-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
________ _______
/ \ | \
| __ | __ __ ____ ___ ___ ___ ___ | __ \
| / \ | \ \ / / |/ | \ | | / \ | \ | / \ |
| \__/ | \ \_/ / |\_ |__/ | | | O | |__/ | \__/ |
| | \ | / |/ |\ | |__ | O | |\ | /
\________/ \_/ |\__ | \ |____| \___/ | \ |______/
FAQ/Strategy Guide
>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==
For Nintendo NES
Version Final
By Chris Zawada
User: antseezee
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.z-wad.com
Created: 03/28/04
Last Update: 03/10/11
Copyright 2011 Chris Zawada
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
Author's Note
----------------------------
Real-time strategy games were never a popular genre back in the day, heck,
they barely existed. Not until games like Command & Conquer, or Starcraft, did
we see a boost in popularity of this exciting genre. Overlord is actually one
of the earlier games which resembles an RTS-type game quite exclusively, and
it's on an older primitive system. Not only that, but the game is basically
strategy elements molded together to form a fairly exciting title of managing
planets, conquering fellow resources, and upkeeping your power across a
planetary system. Never have we seen a game like this on the NES, or any older
system for this matter. The following guide will provide you with a better
understanding of the game, functions of certain items, and ways to complete
the game.
Contributing/Feedback
----------------------------
If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have
added to the guide, contact me via e-mail or on GameFAQs. I'll be more than
content to add your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If
you have any questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask.
I simply don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me
with what you want to know!
Updates
----------------------------
=03/10/11= vFinal
Final update.
=12/31/05= v Final
Final update for this guide. Not much more I can add for this game. Most of the
scenarios you were tossed into had random formalities and unpredictable events.
=03/31/04= v1.0
Added more strategies, key tips, and details. Will submit again tonight.
=03/30/04= v1.0
Finished the FAQ. It's 100% complete. Not as large as I was hoping for it to
be, but helpful to anyone out there who doesn't understand the game.
=03/28/04= v1.0
Started the FAQ. This is one of my secret projects. Planning to complete it
within a week.
============================
- Table of Contents -
============================
1) Introduction
2) Game Basics
> Controls
> Game HUD
> Planets/Systems
> Crafts
> War
3) Strategies
> Various
> Build Orders
4) Codes
5) Common Questions
6) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines
7) Proper Credits
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 1) Introduction -
============================
Real-time strategy games on primitive systems are like trying to eat bananas
with their skin still on - NOT pleasing. There simply wasn't enough graphical
power, the controls would be cramped (unlike the PC with its comfortable
keyboard/mouse), and none of them were exciting. Until the innovations of Sim
City, and games alike, the genre was pretty much in the dark age. Overlord is
an RTS game, that enforces futuristic views of planetary colonization. You're
basically warped off to a foreign solar system where various races are
fighting for colonization of the universe. The enemy does not want you to
advance any further, but it's your goal to conquer their base and the planet
system. In doing so, your fleet will be able to reap benefits from each of the
planets, provide greater living space for your people, and multiply your
military power throughout the universe.
As for the actual game itself, Overlord is similar to a computer itself. Most
of the game action takes place by clicking small buttons (with an
interchangeable mouse icon). Each button usually serves a function, such as
purchasing news ships, war-time devices, and transporting supplies. If you go
to war with the enemy, you'll be warped to a special screen where you must
nail down opposing rockets and oncoming ships. If your defense is too weak (or
you don't have the firepower to retaliate), you'll easily be crushed, and it
shall be game over. Surprisingly, Overlord is a decently great strategy game
if you know what the heck you're doing. Most people don't, which is why it
suffers in return.
Here's a brief excerpt from the instruction manual (credit to Virgin):
_ _
^*^ YOUR OBJECTIVE IN OVERLORD ^*^
Epsilon is a galaxy that contains four barren planet systems, called Hitotsu,
Futatsu, Mittsu, and Yottsu. You have been sent by the leaders of the Galactic
Federation to colonize these barren planets for the human race. After months
of hard work, you have established a Starbase in each of the four planet
systems. And so has Rorn, the overall leader of a merciless alien race.
Your ultimate objective is to become supreme ruler of each of the four planet
systems, defeating Rorn's three allies and Rorn himself in the final showdown.
Total victory will be yours if you gain control of the alien base located at
the opposite end of each of the four planet systems found in Overlord. To win,
you need to be an expert military commander, a brilliant manager of economic
resources, and a player with fast reactions. To lose, you just have to allow
your enemy to invade your Starbase...
----------------------------
_____________________
##### GAME INFO #####
//////////|\\\\\\\\\\
Players: 1
Developer: Virgin Interactive
Released: 1992
Rarity: rare
Special Features: Internal Battery Save
Cover Art on box:
- Shows human raising fist on a conquered canyon that overlooks a barren
wasteland
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 2) Game Basics -
============================
The NES controller isn't exactly the perfect match when it comes to strategy
games. Thankfully, Virgin designed the game so that you really don't have to
control a lone mouse around the screen. Instead, by simply pressing
directions, the mouse icon will scroll to the closest available
logo/selection. Combine this with a simple confirm/reject scheme (A or B), and
you've got yourself a fairly easy game to control. The only problem is
actually understanding the game.
