Dungeon Keeper fans: This is the game you've been waiting for.

I have been playing Dungeon Keeper 2 regularly since its release in 1999. There was literally nothing else like it. Nothing that blended strategy, simulation, humor, god-like abilities quite like it could. Over the years, I have wished for a game that was at least similar. Something that could tap into that magic a little bit.

I heard about War for the Overworld when my heart was breaking over the bullcrap EA pulled with the Dungeon Keeper mobile game (I don't own a cell phone, but if that game had been good, I would have probably bought one just for that, haha). Some dude mentioned it in the comments of an article about EA's latest mistake, and I flew over to Steam to find it (figuratively speaking, of course). I finally tried it today, and I have to say, I am surprisingly shocked as to how well they're pulling it off.

This game captures that DK essence. This game is made by people who are as obsessed with the masterpieces that are DK and DK2 as I am. The developers have put their hearts and souls into this game. This much is clear because everything that Dungeon Keeper did right, it's here. Everything you loved is here. Some things that were glitchy about DK2 or just inconvenient are upgraded and/or gone (building prisons while your minions are walking through the area will no longer accidentally imprison them, for one example). Obviously, the game is not DK. Types of minions and rooms have been changed, as is necessary, I suppose. I thought I might find this hard to come to terms with (after all, the Dark Angel from DK2 is one of my favorite video game characters of all time, hence why I have a portrait of one on the wall behind me), but it's really not bad at all. It's even refreshing, in a way. I was actually excited to see new character types to play with and master. The visuals are stunning. There are bits of humor here and there. And either the voice actor they got is doing a ridiculously fantastic job of mimicking the guy from DK2, or he IS the guy from DK2. Either way, props.

I very enthusiastically recommend this game, even in early access. Although the campaign is limited to a tutorial mission and one other mission now (plus four others, including a sandbox and a My Pet Dungeon because, well, YES!!!), the game is highly playable, and I can see myself getting at least 20 hours out of the state it is in now, but then again, I am a sucker for just messing around with a game and perfecting it. The average player will probably get 5-10 hours out of this or so in its early access state. But with active developers (just check the forums, if you want), you will be able to purchase an early access with the knowledge that your input does, in fact, count. If you like providing feedback on a game or being one of the first to play an awesome game, buy this. If you want to delve into this and play the whole campaign over the span of a few days, put this in your wishlist, because you'll have to wait a few months for that (early 2015 is the current estimated release date). Either way, you'll want to buy it, sooner or later. ;)

This review is written as a review from an early access point of view.

This game will attract people in pursuit of a way to sake their Dungeon Keeper cravings, but unfortunately the execution of War for the Overworld just seems very off to me and I'll try to explain why.

The art style carries something that isn't all that unique considering its inspiration here, though inside the game it sadly follows the horrible dark pallet of muddy browns and boggie greens. The original Bullfrog games carried a lovely sense of character behind their cartoony characters with a mix of gritty in there, though the monsters featured in War for the Overworld (Monsters being the most critical desired feature for this kind of game), all lack a true sense of personality and shine, with none of them really standing out and saying "Hey look at me! I'm a really epic looking creature! I'm the funny creature that hits like a tank!", it just feels lacking here.

I bought the game very early on and have logged on progressively overtime to inspect the updates. After what seems like a year now, the updates have been far too slow and lacking in real momentum, especially considering the price tag and how early this early access game arrived.

This game carries a positive review score currently, though from what I've seen of them, quite a few of these reviews are posted with the hope and praise that this game is the next Dungeon Keeper.

Sadly, at the time of writting this, I believe this game is not a viable replacement for your evil sandbox and doesn't seem like it will be any time soon.

An fantastic game in development made by a team of outstanding dev team. They seem to have an unbreakable passion to make a really well made game and have an astonising interaction within their own community... Okay, im starting to run out of positive adjectives.

In short, you really wana keep an eye on this game, been following this game since August 2012 and it has consitantly looked brillaint (oh, nope, found another adjective right there :D ).

War of the Overworld is basically Dungeon Keeper 3 (except the people who originally made it stopped at 2)
Personally, I loved the Dungeon Keeper series and was sad to see it die. However, I am now very heartened by the Beta of WOTO. It's basically Dungeon Keeper, only so much better. There are about a dozen room types, which I have yet to get to grasp with, as well as an impressive selection of spells that do everything from reveal parts of the map to freezing the ground. What I also love is the voice acting is very similar to Dungeon Keeper. The guy who does the Keeper sounds appropriately evil and the heroes sound equally pius, making it so much more satisfying when you kill them.. =)
However, the game is still a Beta. There is a tutorial, which explains the basics (there really needs to be an advanced tutorial as well) also, I found it hard to find the flashing tiles on some of the tutorial actions. Perhaps if you centered the screen over the tiles as the event triggers, this would be easier.
There are only 2 maps, however, there is a sandbox mode, which I look forward to exploring. Unfortunately, it crashed at the climax of my first game, however, that may be due to my OS.
Anyway, as long as the developers get this thing to full version, it will be freaking awesome. Given that all of the room design seems to be done (although I have yet to fully observe what all the creatures do and thier various states) making the maps should be pretty easy.
Oh, there is one thing that distinguishes it from Dungeon Keeper, there is no hilarious CG cutscene at the beginning.
I would like to vote for one, if possible.. =)
I would give it an 8/10 and it's only a Beta.. I can't wait for the full version.

