Overlord was one of the most talked-about games of 2007, and players of the Playstation 3 finally have the ability to play the game (it was previously limited to the PC and Xbox 360 formats). Saying that, Overlord: Raising Hell for the PS3 has a number of new modes, maps, and other fun things present. Individuals are placed in the role of a warrior that possesses the power of the Overlord, but does not (as of yet) have the power associated with that mantle. The player’s character holds control over imps that do the dirty work against those individuals that would attempt to do good. This means that there is a game play mechanic not quite unlike Pikmin or even Lemmings: the player’s character can choose from four varieties of imps, for example.
If the player would need a ranged weapon, there are the red imps that throw fireballs, while blue imps are the healers of the group, ensuring that forces are continually maintained. With a blend of melee warfare, puzzle solving, and a little bit of RPG elements thrown in, Overlord: Raising Hell will likely have something for everyone, no matter what type of games that one may like. Even for those individuals that have already played through the original iteration of Overlord, there are a number of new additions that will keep players coming back. This means that there are five distinct maps that have never before been played, as well as an on-screen map that allows players to more easily orient themselves in the game. Finally, the best new addition for Overlord: Raising Hell would have to be the multiplayer, split-screen mode that allows players to really showcase their skills in a competitive format. The multiplayer mode is not limited to mere head-to-head action, either.
Other game modes include co-op missions that allow players to bring greater levels of evil to the land than would normally be in the realm of possibility for a single player. Overlord: Raising Hell is a fun game, aided considerably by the inclusion of a quirky plot, and the solid graphics present ensure that players that are used to the latest generation of graphics will not dismiss Overlord: Raising Hell as a bad game from the onset. The range of actions that are available for players to take during the game is large, and will ensure that players will continually come back to the game.
Rating: 8.6/10
Overlord: Raising Hell (PS3) / 2008 Codemasters / http://www.codemasters.com /