KEY representation for each button:
A = A button (red)
B = B button (red)
Control Pad = control pad (black, left)
START = start button (black, center)
SELECT = select button (black, center)
______________
/Game Controls/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
START - pauses game, press SELECT to save
SELECT - alternates between difficulties on main screen
A - confirms selection
B - rejects selection, goes back to previous selection from
main menu
Control Pad - navigates through menus
A + Control Pad - hold down A, then scroll up/down, left/right through
available options, vehicles, etc...
_________
/Game HUD/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
One of the most difficult problems with Overlord is getting use to the
interace and their functions. The following section will briefly picture out
the function of each icon on the screen, and will go into slight detail. The
powers of each are discussed in later sections.
__ __
/+| MAIN MENU |+\
_________________________________________
| / \ | | | |
| / \ | |City Display| |
| / \ | | [2] | |
|/ Planet System \| |____________| |
| Display | | * * *| |
| | | Home [3] | |
| [1] | | Button | |
|\ /|___|____________|_|
| \ / |[A]|[B]|[C]|[D]|##|
| \ / |___|___|___|___|##|
| \ / |[E]|[F]|[G]|[H]|##|
|____\____________/____|___|___|___|___|##|
| | | GAME |
| PLANET [4] | TEXT BOX |CLOCK |
| CURSOR | [5] | [6] |
|____________|_____________________|______|
[1] - This shows the entire Planet System, with your home Starbase at the
bottom, neutral planets rotating in the center, and your opponent's
planet up top (red). You may select this screen, and scroll through
each of the planets by pressing A + direction.
[2] - Shows a picture status of what is happening upon the selected planet.
Different pictures represent acute meanings. They're described later.
[3] - Allows you to quickly bring your selected planet cursor back to the
home Starbase, rather than manually shifting it yourself.
[4] - Shows which numbered planet in the system is currently selected.
[5] - Displays most default text messages, commands, and in-game prompts.
Read it for important information relating to statistics, accepting/
rejecting commands, and so on.
[6] - Shows the current game time of your game. The number on the right is
the year, with the number on the left representing a certain day. Time
rolls by fast, with usually five seconds to a day.
[A] - Atmosphere Processor Icon -> let's you send an AP to the selected
planet, allows you to form a suitable
atmosphere for your humans to live on,
necessary to use to colonize a planet
[B] - Cargo Bay Icon -> let's you load up ships, refuel, or prepare ships
with a crew, all ships must be prepped with human
crews, otherwise they will not launch, some will
require refuelings to be used again
[C] - Navigation Icon -> the actual menu which let's you send out ships,
you may also set their destinations
[D] - Government Icon -> gives you the ability to view the economic
conditions of each planet. Let's you see the growth
of your planet, along with resources, and the chance
to set your flowing tax rate
[E] - Spying Icon -> gives you the ability to spy on opposing planets once
you've opted to war
[F] - Commence Battle Icon -> your Battlecruiser (special craft) must be
orbitting the targeted planet. Click this to
start the attack on the opposing planet, and
essentially go into combat
[G] - War Buy Icon -> let's you purchase military equipment for defending/
attacking enemies. You can violate the federation's
policy by purchasing these items, unless you're
provoked into war
[H] - Craft Buy Icon -> let's you purchase various craft, which each have
useful purposes. Most craft are used to increase
the production out of planets, while others might
serve military purposes
__________________
/Planets & Systems/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Most of Overlord is basically split into four different categories - better
known as systems. Inside each system is a set of planets which you can use for
expanding your own territory, gaining resources, or building up your supply
lines. The more planets you conquer (and protect), the more power you receive
in the long run. This section will describe the four primary systems in the
game, along with individual characteristics of planets.
- After you press START at the main menu, you must select from four different
systems. Each are basically a way of measuring difficulty (easy, normal, hard,
very hard). The more planets - the tougher it shall be. Computer AI tends to
be more aggressive on higher ones as well.
__ __
/#/ Hitotsu /#/ [8 Planets] = (Alien with a sword picture)
/#/ /#/ - Very easy. Similar to training missions in most modern
games. The CPU is fairly neutral, doesn't seem to be a
powerhouse, and you'll have the upper hand in this match-
up. You're limited to Class B ships (weaker).
__ __
/#/ Futatsu /#/ [16 Planets] = (Larger Alien with gun picture)
/#/ /#/ - Tougher. The computer is actually fairly aggressive, can
build military strongholds, and understands the game. You
and the CPU have access to all ships except Class A's.
__ __
/#/ Mittsu /#/ [24 Planets] = (Alien's Face with gun picture)
/#/ /#/ - The CPU is much tougher, and they act similar to a veteran
of war. Resource management is much more critical, and you
can purchase all ships except Mining Station A, and Battle
Cruiser A.
