Overlord is a multiplatform action game with strategic and role-playing elements, developed by Triumph Studios. The publisher of Overlord is Codemasters, and Buka Entertainment is responsible for the distribution of the game in Russia and the CIS countries. The game was released in mid-summer 2007. Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
The main character of Overlord is the so-called Overlord – a stately man clad in armor who one day wakes up in the crypt of a partially ruined tower, not understanding who he is, where he is, and why he is there. Gnarl, the elder of the minions who caused the protagonist's awakening, explains to the Overlord that a treacherous attack was made on the tower, resulting in the ancient citadel's destruction and all its goods being plundered and scattered. As the singular and unique master of the tower, the Overlord is obliged to restore his refuge, steal back the goods, and show all enemies who the true master is. The hero embarks on a perilous journey, punishing and sparing, helping and abandoning, destroying and creating, giving or taking away. Such is his multifaceted nature.
At the end of his epic journey, the Overlord learns that once he was not an Overlord at all. On the contrary, he was involved in the overthrow of the old Overlord alongside his comrades, but that expedition ended tragically. The old Overlord possessed one of the hero's companions, ingratiated himself with the other members of the group, debauched and tempted them, which marked the beginning of the end. In the end, the companions abandoned the protagonist to his fate, while they succumbed to one of the seven deadly sins.
In fact, it is not entirely correct to call the Overlord a protagonist. It all depends on the decisions made by the player, as he can commit both good and evil deeds. If the Overlord only destroys, kills, and robs, no one will consider him good, and the ending will reflect that. However, if the Overlord, despite his fearsome appearance and the demeanor of a homegrown demon from hell, chooses to help the weak and downtrodden, the finale will be different – more hopeful and optimistic.
But the Overlord wouldn't be the Overlord if he commanded anyone else; rather, he commands a band of riotous and merry minions – creatures that outwardly resemble ordinary goblins. There are four types of minions in Overlord: brown, red, green, and blue. Brown minions primarily rely on brute force, and considering they are always numerous, they make for ideal cannon fodder. Red minions are not suited for close combat, but they throw fireballs and assist the Overlord in solving fire-related puzzles. Green minions, on the other hand, are immune to all kinds of poisonous gases. They are slightly weaker than brown minions, so they die faster, making them less suitable for the front line. However, green minions are perfect assassins. They can become invisible and attack from ambush. Blue minions are the weakest and frailest minions but are incredibly useful. Firstly, they act as "healers", resurrecting fallen companions on the battlefield. Secondly, blue-skinned minions can easily traverse water surfaces. Thirdly, only blue minions can successfully counter enemies that use magic.