I bought both these games.

Overlord II is a rare kind of sequel that embraces everything chaotic and fun about its predecessor while expanding the world, refining mechanics, and upping the scale of its wicked humor. Released by Triumph Studios, the game casts you once again as an evil overlord, this time the son of the original, now tasked with rising to power in a world ruled by a hypocritical and tyrannical Roman-esque empire. The game’s signature blend of action, real-time strategy, and tongue-in-cheek satire remains firmly intact, but what stands out is how much more confident and ambitious this entry feels—it's bigger, funnier, and more polished, though not without a few stumbles along the way.

You begin your journey as a young, vengeful overlord-to-be, growing up in a snowy village under the boot of the Glorious Empire. The early hours serve as a kind of twisted origin story, complete with bullying villagers, corrupted pets, and darkly comic trials of power. Once you don the horned helmet and gather your first few minions, the game begins to unfold with the same addictive loop: direct your loyal minions to pillage, destroy, solve puzzles, and do your dirty work, while you roam the battlefield wielding powerful magic and melee attacks. It’s a system that remains deeply satisfying, especially as you grow your minion army across multiple types—Browns for brute force, Reds for firepower, Greens for stealth and poison, and Blues for healing and water traversal. Each minion type has their own personality and uses, and the balance between managing them and charging into the fray yourself creates a dynamic gameplay rhythm that never loses its appeal.

What sets Overlord II apart from the first game is its increase in scale. Battles are larger, environments more expansive, and objectives more diverse. The world is no longer just a patchwork of corrupted fantasy tropes; it's now a parody of empire, bureaucracy, and religious fanaticism, all wrapped up in a shiny Roman aesthetic. The satire is sharper and more focused, taking aim at themes like environmental exploitation, militarism, and cultural conformity. The writing delivers these themes with a mix of British wit and slapstick comedy, often letting the minions' chaotic behavior speak louder than any monologue. Whether you're toppling a tree-hugging elf commune or sacking a pristine imperial city, the game never forgets to be funny even when it’s being sinister.

The visual presentation holds up surprisingly well for its time, with expressive animations and creatively designed environments that shift from snowy tundras to lush forests to gleaming imperial strongholds. The graphical engine is an improvement over the first game, offering more detailed textures, larger crowds, and smoother performance. The minions themselves are still the stars of the show, each with animated glee as they dance, destroy, or hurl themselves at enemies with reckless abandon. Their voiced quips, squeals of excitement, and loot hoarding antics are endlessly entertaining, creating a strong sense of personality that keeps the tone light-hearted, even as you're burning down entire villages.

Despite its many improvements, Overlord II isn’t without its flaws. The control scheme, particularly for console players, can sometimes feel clunky, especially when trying to issue precise commands to specific minion types. There are moments when pathfinding or minion AI becomes frustrating—minions may fail to follow commands or get stuck on terrain, particularly in more complex areas. The camera can also be stubborn, especially in tight indoor spaces or during large-scale battles. These issues don’t break the experience, but they do occasionally pull you out of the flow.

Another area of mild disappointment is the morality system. The game offers players the chance to be a "Destructive" or "Dominating" overlord, which, while offering slightly different results, mostly leads to similar outcomes. Unlike the more binary choices in other RPGs, these paths don't significantly change gameplay or the ending, which might feel like a missed opportunity for deeper roleplaying. That said, the story is still engaging, and the characters—especially the delightfully evil minion master Gnarl—remain a highlight throughout the campaign.

The campaign itself is substantial, offering around 15 to 20 hours of content depending on how thorough you are with side objectives and upgrades. There are puzzles to solve, fortresses to conquer, and corrupted creatures to enslave, and the progression system allows for meaningful upgrades to your minions, spells, and personal armor. The Dark Tower once again serves as your home base, and watching it grow into a monument of evil grandeur is immensely satisfying. You can customize it with the spoils of war, acquire mistresses, and even choose how cruel or controlling you want to be—though the game always steers toward playful villainy rather than true darkness.

Ultimately, Overlord II is a rare blend of strategy, action, and satire that succeeds because it embraces its identity without compromise. It delivers an experience that's gleefully destructive, surprisingly strategic, and consistently entertaining. It may not revolutionize its genre, but it doesn't need to. It builds upon what made the first game a cult hit and enhances it with bigger ideas, a sharper tone, and a more ambitious narrative. Whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer with a penchant for mischief, Overlord II is a wickedly fun ride through a world that loves to let you be bad—just the way it should.

Rating: 8/10

A fantastic sequel to an already fantastic series. I remember when this came out, I had it bookmarked on my calendar and woke up like it was Christmas. I cannot talk enough about how much I praise the Overlord series. I left a more detailed review on the Overlord Rising Hell page but TLDR. Get this game. Its a beloved treasure and I hope you will have as much fun as I did and still do with this title