__ __
/#/ Yottsu /#/ [32 Planets] = (Dark Red Skull Face picture)
/#/ /#/ - The ultimate difficulty for any player who dares the CPU.
The numerous amounts of planets means you'll have to do
lots of point-n-click managing, along with a plethora of
cargo transfers from Starbase. You can however purchase
any ship in the game, of course, you're taking on the
evil alien empire.
Near the beginning of the game, before you can take any planets, you have
to "process" their atmospheres so it is suitable for life. To do so, you must
first purchase an Atmosphere Processor from the Buy Craft screen. Refer to the
above HUD layout to find where it is. Once there, purchase it for roughly
around 27,000 credits. Then, go to the Docking Bay, prepare the ship with a
crew, and now pick a target destination. I usually pick the nearest planet.
From here on, you can send the ship out. Once it reaches the surface of the
planet, it takes 15 days to process an atmosphere. This is basically HOW you
colonize planets in the game.
- You only need ONE Atmosphere Processor throughout the game. You can just
send it to the next planet after it's done.
When navigating through the list of planets on screen, you'll notice that the
picture showing the planet's surface changes. Each screen has a specific
meaning:
RED => Enemy colony presently here
GREEN => Friendly colony presently here
GRAY => No presence currently here
BLUE => Atmosphere Processor is currently here
There are also special screens which represent certain "qualities" that the
planet represents. It is IMPERATIVE to understand what each of these stands
for. You can greatly multiply the production of a certain resource by sending
the right cultivation craft to the correct planets:
~STARBASE
[Picture of City near a water source]
"This is the key stronghold of your presence in the system. Do not let this
location be caught at any circumstance, or it's game over."
~METROPOLIS
[Picture of City]
"This is an established city on one of the expanded planets in your system.
These usually yield higher tax returns, which means you can net more credits
out of them."
~UNFORMATTED
[Picture of barren gray moon surface]
"Nothing exists here. It must be processed with an Atmosphere Processor."
~DESERT
[Picture of dry desert]
"Particularly hotter environment than usual. Send out Solar Satellites to
orbit the planet to yield more energy."
~FORMATTING
[Picture of moon surface with large rock]
"Atmosphere Processor is currently on the surface cultivating the environment.
However, you DO NOT know if it's yours, or the enemy's."
~TROPICAL
[Picture of forest]
"Farming Stations planted here will greatly increase food production."
~VOLCANIC
[Picture of lava surface]
"Mining Stations planted here will greatly increase fuel production."
~CLASSIFIED
[Picture of clenched fist]
"Your opponent has established a living colony here. It's nukem time."
__________
/Resources/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Before you can exactly become leader of the universe, it's necessary to
understand certain elements which let you create the all-powerful military, or
dominate society. Resources are where governments get their sources for
creating items, or paying for specific tasks. Resource management is a key
tool in surviving through Overlord. Running out of food to feed your people
during the middle of an invasion, will only hamper your capabilities in the
long run. Resources are primarily split into several categories, of which
planets produce, or your population themselves.
_______________________________________________________________
| Type | Effect |
|==================|============================================|
| CREDITS | basic monetary unit of the planets, this is|
| | a necessity as you must purchase crafts, |
| | and items to assist your colonies. |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Each planet produces credits based on a tax rate which all |
| citizens pay. You can increase the Tax Rate via the Government|
| Screen, but it also penalizes you by denouncing reproduction, |
| and growth. |
|===============================================================|
| FOOD | this is necessary to feed the people of |
| | planet, each day you will lose food. |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Each planet produces food at a fairly slow rate - usually less|
| than your population's consumption rate. You can increase food|
| production by putting Farming Stations on your planets. If you|
| are running out of food, you can transport some from another |
| planet via a Cargo Ship, or increase the tax rate to lessen |
| your population growth (lower the population). |
|===============================================================|
| PEOPLE | these are the citizens of your colonies |
| | that drive crafts, and pay tax rates. |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Each planet has a Population Growth, which is a percent of the|
| regular population that spawns each day. Since people provide |
| you with credits, the more people means more money comes in. |
| The disadvantage is that you have to get more food to combat |
| the surge of population. The hardest part is finding a balance|
| between the two. |
|===============================================================|
| ENERGY | this is the basic "fuel" of your structures|
| | that thrive on the surface (mining, farming|
| | stations). |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| The only way to generate energy is to place Solar Satellites |
| in orbit around each planet. Since energy is used for land |
| structures, this becomes one of the most important resources |
| later in the game, when you're trying to maximize your overall|
| production/population. |
|===============================================================|
| FUEL | this is the primary energy that your crafts|
| | need to fly in the skies. |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Ship crafts eventually run out of fuel when used so many |
| times. Fuel is used to replenish their supply. Fuel can only |
| be generated via Mining Stations. Fuel is not needed for solar|
| satellites, or Atmosphere Processors. |
|===============================================================|
- The tax rate is a percentage of which your people must pay tribute to your
government via credits. Higher tax rates means people will despise you more,
and population growth will decrease. Rebellions are also possible, so be
careful. However, it means more money will come in. Lower tax rates promote
growth, but also yield less credits. The default tax rate is 25%. It can be
altered via the Government Screen.
