Codemasters has signed Overlord, an original next-generation title from developer Triumph Studios, whose pedigree includes the award-winning strategy series Age of Wonders.

Overlord is a groundbreaking action adventure set in a twisted fantasy world. Scheduled for a summer 2007 release, Overlord will launch exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PC.

Taking control of a mysterious figure that has inherited the legacy of the long-dead evil Overlord, the player emerges near death from the ruins of the old Overlord’s Dark Tower. Only the player’s actions will determine if they will rise to become the new all-powerful Overlord; it’s all up to how bad they want to be in order to succeed… evil or really evil! With a dark sense of humor, the game will immerse players in twisted parodies of classic fantasy stories and characters.

Overlord introduces a unique game play innovation – the Minions, an army of impish creatures that will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and die for their new Overlord. Throughout the game players will actively control a horde of these gremlin-like creatures that will follow every bidding no matter how whimsical or life threatening it may be.

“Overlord offers a wealth of freedom and allows players to experience classic fantasy like never before,” said Lennart Sas, director at Triumph Studios. “Working with the minions, players can loot and pillage their way through the game’s world or maybe resist the temptations of evil. In Overlord, player choices truly shape the world.”

“Overlord comes loaded with innovative and compelling game mechanics wrapped in a scenario that plays out with plenty of dark humor,” said Barry Jafrato, Senior VP of Brand for Codemasters. “We’re delighted to be working with Triumph on the title, bringing something fresh and original to next-generation gamers.”

With more details on this unique game coming over the course of its development, Codemasters will publish Overlord for Xbox 360 and PC in summer 2007.