Duke @ Jun 25th 2009 9:56AM
It's either that IGN is biased and giving low scores or is biased and giving too high of scores. This is a constant claim around here, so lets see the proof that they are now giving everything low scores that don't deserve it.
My guess is that they didn't like the game and that's why it got the score - not that there's some conspiracy. Not every reviewer around the world likes and hates the exact same things.
ohyeahcola @ Jun 25th 2009 4:48PM
if ign doesnt get payed they give the game low scores
Skipjimroo @ Jun 25th 2009 8:07AM
Wow! Them's some pretty varied opinions. I just can't decide which one to be swayed by...
Now who will tell me what to think?
Ignatius @ Jun 25th 2009 10:22AM
A rental.
Heavytoka @ Jun 25th 2009 10:44AM
or play the demo and see how you like it
Lustis @ Jun 26th 2009 5:50AM
If you played the 1st and liked it you will like this one as well
FoxHoundADAM @ Jun 25th 2009 8:27AM
I really enjoyed the first one but my biggest complaint was level design. I spend most my time wondering around trying to figure out where I was supposed to go next, alth the while losing mininons to water because of their stupid AI.
Shame this didn't seam to fix most of those issues.
Dr. @ Jun 25th 2009 8:57AM
So: do I buy it for PC or 360?
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Jun 25th 2009 9:28AM
Wait til the price drops and then buy it on PC, if those are your only choices
Duke @ Jun 25th 2009 9:57AM
I'm curious why he should buy it for the pc in particular.
SeriousKriss @ Jun 25th 2009 10:25AM
PC allows both pad and M/KB controls and should look a bit better with a decent machine. And it's $20 cheaper of course.
Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jun 25th 2009 12:55PM
Anthony Gallegos said that the PC version is missing a lot of features and has a lot of bugs, so get the 360 version
stoidiaca @ Jul 1st 2009 5:42PM
I have both the PC and 360 Versions. I have experienced no problems with either. And Anthony Gallegos doesn't know what he's talking about
Aero @ Jun 25th 2009 9:07AM
I'm not very far into it but what I've played I enjoyed so far.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Jun 25th 2009 9:29AM
Its in my Game Q and hopefully I will get it within the next week or so if many people don't like it they will just send it right back. I'll give it a shot though
Mazoku @ Jun 25th 2009 10:53AM
I really enjoyed the first game and was planning on picking this up but then I played the demo (on PS3 if it matters). The camera and framerate were so bad that I got physically sick in about 10 minutes. (I can't play FPSes for the same reason.) I'm assuming I can expect the same thing from the full game? I'd love to play this but it's not worth for me if it makes me have to throw up.
tmacairjordan87 @ Jun 25th 2009 10:16AM
So other than the 1up score (they've really been overrating a lot of games lately, what's with all the high scores?) it seems to be average and not really worth the time just like the first game. Based on the demo I'd have to agree.
Vidikron @ Jun 25th 2009 12:10PM
I loved the first game. So based on the demo I'd have to disagree with your assessment.
Dirty @ Jun 25th 2009 11:10AM
Should be in the mail from gamefly today. Look forward to getting my minions drunk again.
Shagittarius @ Jun 25th 2009 11:21AM
I'm really enjoying the game so far...but I also really enjoyed the first one so...
WINterfang @ Jun 25th 2009 12:12PM
Wow Eurogamer give it a higher score than IGN, Eurogamer still sucks.
justme @ Jun 25th 2009 1:55PM
"'No amount of British wit could bring a smile to my face "... well it's a DUTCH game... so... scrap that comment! ;-)
Author X @ Jun 25th 2009 4:05PM
How do you figure that? Considering Codemasters is based in the UK, not to mention the 'british wit' is penned by Rhianna Pratchett, also a native of England.
Author X @ Jun 25th 2009 5:14PM
Okay, I realized it was developed by (Dutch) Triumph, but I stand on the fact that the wit is British.
futurebiblehero @ Jun 25th 2009 2:44PM
Fascinating at how polarizing it is.
After spending some time with it (and having enjoyed the first game), I honestly expected more reviews like IGN's.
Author X @ Jun 25th 2009 4:32PM
Well, it's a good thing I don't pay much attention to review scores (only what the reviews say about the game). Especially with a game like this, which has its good and bad points, but is really rather unique. For one thing, all the negative reviews cite bad controls, but the controls from the first game seemed perfectly natural to me, and after a bit of practice the increased camera control is an improvement (the new magic system is awkward atm, though).
Other than a minor tweak of how the "recall all minions" button works (I'd rather be able to recall all minions of a specific colour on the second blast, instead of all minions no matter what), I don't know how the controls could be significantly improved without any deficit.
Anyway, I think a lot of the game's enjoyment comes from its charm and its "wow" factor. I happen to be tickled pink to have a giant tower in the bowels of the earth, surrounded by cascading magma and waterfalls, or to have a jester writing songs about my grand accomplishments. The way that any human or elf seems to flail their arms every time they're in a cutscene, and the wildly varying quality of the voices (it got downright painful near the end of the first Overlord) detract from that, but if simply looking at your cavernous evil lair, or dressing your minions up as little children to get them in to wreck a Christmas party doesn't make you smile, then the best part of the game is lost on you anyway. And, for me, that more than makes up for the camera jumping down whenever I get too close to a wall or walk under something.
King Gibbon @ Jun 27th 2009 1:05PM
Just played it for about an hour and thought the game was utter crap. The Empire are annoying, the cutscenes keep going to black and then to another angle of the person, the camera is abysmal, No blood or and kind of graphic at least to show when you hit someone and minions die if they go into slightly deep water. I'd give it about 40% really. The wit seems to be aimed at 8 year olds yet it's an 16+ game. Not to mention the graphics are god awful. Maybe someone switched my game with a lower quality beta version?