_______
/Crafts/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Before you can go out colonizing the universe, another key element comes into
play. Crafts are vehicles, special structures, and practically your
accessories in Overlord which make everything possible. Crafts allow you to
build military units to combat your enemy, buildings to utilize resources on a
planet, and ways of keeping everything mobile. The only unfortunate
disadvantage to crafts is that they require credits to be produced. Some
crafts require fuel, along with energy to serve their useful purpose. You are
limited to 32 units of each craft in the game, with the exception of the
Atmosphere Processor, in which you only need one. The following section will
describe crafts and their details.
____________________________
['\ ATMOSPHERE PROCESSOR /']
|==========================|
Function: formats planets Fuel: no consumption
Best used: desolate surfaces Crew: none
Cost: 27,000 credits
- This is necessary before you can even send craft to planets. Basically
creates a living environment out of nothing. Takes 15 days to process any
planet, and can be used again for future planets.
________________________
['\ SOLAR SATELLITES /']
|======================|
Function: generates energy Fuel: no consumption
Best used: Desert Terrain Crew: none
Cost: Version A (1,550 credits)
Version B (975 credits, half as powerful)
- Basically generates energy to the planet's storehouse (depending on which
one it is orbitting). Does not require a docking bay to be produced, but is
automatically shot into orbit.
________________________
['\ FARMING STATIONS /']
|======================|
Function: generates food Fuel: necessary
Best used: Tropical Terrain Crew: necessary
Cost: Version A (22,000 credits)
Version B (13,000 credits, less powerful)
- Basically generates food to the planet's storehouse of which one it is on
the surface of. It is automatically shipped to the Starbase Docking Bay.
You'll find these useful later on as you try to increase your overall
populations.
_______________________
['\ MINING STATIONS /']
|=====================|
Function: generates fuel Fuel: necessary
Best used: Lava Terrain Crew: necessary
Cost: Version A (26,000 credits)
Version B (17,000 credits, less powerful)
- Basically generates fuel to the planet's storehouse. It is automatically
shipped to your Starbase Docking Bay, and must be moved manually to the
surface of a planet. These are useful early on in the game, and necessary for
military invasions when you need fuel on certain colonies.
______________________
['\ CARGO CRUISERS /']
|====================|
Function: transport resources Fuel: necessary
Best used: transportation Crew: necessary
Cost: Version A (27,000 credits)
Version B (15,500 credits, less room)
- These are critical to the success of resource management. You'll find it
extremely useful to travel these ships to planets that produce specialty goods
(fuel or excessive food), then move the resource to a planet in need of it.
This way, you can balance resources out. It also requires a lot of manual work.
_______________________
['\ BATTLE CRUISERS /']
|=====================|
Function: transports war equipment Fuel: very necessary
Best used: military invasion Crew: necessary
Cost: Version A (30,000 credits)
Version B (20,000 credits, less capacity)
- This permits you to use the "military" techniques of the game, and also to
ship your war equipment out. Pretty much you're only way of gaining any
military capabilities in the game. You place war-purchased units inside the
Battlecruiser at your Starbase, then ship them off all together.
____
/War/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is probably the most exciting aspect of Overlord, as energetic as it may
sound. The only way to actually win the game is to take over your opponent's
enemy base, which can only be accomplished by building a Battle Cruier, and
military force. Thus, war is absolutely necessary if you want to win the game.
The following section will briefly describe how war works, along with
necessary unit descriptions.
- To go to war, you must first purchase a Battle Cruier spacecraft. This will
carry all of your war equipment to the noted destination. When you arrive at
that planet (with your loaded equipment), you may hit an Attack button that
shifts to combat mode. Combat mode is basically similar to arcade shooters
where you must nail down opponents (if on defense), or attack complexes (if on
offense). You can take damage, which can be repaired by purchasing newer
units. However, units may only be purchased when a Battle Cruier is DOCKED at
your STARBASE. This can be in a pain in the arse if you're assaulting force is
crushed, and you're forced to retreat just to re-equip.
- On defense, you can build three different types of defenses. Each has their
own advantages, and disadvantages. They will be listed a tad further on.
- To repair units (after they have suffered damage), simply buy a new one. The
cost will be much less, and you'll only have to pay a fraction of the cost to
repair (based on the % of damage).
OFFENSE:
- Once you get your Battle Cruiser hovering above the opposing planet, click
the Attack Button to launch the attack. The game will move to combat mode. You
have to guide several missiles past the enemy defenses and hit their targets
on ground level. If you manage to destroy all targets on ground level before
you run out of ammo, then you will be successful (and take control of the
colony). Tap A to fire the thin missiles from the Battle Cruiser. Remember
that you must purchase missiles seperately as a war unit, and you can stack
them multiple times. If you fail, you will lose your Battle Cruiser along with
all armaments in possession.
-> You may also guide the Hover Tank using the control pad, and pressing A to
fire single bullets.