LOVE IT! Dungeon Keeper is BAAAAACK! I've spent -several- hours just goofing with the Bedrock Beta, first Pre-order I've been happy with so far.

The Sins mechanic is pretty cool, basically a research tree that makes the player mindful of how to progress. Which rooms to go for? Every room attracts a different one, and which spells to go for first. I really hope they add more options into the Sins trees but there are at least 30 something rooms/spells you can currently choose from.

There are a few bugs and things that I've notice, but this is a -Beta- game, so I'm not going to go into detail on them but these issues are -very- minor and haven't impacted my ability to explore every part of the game I wanted to.

Would -highly- recommend this game to -EVERYONE-, even if you never played the original Dungeon Keeper I or II.

Buy into the Beta! Help these guys out!

This game brings me back to Dungeon Keeper. Ah, how I loved those games. I was so excited to see that War for the Overlord is a game using not only the same mechanics, but even Richard Ridings, who's voice is like liquid sex evil.

There are a few things I disllike, but it's based in on the fact that the game is still in Beta. There's not really a storyline developed for play yet. There's no multiplayer (Comming Soon™). The few maps that you cna play are really limited in resources.

I know these things will get developed and ironed out as work is continued. It is that hope coupled by the warm and evil feelings of nostalgia that led me to buy this game. Don;t worry if you haven;t played Dungeon Keeper 1 and/or 2. It's really not necessary. But I can promise you, when this game reaches it's full potential, I believe it will outshine those other dungeon management games.

Early access done properly and a game that is respectful of it's influences. Regular updates, assets and game play done to the highest standard. This is one of the few games on Steam I can recommend picking up early. However, I wouldn't recommend playing it early - what is there presently s very solid and produced to a high standard, but developing a game properly takes time and this is more of an investment in my eyes. A game that is shaping up to be fantastic but due to a focus on doing things properly and promptly as opposed to just quickly, functionality is still lacking compared to what the final product should offer. That said, patching and updates are both regular and frequent and what is already in place is very enjoyable and picking it up on the cheap now is a definite good call.

If you enjoyed Dungeon Keeper - and who didn't? - this is well worth your cash-moniez.

As a massive fan of the Dungeon Keeper games, I cannot express the joy I felt when stumbling upon this.

It's everything I wanted to see in a new DK game, and more. New rooms, new creatures, new game mechanics, and of course not to mention new graphics, it's really exciting to see where this project is going because they've done a damn good job this far in development already.

Those unfamiliar with the game-style in question should consider researching the Dungeon Keeper series (or just watch a gameplay video) for this is no ordinary RTS, it is one of the few games falling under the category of RTS/FPS hybrid: feel like touring the layout of your dungeon from the perspective of your minions? Well go ahead and tap right into their skulls! Admiring the detail the developers have clearly put into the various dungeon rooms from up close is a feeling no other game can replicate for me, a particular reason which makes the franchise as a whole so unique.

I would buy the game twice I'm that happy with it, but I'm broke and have no need for a second copy therefore I will not be doing that

The game has immediately reminds me of the old Dungeon Keeper and I was (guess) pretty much at the beginning in the development of this and must say that it has really produced lengths far developed. I had already written a few requests to the developers and they will even be available as one with a map editor for the game to create eigende Dungeon.

The developers put a lot of work into the game and I'm looking forward to it when it is finished Developed.

Das Spiel hat mich sofort an das alte Dungeon Keeper erinnert und ich war (denke mal) so ziemlich am anfang bei der Entwicklung dabei und muss sagen das es sich echt hervorangen weit Entwickelt hat. Ich hatte ja schon einige Wünsche an die Entwickler geschrieben und diese werden sogar verfügbar sein wie eines davon mit einem Map Editor für das Spiel, um eigende Dungeon zu erstellen.

Die Entwickler stecken sehr viel arbeit in das Spiel und ich freue mich schon darauf, wenn es Fertig Entwickelt ist.

