I would normally put this someplace else, but thought that the eyes who'd want to actually read this would best serve putting it here. If Chow or any of the others think it still deserves to be moved, by all means.
Also, note of disclaimer: I've worked in game journalism for coming to 7 years now, so I think I know a thing or two :P
Disclaimer 2: I've played both the 360 and PC version of OL extensively, although I've played the PC version for longer (Seeing as I'm a PC purist)
Here we go.
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The short bit:
The 360 version is better, but only by a little bit. Sweeping, which is a major part of the game, is by far easier to do and more responsive in the 360 then it is in the PC version. It's also more intuitive.
That's what having 2 nubs does for you.
However, the PC version wins out in ease of swapping between minions (of which there are four) spells (you can never have too many hotkeys) and camera control (Or maybe I just suck badly at managing camera controls on consoles)
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The Long version:
Graphics-wise, the 360 on a HD-TV looks absolutely beautiful. For some reason though, even with settings turned up high on my GeForce 8800XTS, I didn't get the same graphical feel from the PC version.
The game is hilarious in many parts - not the least of which is when minions return with treasure and items for you. Unfortunately, they'll still miss out items with alarming regularity (life force, gold) and for some reason, despite not being armed, will refuse to pick up found weapons and armor, even when they're all standing on top of it. A tooltip indicating they're "fully" upgraded may be helpful.
Bosses are tough, requiring some full use of the sweeping function and more if you intend to keep them all alive.
There's also liberal use of puzzles scattered throughout which make use of the sweeping motion - While I eventually didn't find this a huge problem with the mouse (Something I was afraid of) it is, as mentioned, alot easier on a 360's controller. More finesse.
(OT: I'm writing this as I just woke up from an all-nighter playing the game. Head's woozy and it's all over the place. Please do not take this as any sort of indicator of how I usually write my reviews :P)
Let's see what else.... Sound? Check. Graphics? Check. Gameplay? Ahh. Gameplay is generally very fun - although the ability to sprint my Overlord might have been nicer. Being forced to balance which units to take into combat is also a nice exercise.
You'll also see some areas where it's clear only one type of minion can go, that's great. Corruption choices are generally funny too, and the spells you learn in return are pretty spiffy, if basic at best.
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Tilt: So is it worth it for TBS fans of AOW? If you're a hardcore TBS'er, no. The action, when it heats up, is frantic, fun, and enjoyable. Being Overlord really does mean you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting and fighting most times, and it's a nice gimmick to let your minions do all the damned work.
However, I'd still recommend you give it a round try. It may take awhile to get into for those not used to the idea (especially since difficulty ramps up quite significantly rather quickly) but the game isn't too unforgiving.
Lack of a save ability (The game autosaves) hampers it somewhat, but missions are generally short enough that you can get by without having to save every five minutes.
All in all, I'd give it 8/10. I haven't tested multiplayer (We only have the 1 copy of each in the office) but if someone wants to fight it out with me, you can always drop me a mail.
Kheldar Blackmane:
I put the "Romance" in "Necromancer" Two Fundamental Truths about Friendship you shouldn't live without:
"Take care of my friends, I can handle my enemies."
"Treat your friends as if they will one day become your enemies."
Also, note of disclaimer: I've worked in game journalism for coming to 7 years now, so I think I know a thing or two :P
Disclaimer 2: I've played both the 360 and PC version of OL extensively, although I've played the PC version for longer (Seeing as I'm a PC purist)
Here we go.
------
The short bit:
The 360 version is better, but only by a little bit. Sweeping, which is a major part of the game, is by far easier to do and more responsive in the 360 then it is in the PC version. It's also more intuitive.
That's what having 2 nubs does for you.
However, the PC version wins out in ease of swapping between minions (of which there are four) spells (you can never have too many hotkeys) and camera control (Or maybe I just suck badly at managing camera controls on consoles)
-------
The Long version:
Graphics-wise, the 360 on a HD-TV looks absolutely beautiful. For some reason though, even with settings turned up high on my GeForce 8800XTS, I didn't get the same graphical feel from the PC version.
The game is hilarious in many parts - not the least of which is when minions return with treasure and items for you. Unfortunately, they'll still miss out items with alarming regularity (life force, gold) and for some reason, despite not being armed, will refuse to pick up found weapons and armor, even when they're all standing on top of it. A tooltip indicating they're "fully" upgraded may be helpful.
Bosses are tough, requiring some full use of the sweeping function and more if you intend to keep them all alive.
There's also liberal use of puzzles scattered throughout which make use of the sweeping motion - While I eventually didn't find this a huge problem with the mouse (Something I was afraid of) it is, as mentioned, alot easier on a 360's controller. More finesse.
(OT: I'm writing this as I just woke up from an all-nighter playing the game. Head's woozy and it's all over the place. Please do not take this as any sort of indicator of how I usually write my reviews :P)
Let's see what else.... Sound? Check. Graphics? Check. Gameplay? Ahh. Gameplay is generally very fun - although the ability to sprint my Overlord might have been nicer. Being forced to balance which units to take into combat is also a nice exercise.
You'll also see some areas where it's clear only one type of minion can go, that's great. Corruption choices are generally funny too, and the spells you learn in return are pretty spiffy, if basic at best.
----
Tilt: So is it worth it for TBS fans of AOW? If you're a hardcore TBS'er, no. The action, when it heats up, is frantic, fun, and enjoyable. Being Overlord really does mean you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting and fighting most times, and it's a nice gimmick to let your minions do all the damned work.
However, I'd still recommend you give it a round try. It may take awhile to get into for those not used to the idea (especially since difficulty ramps up quite significantly rather quickly) but the game isn't too unforgiving.
Lack of a save ability (The game autosaves) hampers it somewhat, but missions are generally short enough that you can get by without having to save every five minutes.
All in all, I'd give it 8/10. I haven't tested multiplayer (We only have the 1 copy of each in the office) but if someone wants to fight it out with me, you can always drop me a mail.
I put the "Romance" in "Necromancer"
"Take care of my friends, I can handle my enemies."
"Treat your friends as if they will one day become your enemies."