___________________
['\ HOVER TANKS /']
|====================|
Function: attack unit
Best used: versatile attacks
Cost: 15,000 credits
- These are one of the more critical offensive units you'll get in the game.
Unfortunately, the useful mobileness of the Hover Tank is often canceled out
because of how hard it is to control. This is basically a mobile vehicle
(controlled by the control pad, A to fire tank shells) which can be used on
attacks. You may only own one at a time. As I said before, it's hard to get
use to controlling it, and probably not worth the high cost.
_______________________
['\ HOMING MISSILES /']
|=====================|
Function: attack projectile
Best used: targeted attacks
Cost: 6,000 credits (for 3)
- These are very useful on attacks. You can guide them in, then they'll seek
to the closest building once in close proximity. Better as they don't rely
upon human accuracy (despite a slightly higher cost). Can be steered manually.
__________________________
['\ BALLISTIC MISSILES /']
|========================|
Function: attack projectile
Best used: general attacks
Cost: 4,000 credits (for 5)
- Your typical missile. Fueled for propulsion, and capable of being directed
at targets. They lack the mobility of homing missiles, but still pack a
powerful punch upon touchdown. Stack up as many of these as possible. Moves in
a straight path.
DEFENSE:
- Once you're BC is built, you may then start to build defensive units for
each planet. There are three different types. Each of them have distinct
advantages, such as wider firing ranges, but they also suffer from time gaps
between shots, or costy repairs. Up to 3 may be built on each planet, but of
only one type.
______________________
['\ LIGHTNING BASE /']
|====================|
Function: defensive unit
Best used: wide ranged defense
Cost: 20,000 credits
- This is pretty much the backbone of every strong defense throughout the
planetary systems. Lightning Bases send out a large blue cloud of electric
charges which destroy any projectiles that come within range. The great thing
is that the cloud gets a nice chunky radius, which means most of your
opponents will rarely get a chance to hit the base. The only problem is that
there's a timed interval between attacks, as it recharges.
_____________________
['\ PLASMA CANNON /']
|===================|
Function: defensive unit
Best used: concentrated defense
Cost: 25,000 credits
- The best possible unit you can get for providing a stable defense. The
plasma cannon allows you to aim with a crosshair and shoot down missiles
manually, rather than relying upon computer behaviors. This is great as YOU
have control of what can break through. The only disadvantage is that a slow
trigger finger will bring upon your death.
_______________________
['\ POM-POM CANNONS /']
|=====================|
Function: defensive barrage
Best used: interval defense
Cost: 15,000 credits
- Not too great. This sends down an array of firepower in front of the enemy
defenses which basically destroys anything that hits the barrier. However,
it's like dropping bombs from an airplane, and they usually fail to hit any
targets. Just a bunch of random firings, in a typical fashion.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 3) Strategies -
============================
Everything about real-time strategy games is...Strategy. It's an essential
ability which must be mastered to full potential if you plan on defeating the
opponent. Before you can perform all of the master tactics in Overlord, it's
best to understand an order of operations as to how the game works. The
following section will describe some brief strategies to mastering your
gameplay abilities.
_____________
/Starting Off/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Most people tend to have trouble when it comes to starting off their colonies,
or the beginning of the game for that matter. Here's the best procedure:
_____________________________
|Purchase Atmosphere Processor|
\-----------------------------/
________|_________
|Process one planet|
- Once you've done that, check out the new terrain of the planet. Depending on
what it is, build a station (or structure) appropriate to the setting. Let's
say for example that you turn up a lava-filled planet. Immediately build a
mining station, prepare the crew for the ship, then send it off to the
colonized planet. Have it set down, and start reaping out benefits. For new
planets, I usually lower the tax rate to 20%, wait till you get 5,000+ people,
then quickly raise it to 35%. You DO NOT want your food consumption to be
decreasing at a steady rate.
- From here on, I usually enjoy doing the "hip-skotch" procedure to colonize
more planets. Basically, rather than colonizing planets 1, 2, & 3 - you would
go 1, 2, then skip to 4, 6, and backtrack. The idea is to get some expansion
towards the enemy, but fill in the gaps in between you. Remember that you
don't have to go in order. You could invade the planet next to the opposing
enemy. It's just that it would take awhile to send over military
reinforcements.
[1] <-- Avoid being predictable on higher
/ /\ difficulties. Mix it up a bit when
________ / / \ colonizing to catch the CPU off guard.
|STARBASE|-----[3] [5]
\ \
\ \
[2] [7]
____________________
/Resource Management/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Few key pointers:
-> New Colonies = set the Tax Rate to 20%
>> This will increase your population growth greatly, and
pretty much give you a quick-growing colony.
-> Modest Colonies = set the Tax Rate to 35%
>> Now the income starts to roll in, and growth will
even out. This will limit food consumption, and
give you enough time to save up, build a cargo
ship, and transfer food to the alternate planet.
-> Solar Energy = energy is very cheap to regenerate due to the low cost of
solar satellites (975 credits, class B). Try to orbit
them around as many planets as possible.
-> Food = try to build Farming Stations about halfway into the game.