Long Version (short version below)

It was the 7th of July 1999, on the brink of my birthday and my teens, when Bullfrog's Dungeon Keeper 2 was released. I already played and loved the first part, so it was clear to to me that this game will be on my birthday wish list. After my aunt took me to the store and bought this piece of happiness compressed in some silly little disc for me, it was time to frolic home, barricade myself in my own little dungeon, switch on my computer and enjoy the last sweet hours of my jolly childhood...

Anyway: this isn't a review about DK 1 or 2, but about War for the Overworld! Nonetheless, it's very related. DK2 already had the trailer for the third part in the game, where you take the war to the Overworld. That was the hour of birth of my expectations there would surely be a sequel to this beloved game. These expectations would slowly degenerate to hope. And as hope faded away, the warming memories, also vanishing in the haze, were the only thing left. At least one could enjoy the odd game of the old classic. Yet sometimes there seemed to be light in that darkness: a few games were taking some elements from DK or even claiming to be like DK (Dungeons or Impire e.g.). In my opinion all of them failed (not meaning that they were very bad) and it just fed and therefore revived my hope, which should remain false for almost 1 1/2 decades....

And along comes „War for the Overworld“:

Hearing of WtfO I had to check it out. After being disappointed a few times I have to admit that my expectations were not all to high when I started the game for the first time. And I was wrong! HOORAY!!!!!! It is just like DK! Carving myself deeper and deeper into the dirt, the sarcastic narrator giving the odd comment and being able to watch my minions scamper around my dungeon made me rejoice (though one also has to say that it is clear that the game is not finished yet). DK fans will know what game play I'm talking about. The ones of you who don't know DK could check it out YouTube.

People complaining that the game is a simple duplicate of DK are forgetting that's what the devs are trying to achieve. The third title of the Series would of been „Dungeon Keeper 3: War For The Overworld“. The actual creator of the original DK, Peter Molyneux, gives them his full support (see below). Since the charming company owning the rights of Bullfrog's Dungeon Keeper were simply not interested in making a sequel (except some lousy mobile version imo) I'm quite happy to see this project in the hands of devs who are committed to what they do. To remain fair a few people have posted this company supports the idea of the project and is helping Subterranean Games to avoid legal issues. I couldn't find a link on Google though (if somebody could add or let me know I would be very grateful)

A Message From Peter Molyneux, The Creator of Dungeon Keeper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsRRzr0eBKc

Apparently this can't be said often enough: It's an Early Access game. That means the game is NOT FINISHED YET! So at the current state you should not have excessively high expectations. Early Access on the other hand can be an excuse for some devs not to work on a game anymore and go into an undeserved retirement.
Yet the devs of Subterranean Games are very committed to their project, very active on the forums and keep you informed what they are up to on a weekly basis with „WtfO Wednesday“.

To anybody who loved and loves DK I highly recommend this title! No further discussion!

To anybody who doesn't know Dungeon Keeper but wants to try out a unique sort of game where you carve your own dungeon out of raw stone and dirt, watch your minions drink and fight (and slap them if they get on your nerves), let your captives rot in prison or being tortured and do much more evil things I do also recommend this title.

To anybody who wants a finished game to play right now I do not recommend this game. But I would advise you to keep an eye on it.

I, for one, can hardly wait for this gem to be released and will surely be sitting in front my pc for hours, not being able to wipe that ridiculous, sardonic, mean little grin off my face!


Short version

Awesome!!! 10/10

I waited long before buying this. I've watched the development from day 1, tested the "unofficial" version and finally decided it's time.
Considering i spent literally lots of hundreds of hours in the Dungeon Keepers, and adding the confidence, commitment and love the developers show for their project, i can safely predict what this will become: GLORIOUS!

It looks and feels almoust identical, except the modern graphics of course. Well, modern is not quite right. It still looks dated, but not compared to that old original DKs. Well does that matter? HELL NO! It's more than adequate and gameplay > graphics!
Although WFTO tries to clone DK in every aspect legally possible (even the "...has entered your dungeons"-voiceover had exactly the same melody) i've notices some minor additions that won't change gameplay but makes it more fluid. Like different rallies for workers (YAY!) and warrios. Or a flag to forbid workers to dig there (YAY!) or groupings (YAY!).
Why reinvent the wheel? It already was perfect.

Sure, a recommendation based on a tutorial and a sandbox is quite risky (as there is not much of a campaign here yet), the basic gameplay-skeleton looks and feels "right".
THIS IS THE SUCCESSOR WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR TOO LONG!

Even if it does not add much new things, it revives one of the best game/gamplays of all times. Although i still play DK2, this will end an era and start a new.

