Overlord is Atlantis-like
Play-By-e-Mail Strategic game with strong role-playing component
In 1998 Vincent Archer developed generic
engine for multi-player turn-based strategy/role-playing Play-By-e-Mail
games.
Overlord (1998-1999) was the first PBEM game that used this engine,
later
this engine was also used Rise of Heroes game (1999 - 2000). Engine
allows
running Atlantis-like Play-By-e-Mail games using complex
world
model with high level of customization.
The goal of the Overlord project is to
Develop new version of Overlord Engine for public use.
Provide support to Game Masters who would like to use engine in their games.
Coordinate efforts on developing tools and
modifications for Overlord engine.
Original code
of Vincent Archer is available from his site.
This is working code but experience of Rise of Heroes exposed numerous
problems with it's exploitation
so it was decided that it should be better rewritten.
Overlord is Atlantis-like
Play-By-e-Mail Strategic game with strong role-playing component
Economic system: Main source of income are taxing/pillaging. Game use title system and taxing is allowed to titleholders only. Working and entertainment money are limited. In some cases trade can provide very good income too.
Combat system is one of the strongest sides of Overlord. Units are placed on the 3x6 battlefield. During the battle they can move, use melee or ranged attacks, defend, use items and cast spells. This system is not too sophisticated, so that it is possible to intuitively predict battle outcome. Stone-paper-scissors balance works very well, so that there is no ultimate winning tactics. Notable is a role of a magic in combat: there are no powerful destructive spells - instead of that magic plays role of powerful attenuating factor.
Magic system:
200 spells. Casting spells implemented as using magic
skill. Magic skills are divided to 5 schools (fire, water, earth, air
and void). Mana and sometimes components (items) are required for
casting spell. Magic may be used in combat as well as in everyday
life for enchanting items or units, creation temporary and permanent
effects.
Skill system: 400+ skills (including magic skills). Using skill adds experience. Only low levels of skills can be studied and further progress is possible only through teaching or using skill.
Items: 400+
items (many of them - handmade unique items)
Game world is
versatile, with handmade special locations.
Faction growth is limited by control points system so that generally
player
can't control more than approximately 200 units
Popular opinion of those who played Overlord is that it
was very successful game.
Last Modified: April 06, 2005
This page is maintained by Alex Dribin.