Establish them on EVERY planet so you don't have to worry about
manually transmitting food between those foolish cargo crafts.
-> Fuel = about 30% of the planets you will encounter will have lava
terrain. Right when you notice the lava, quickly build one, land
it on the surface, reap up the fuel, and transfer it via a craft.
Remember that fuel is necessary when launching military attacks,
so try to get a mining station on your farthest outpost if
possible.
-> Credits = if you're in desperate need of money, raise the tax rates. If
you're struggling with low populations, scrap some spare ships
IF absolutely necessary.
___________________
/Attacking Colonies/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The most effective strategy I've seen is to basically perform a trap missile.
Here's how it works:
- Load up on several Homing Missiles, and plenty of Ballistic Missiles before
launching off for the attack. Once you're equipped, head off to orbit the
target planet. Once you're in orbit, launch the attack.
Here comes the tricky part. The idea is to fire a single ballistic missile to
lure your enemy to fire their defenses, then QUICKLY fire a homing missile (by
switching weapons), and watching it zoom through the time interval defenses.
Let me put it in simpler terms:
____________________________________
| | - Lure the enemy defenses into
| Enemy | firing by launching a single
| Installations | ballistic missile.
| |
| | - The enemy will then retaliate
| ^ <-- Ballistic | with a series of countermeasures.
| |
| * <-- Homing | - Quickly follow-up with the homing
| | missile by tapping B (to switch
| | weapons), then A. This has to be a
| | quick alternate attack (preferably
|____________________________________| one second).
___________________
/Late Game Problems/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Once you have a firm grasp of how Overlord works, the late-game difficulties
start to kick in. Two key conflicts stand within your way. The first problem
is that eventually military support will be necessary to defend your colonies.
Secondly, resource management will become a hassling problem that can only be
fixed by manual controls. First things first.
|-) Defending Colonies (-|
\ \
\ \
- It's best to build a Battle Cruiser about ten minutes into the game.
There's no need to quickly rush in, as military force is not necessary
until you attack first, or the enemy decides to. Wait a bit, and build
up your resources. Remember that you cannot build any defense or
offense units until you have a Battle Cruiser. Getting caught in the
middle of a war with no defenses can prove to be a hardening problem.
- If possible, try to build up at least one defensive measure on
colonies. If the colony is weak with no true financial benefit (aka
desert), then simply build a cheap defense. However, for your tropical
jungles, and metropolises, stack up several defensive units to
counteract any attack.
- If you decide to purchase the cheap Pom-Pom cannons, always try to
build two together. If purchasing the Plasma Cannon, simply buy one.
Two Pom-Poms can have about the same efficiency as a Plasma.
- Remember that you will lose EVERYTHING stationed at an attacked planet.
If you fear that you're going to lose a planet and its supplies,
quickly ship out all crafts, as many resources as possible, and raise
the tax rate extremely high. Scrap any ships if you have no where else
to place them. The idea is to lower the amount of plunders that your
opponent may sack.
- Note that if you build TOO many defensive structures inside a city,
citizens will rebel against your colony. Be weary to not get too
"military frenzied" when it comes to defense.
- If you desire, you can build a defense on a planet, then leave it alone
for quite some time. With established defenses, there is no need to
keep extra military units docked inside.
|-) Resource Problems (-|
\ \
\ \
- While you may understand HOW to solve certain resource problems, it's
usually easier said than done. The biggest resource flaw will be FOOD
regardless of how well of a manager you are. Food is the only constant
resource that is consumed, regardless of your population. I've found
that the most efficient way to fix this is to purchase a Cargo Ship,
establish a key planet for "food" production, and then ship out spare
supplies to neighboring colonies. Do the following:
1) Format nearby colonies UNTIL you find a tropical environment.
2) Buy a Farming Station (preferably class A), and plant it onto the
surface of the tropical environment.
3) Purchase a Cargo Ship, and then send it off to the tropical
planet. This will become your food planet, as I like to call it.
Go to the Government Screen, and set the tax rate for the Tropical
planet to somewhere high (50%+). The idea is to keep neutral
population growth (so you have more spare food), then load the
cargo ship, and send off the extra food to your neighboring
colonies. This is a MUCH cheaper approach than attempting to build
and plant Farming Stations on all of your colonies to improve
food growth.
4) Repeat the process, and keep controlling the food routes by
manually sending out cargo ships. Rather than spending
15,000 credits x 4 (for multiple Stations),
You can save money and let the planet stipulate the food
consumption for the rest of your planetary system.
- Another easier method of earning more food is to simply "push" people
out of your colony. Increase the Tax Rate via the Government Screen to
an exceeding amount (60%+), and people will start to flock out of the
city. This will lower your food consumption amount (although it will
keep going down until you counteract it with a Farming Station). Great
for a temporary solution to annoying problems.