What about Dwelvers? They're damn brilliant too, and even a lot cheaper. But they're having a different approach. Taking the master and bringing in their own vision. This is totally fun too, but it's not DK3. Not visually and not gameplay-wise.
Get then both if you can!
If you can't, get this one if you prefer the "darker" original gamplay and get Dwelvers if you want some creative fresh ideas added to an already superb gameplayconcept.

tl;dr:
You're into RTS? You like a game that does not take itself damn serious? You're quite fed being the "good" fighting the oh-so-bad? Give this one a try! But only if you think this will really suit you, otherwise WAIT until it's done! Without the campaign you'll stuck with the sandbox. The campaign will decide it's final faith (and multiplayer of course).

Alternative? Except the masters itself, there is only Dwelvers. Maybe "Dungeons 2" (time will tell). Besides there are no games (to my knowledge) that come even close to this gameplay and fun. Period.

This is a bit of a difficult one. Do I recommend War for the Underworld? Yes.... and a tiny bit no. Yes because what is there is great; I know there are a lot of people talking about this being the best of its type since Dungeon Keeper, and without a doubt they will be right. However the "no" part comes because there is still work to be done on it. This said however, I have to say that the devs are listening to what people are saying, (this is not true of all early access games), and they admit that there is a way to go to fulfill the potential that this game offers.

The gameplay is just what I was hoping for. There are areas that need to be polished, the graphics need to be optimised and more demons would be great. Both of these are targeted for work, the list is available on the steam store page.
The demons are lovely; the graphics are just right, the lighting is perfect and this gives the feel that you need for this type of game. To complete an action, be it destroy a wall or lay a flagstone, takes time but this is not too long and I don't think too quick either. Multiple workers will flood into an area if there is plenty of work to do and tackle multiple jobs. This means that you are not haging around waiting for stuff to happen; always a good sign.

Am I happy with the game? Yes, most definitely. Could I be happier? Well, I suppose so; once the graphics are optimised and there are more demons and rooms. That said, I know that this is an early access game and I am not playing a game that is finished. I am playing a game that is in development and is actively be developed, unlike some other early access games. Will you enjoy it? If you enjoyed Dungeon Keeper and have missed it then yes, buy it now. If you enjoyed Dungeon Keeper and have missed it but want the polished, optimised game so you can get on with building your own little underworld then perhaps you should wait a bit longer. But I have to say that I am glad I am in at this stage for this game; some of the early access games seem to be a way of earning extra cash for the developers who have no intention of producing a finished product. I am pleased to report that I would be extremely surprised if this is one of those!!!!

EDIT:
The latest update has added better optimised graphics so that is one of my comments being looked at along with new minions and rooms, what more could someone ask for?
So far I am right about the developers caring about this game. Every week we find out what is happening with the game and, unlike some early access projects what they talk about is then actually acted upon and implemented. What more could you ask for?

If nostalgia had fists this would be a PUNCH in the face it realy takes me back to my dungeon keeper days although it needs some work And i cannot stress enough HOW MUCH this game needs a MAP MAKING TOOL! please please god A map maker!
8/10 +1 for nostalgia and it would be a +1 with the addition of a map maker
Sadly its still in Beta but when compleated this will be a TRUE! and worthy predecessor of Dungeon keeper

#nostalgiaKinghit

If you liked Dungeon Keeper & Dungeon Keeper 2, you will love this!
This is more or less Dungeon Keeper 3, but with new graphics and effects.
This game will bring back your good old memories from the late 90's!

This game reminds me of the original. If you liked Dungeon Keeper, you'll love this game.

I have hopes that this Alpha game will be a Great Game someday, but until it has at least a SAVE feature I cannot recommend buying it. I will give it a thumbs up for its potential only; The updates have been going very very slowly, and it has a long way to go :0)

The long awaited sequel to DK2 has arrived, however, by an unexpected team of way more skilled Devs, good show, highly recommend!

For anyone who has a love for the Dungeon Keeper games of old (not including EA's recent disgustingly obvious cashgrab with the Dungeon Keeper game for iOS) then this is the game for you. They even have Richard Ridings doing the narration as he did for DK1 & 2!! It's like Dungeon Keeper all over again but without the soul sucking presence of a corporate publisher involved to make it suck with their stupid marketing surveys. Awesome!

have you played the amazingnus that is this game!
the (in my opinion) soon to be spiritual sucsesser of the dungeon keeper franchise,it includes most hey game mechanics like creatures needing food rest and content, it also keeps the idea that your an anti hero fighting self rightous heros and lords of the land!

the game is in beta so its glitch freindly and crash freindly! war for the overworld may have a twenty dollar price tag, (i think)but for a room buiolding game thats already fun and still in beta makes you of how minecraft was still alot of fun in beta!


8/10

War For The Overworld is still in development but it is clearly going to succeed as the spiritual successor to the Dungeon Keeper series. We finally have a reason to uninstall DK1/2. That is assuming you've finished the campaigns a few dozen times already.