The Overlord Returns In 2009 News

Having made an original appearance on Xbox 360 and PC, followed by a PS3 debut that raised hell, Codemasters has today confirmed that the Overlord will be making a return in 2009 in...Overlord II.

But this time, the anti-hero takes on the Roman-esque might of the 'Glorious Empire', with the minions making their mischievous return too. The gremlin-like creatures have also learnt new tricks, with the ability to ride wolves and other animals as well as the destructive skills to demolish buildings. Dutch outfit, Triumph Studios are once again taking the reins.

Codies has also announced that the minions will be heading to the Nintendo platforms for the first time in Overlord: Dark Legend for Wii and Overlord Minions for Nintendo DS. Taking charge of the Wii and DS spin-offs is UK-based Climax Studios, which developed the PSP's take on Silent Hill.

Skewing the age of Overlord so he's younger (perhaps a nod to the Wii's broader age group?), Overlord: Dark Legend features storyline written by Rhianna Pratchett, writer of the original title. Sounding like an even more twisted version of the Brothers Grimm tales, players will encounter fairy tale characters including the gingerbread man and Lil' Red Riding Hood, as the Overlord continues to defend his castle. The Wii game also takes advantage of the Wii-remote's motion control functionality, with Codies revealing one such devious feature: picking up a lone minion and shaking the Wii-remote so it becomes a 'minion missile'. We can only imagine what happens next...

The Nintendo DS spin-off, Overlord Minions, gives players the remote ability to control a group of four 'Special Farces' minions called Giblet, Blaze, Stench, and Zap, as they try to hunt down The Kindred. A cult of evil beings in their own right, The Kindred aim to overthrow the Overlord and his minions by resurrecting the Dragon Kin. Like its home console cousins, Overlord Minions is due in 2009.

"As a million-plus seller Overlord is now a significant brand in the ever-growing Codemasters portfolio," says Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters. "With specific titles published across major formats and download content available, Overlord has established a huge cult following and won widespread critical acclaim. We're delighted to have the despot back for this three-game, five-format product line. With Triumph's hugely impressive vision for Overlord II and bespoke titles for Wii and Nintendo DS, Overlord is set to dominate in 2009."

"Epic battles, all new Minion play mechanics, a stunningly detailed new visuals and a fresh theme - Overlord II's really packing a punch," says Lennart Sas, director and Overlord lead at Triumph Studios. "We're really excited about shifting the world to a new era where a Roman-inspired Empire rises as the arch-enemy of the Overlord, which leads to an epic clash between the regimented forces of a sprawling state and the faster, harder, more manic minion horde. It's also great to see the series reaching new formats. The creativity being packed into the design for Overlord Dark Legend on Wii and Overlord Minions on Nintendo DS make great use of the platforms' unique features and are perfect extensions to the Overlord series."