- If slow money production seems to be a hampering problem, then perhaps
you're not expanding fast enough. Remember that you need to expand
in a controlled manner, so that you can build up defenses without
leaving an exposed colony. A general rule of thumb is to format a
planet, build up 1-2 structures based on the additional income,
then format another planet. In the meantime, focus on stabilizing the
colony's population growth and food production. You'll be surprised at
players who simply forget to alter the tax rate when starting a new
colony. Most colonies start off with 6% growth. This is simply too much
early on in the game. Increase the tax rate until you can effectively
control your food production, THEN lower the tax rate so the flood
gates open. Don't let the situation get out of control.
- Avoid Mining Stations until you have at least 5 crafts in your fleet.
Fuel isn't a necessity until you get transit routes (shipping
resources), and prepare for attacks with a Battle Cruiser. Each planet
usually starts off with a decent amount of fuel anyway. There's no
point in regenerating fuel if you're not using it at an expendable
rate.
|-) Waging War (-|
\ \
\ \
- When waging war, there are a few key elements you must understand.
First off, it's not necessary to simply rush the enemy's Starbase in
a desperate plea to win the game. You have to understand some key
combat strategies.
- CONCENTRATED ATTACKS: This type of attack works best with some extra
credits. This late in the game, your opponent should have a few key
colonies established within the region. Spy on one (besides the
Starbase), and keep spying until you discover a town with Tropical
terrain. Once you discover it, measure the amount of defenses, and
mass up for an assault on this target. Try to invade it all costs.
By knocking off key resource centers (lava/tropical regions), you
can effectively shut down the computer's source of income. Without
food, people will rebel, and the population will die off. This
basically causes an internal conflict that the CPU must deal with.
- If the opportunity rises, feel free to attack the enemy's Starbase.
The computer always places high priorities on defending the center,
and usually has three defenses implanted near the beginning of the
game. If you've weakened the structures during an attack, continue
to pummel them down. Remember that your ultimate objective is to
take their command center, not knock down all colonies.
- Too many people simply never build up defenses in their Starbase.
This should be a priority once a military threat is present, and
you have a Battle Cruiser. Otherwise, the enemy can sneak a spy in,
learn of the weak defense, and take over your Starbase without any
resistance.
- LINEAR FASHIONS DO NOT EXIST. Just because you have control of
planets 1, 2, and 3 does not mean the enemy cannot strike your
Starbase. This is a common misconception. As a matter of fact, you
or the CPU can target any inhabited planet within the system. Make
exclusive use of this feature. Mix your attacks up, but be weary
to establish your own defenses in every location. Sometimes you will
be uncovered in certain areas without any military support nearby.
- Keep stockpiling your rockets by bringing your Battle Cruiser back,
and purchasing War Goods as it is docked. Remember that you have
limited missiles. Also note down the maximum capacity of your cruiser,
depending on whether it is Class A or B.
_____________
/General Tips/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
+ Randomness +
"Every surrounding planet, and the environment have random settings. After
you select a specific system, random settings are generated per planet. Be
weary of this as nothing will be the same each time you play the game."
+ Save often +
"This cannot be stressed enough. After accomplishing all of that work, it
sucks to lose it all because you were too lazy to press START, then SELECT.
The game keeps track of your completed campaigns as well."
+ Patience +
"Overlord was never designed to be a quick rush-rush game like Starcraft or
Command & Conquer. You can (if you want) build a Battle Cruiser early on, and
attempt to invade the enemy base right off the bat. However, the CPU always
has built up defenses early on in the game. Also, don't rush to war. The enemy
will launch its own attack if you initiate violence first (or both sides are
provoked into war)."
+ Higher Difficulties +
"Sometimes the higher difficulties just rely upon pure luck. Depending on
the terrains of your surrounding planets, this can decide whether or not you
get decisive boosts in food, fuel, or energy. Focus more on defensive
protection, rather than taking down your enemy. On higher difficulties, the
CPU is quicker to building structures, already has a well-built military, and
is established within the region."
+ Spying +
"You can spy on opposing cities during times of war, usually for the cost of
at least 3,000 credits. I've never found it to be of much use as nearly half
the time your message will be intercepted, and your spies caught. It's useful
to see what's inside the enemy base, and what type of defenses are present.
However, other than that, you can probably conquest them without this useless
information."
_____________
/Build Orders/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
AP = Atmosphere Processor
BC = Battle Cruiser
= AGGRESSIVE =
[AP] -> [BC] -> Format 3-4 Planets -> [Build Defenses] -> [Build Stations]
-> Stabilize Resources -> [Solar Satellites] -> [Military Units]
This tactic is useful for those who want to get a step in the galaxy early on.
This gives you the military advantage early on, but you'll find credits hard
to come by. However, each established town is like a deeper step into the
ocean - you'll only strengthen your overall power. With established defenses,
and a slow (but progressive) approach, you should be able to overwhelm the CPU
within an hour at minimum.
