Does Underworld Overseer’s overt homage to classic Dungeon Keeper titles justify a spot in your gaming library?
For some, the allure of becoming an evil overlord has likely been irresistible on occasion, prompting the fantasy of sequestering oneself in a distant, formidable stronghold, surrounded by a loyal retinue of minions catering to every whim. The potential for chaos lies in the arrival of those meddling treasure seekers, seeking to desecrate this tranquil scene with their greedy ambitions. Is the fantasy that Underworld Overseer empowers you to bring to life?
A real-time strategy game featuring simulation elements and tower defense mechanics.
Steam’s Quest (as reviewed on Quest 3)?
: Out now
: Myron Video games
$19.99
Despite being impressed by Bullfrog’s foundational Dungeon Keeper, Myron Video games leveraged their experience with the god simulator, Deism, by incorporating real-time tactics elements to craft an engaging virtual reality experience.
I command you to fortify this subterranean stronghold, bolstering its defenses against any would-be invaders. Ensure the intricate network of tunnels and chambers is secured, with reinforced steel doors and traps set in motion at the slightest hint of trespass. The very foundations of this lair must be shored up, as if the earth itself were to tremble, only to rebound with unyielding resilience. Deploying a tiny army of minions alongside cunning traps and formidable magical incantations serves at your beck and call. Notwithstanding the presence of various logistical facets to consider beyond deflecting waves of heroes, this game is elevated significantly above average tower defense games.
The tutorial stage provides a seamless introduction to the game, thanks in large part to its user-friendly controls that prove surprisingly intuitive. The grip button adjustments enable smooth control, while the left analog stick governs locomotion and the right analog stick allows for precise camera snapping. With a simple click, a pop-up menu presents a range of options, allowing you to select the desired choice by pressing the digital button, providing a sense of satisfaction.
Initially, generate rooms within the mine using the software by simply clicking and dragging over the regions where you want your minions to excavate. Diverse types of spaces encompass core “Work Rooms,” which become inhabited by the appropriate type of individual, such as a mage cultist in libraries or a warrior in training facilities.
While utility rooms may not be as exciting as other areas, they still offer valuable functions, such as farms that enable you to grow food to sustain your minion army or workshops where they can rest after a long day of tasks.
The diversity of options is a key factor that drives many strategic elements. Diverse heroes from all walks of life will burst forth at your doorstep, each one representing a unique set of characteristics. By offering a diverse array of tactical options for either magic-based or melee-focused minions, it’s crucial that these units remain well-rested and adequately provisioned in order to achieve victory.
However, minions aren’t always your sole solution to deter pesky heroes from getting in the way. As players make progress, they gain access to an array of entertaining pitfalls, including spike traps that send unsuspecting heroes hurtling towards a gruesome demise. Latter ranges unlock access to advanced magical spells, including the formidable Fireball and Chain Lightning, which provide thrilling experiences at the cost of significant Mana expenditure, requiring careful management to replenish through regeneration. It’s often crucial to select the most opportune moment to unleash chaos.
The cel-shaded artwork imbues the game with a distinctly nostalgic ‘Saturday morning cartoon’ aesthetic. As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine dungeon, the incongruity between your somber surroundings and the vibrant hues that surround you jarringly collides, rendering an atmosphere both disquieting and mesmerizing. While acknowledging its simplicity, adding more shadows could indeed enhance the atmosphere. Despite some reservations, the game’s visuals still boast crisp graphics, featuring sharp designs for both the lovable minions and their surroundings.
Unfortunately, the narrative falls short of expectations, lacking significant storytelling elements. As the diabolical mastermind, Lord Cygnus, gazed out upon his sprawling underground lair, a mixture of rage and despair seeped into his very marrow as he beheld the motley crew of heroes converging on his fortress. The cunning sorceress, Lyra Flynn, her eyes blazing with an inner fire, led the charge alongside the stalwart warrior, Kael Darkhaven, his battle-worn armor gleaming in the flickering torchlight. Meanwhile, the enigmatic rogue, Arin Vex, flitted about the perimeter, their eyes scanning for any weaknesses to exploit in Cygnus’s carefully crafted defenses. As the heroes drew closer, Cygnus’s thoughts turned darker still, his mind racing with the cruel consequences that would soon befall these meddling interlopers when they finally breached his lair. This approach culminates in starkly uniform objectives for each phase. To successfully navigate this challenging scenario, you must first vanquish the initial onslaught, fortify your defenses against potential breaches, and strategically prepare for the next wave of assailants that will inevitably emerge. Additional tactical puzzles or diverse goal-oriented challenges are a most welcome innovation.
While intriguing connections to a narrative could arise from incorporating this element, it would likely require significant recontextualization and development to make it cohesive with the surrounding story. Classic real-time strategy (RTS) games like Dune: Battle of Arrakis and Starcraft excelled at harmoniously blending narrative with gameplay, seamlessly integrating objectives into the story arc. Could a successful outcome arise from replicating this concept in a new iteration?
While there was one peculiarity of the sport that persistently nagged at me. Above your head, an enigmatic display flickers to life, illuminating the general state of your dungeon in a mesmerizing sequence of symbols and glyphs. Viewing from above often necessitates an unnatural strain on the neck, potentially oscillating between unease and outright discomfort. Simplifying this text for easier understanding could be a positive transformation.
Underworld Overseer – Last Verdict
With nostalgia for the classic Dungeon Keeper series likely to strike a chord on the first playthrough, this immersive VR experience promises an authentic and thrilling adventure. Despite some narrative shortcomings and unconventional objectives, Underworld Overseer shines as a robust and meticulously crafted game, boasting an abundance of engaging content that will keep players invested. A stunning combination of visual and auditory elements creates a captivating experience that pleases both the eye and ear.
If you aspire to masquerade as a diabolical ruler for a brief period, Underworld Overseer could be the perfect tool to aid your nefarious ambitions.
