The original Overlord title released on the Xbox 360 a little while ago, along with an expansion pack (also Raising Hell, so the PS3 title is the actual full package) and was definitely a solid experience. However, the lack of any type of map system hampered questing around the goofy fantasy realm for some players, and thankfully that's been somewhat improved upon with the new mini map interface available in Raising Hell. I would still have liked to have seen a full world map as well, but if you buy the game you'll at least get a fold out map included with it.

The other additions to Raising Hell on top of the main game consist of new levels called Abyss, which are basically "dark" versions of every stage or main area in Overlord. Along with that there are some new additions to the multiplayer mode in the form of maps and two new modes. Finally, rounding out the additions are new pieces of armor and weapons that can be forged at the Overlord's tower (which basically serves as a hub of sorts).

All of this content has been made available for the Xbox 360 owners, so if you're wondering about brand new content for Overlord: Raising Hell on the PS3, well, there isn't any. However, if you haven't played Overlord before, then this is definitely the most complete package for the game out there, and is absolutely the way to go if you want to jump in.

The story begins in a simple enough fashion, with minions bringing you, the Overlord, into the world to replace their previous master. You'll be introduced to the somewhat simple control mechanics that allow you to use a horde of Gremlin look-a-likes to wreck havoc on the fantasy world around you. Simply move your minions about by using the right stick, and they'll run in whatever direction you choose. There's tons of stuff for them to smash up along the way, or you can direct them towards any number of enemies. They'll typically gang up on a foe, and beat on him or her until the enemy is completely dead. You can also opt to help out by using your basic attacks with whatever weapon you have equipped, or using magic spells you learn along the way.

The Overlord himself is pretty limited in what he can actually do, the combat simply involves mashing the attack button, with no option to defend or parry against an enemy. Typically you won't need to get involved in fights, outside of the occasional boss battle, so it's not that big of a deal that you can't actually do much in battle. Skilled players will learn when to recall their minions to avoid devastating attacks, or when to use Guard Markers to set up their minions in positions, allowing them to defend a spot and hold ground against oncoming hordes of enemies.

As you progress, you'll unlock up to 4 different types of minions, each represented by color (Brown, Red, Blue, Green), all of which have a particular skill that makes them useful for various encounters. The Brown minions are your default guys, the brawlers of the group, while the Red minions are the fire guys, who can both sling fireballs at enemies from a distance, or overcome obstacles filled with fire to allow you passage. The Green minions are used for stealth attacks, are immune to poison, and are incredibly effective when attacking creatures from behind. Rounding out the four, the Blue minions are the only ones that can traverse water without drowning, and they can also resurrect fallen minions.

There's a surprising amount of depth required in the later levels of Overlord that will have you using all of your minions and the abilities they possess, which can be a bit maddening at first since the game doesn't do a great job of explaining everything to you. It took me a while to realize how to effectively use Guard markers to separate my minions into various groups, something you'll have to learn pretty early on, and so if you're the type of person who usually doesn't reference the instruction book, you might want to think twice about doing so.

Graphically the game isn't going to stun anyone, and while Raising Hell does have a unique art style that can be charming, just about every character you come across in the game is horribly ugly, even the "pretty" women, and some of the characters have some really odd animations and awkward animations. With a bit more time I'd say the visuals in Overlord could have been spruced up a bit, but with the game being a simple port it obviously wasn't going to happen.

The sound is also a bit stale, with some simple themes that sound horribly generic; especially in a title that does it's best to poke fun at stereotypical fantasy themes. Also, your minion's will constantly throw out quips, but they're also incredibly limited in scope, so by the end of the game you'll get really damn tired of hearing "FOR THE OVERLORD" or "THIS IS FOR MEEEE" over and over and over again.

However, Overlord: Raising Hell is such a unique title that it definitely warrants taking a look at, especially if you missed out on the original release or the extra content that was brought out earlier this year on the 360. If you can get a handle on the control of your minions, and pick up on the strategy needed to defeat some of the later bosses, you should have quite a bit of fun with this quirky fantasy title. There are even some multiplayer modes to keep you busy, but they're not nearly as fun to play as the single player game. Definitely check this out if you've not played it before, since it's bound to be one of those overlooked gems in the near future.