= CONSERVATIVE =
[AP] -> Format 2-3 Planets -> [Build Stations] -> [Build Cargo Ship]
-> Transports Resources -> [BC] -> [Build Defenses] -> [Military Units]
-> Maximize military power -> [Attack Starbase]
This tactic is useful for those who want to become an economic power, then
build their way up. This is my preferred approach as it gives you plenty of
money early on, allows you to establish resource routes, and eventually become
a military superpower. The only weakness is that you are VERY susceptible to
losing the game early on. With no military units for the first 15 minutes,
provoking the enemy to war is NOT a good idea.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 4) Codes -
============================
Believe it or not, there are no official codes for this old-time strategy
game. Why would I include a section in the guide? Just in case. As far as I
know, there are no Game Genie, or input codes released by Virgin Interactive.
If there are any released though, I'll make sure to update them into the guide
in the future.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
=============================
- 5) Common Questions -
=============================
)) Gameplay ((
----------------------------
<< How come I cannot find the PC version of this game? >>
- You're probably looking for the wrong title. The PC version of this game is
actually entitled, "Supremacy", and is slightly different than the NES
version. I've personally never played the PC version, but from what I hear,
the NES version was just an exact port.
<< Are there any tidbit variables I can alter in the game? >>
- Yes, you can do several actions to actually alter the way your colonies
live. If you need a temporary solution to halting food consumption, raise the
tax rate high enough to cause for negative population growth. People will
leave your colony, which means less food is consumed. This also lowers your
credit production as well. Don't forget to use the "SEND ALL" function in the
government screen to relocate all credits back to the Starbase. Money is not
automatically stored in one vault, but rather via your seperate colonies. Make
sure you do this often so you can make much needed purchases. Note down that
crafts have to be prepared with crews each time you order them. Building
defensive weapons before going to war will break you off from the Alliance,
and also provokes your opponent to war.
<< The CPU spawns too fast. How do I prevent this? >>
- Spawn quicker. If you notice that the CPU out expands you, then chances are
you aren't going to win the game. Overlord relies heavily upon resources, as
everything is controlled by credits. You can gain credits at a faster rate by
owning more colonies, and controlling more planets. However, you have to
defend each city to prevent your enemy from taking them, along with managing
supplies on each. Use your atmosphere processor, and keep formatting planets.
Whatever you do though, don't format planets right into the enemy's hand. Try
to build one defensive structure per planet before moving onward.
<< How does this compare to other strategy games on the NES? >>
- As much as I'd like to say it absolutely rocks, it quite frankly doesn't.
Overlord, despite being a great attempt for a real-time strategy game, simply
suffers from a lack of action. Most gamers simply don't take great pride into
the entire theme of resource management, and constant colonization. Instead,
they'd rather for some booming military action, which happens to be a rarity
in the game. Most of the combat is very primitive, lacking any extreme detail
whatsoever. Not to mention that you usually have to spend at least one hour
for each campaign, before the gameplay time increases. With the lackluster NES
controller (despite simple controls), and the cramped interface, most gamers
will simply never enjoy Overlord to its full potential. Some better choices
for strategy games might be Nobunaga's Ambition and Pirates!
<< Is this game fairly rare? >>
- Actually, it's quite rare and hard to come by. It was released in 1992, near
the climax of the NES's success. Pile that with the fact that it was released
by Virgin (who was rarely known back in the day), and you've got yourself an
uncommon strategy game. Kind of hard to locate anywhere, except on eBay.
<< Is this really that much of a difficult game? >>
- It's probably one of the most unfriendly-interface games available on the
NES. While they did create a decent strategy game, their key mistake was that
they threw the player in unfamiliar territory. If you had not gone through the
instruction manual thoroughly before playing this game, you would have no idea
on how anything operates, or what to do.
<< Are there any other versions of this game? >>
- There's also a Commodore 64 version, and PC version (title is called
Supremacy). The PC versions are better since the whole mouse interface makes it
easier to control items.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
=====================================================
- 6) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines -
=====================================================
This FAQ/Strategy Guide/Walkthrough is my own published work, and copyrighted
by Christopher Zawada. Whatever you do, DO NOT edit this FAQ in any way. DO
NOT steal anything from this FAQ. If you want to use some information in your
own guide, simply ask me. If you want to place this guide on your website,
either link to the GameFAQs game page, or download the file and place it on
your own web server. Basically, you can post this on your website as long as
its in ORIGINAL form, and not linking directly to GameFAQs. Aside from that,
all proper credit is due when necessary. Also, don't even think about selling
FAQs. Trying to prosper off of other people's work will get you in big time
trouble (coming from an eBay seller myself).
This is a list of the current known sites that host my FAQs:
-
http://www.gamefaqs.com/
-
http://www.ign.com/
-
http://www.neoseeker.com/
-
http://www.cheatcc.com/
-
http://www.cheatplanet.com/
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 7) Proper Credit -
============================
I'd like to thank the following people for their help in making this FAQ
possible:
)) CJayC (( for constantly updating GameFAQs, and dedicating his entire life
to it. Takes a lot of effort to keep a site going this long.
)) Steve Begin (( for typing up an online text version of the instructions
manual for this game.
)) Virgin Interactive (( for creating a fairly interesting strategy game. Too
bad it doesn't appeal to the majority of people out there. At least it was
fairly ahead of its time...
)) GameFAQs Bounty Contest (( for putting a bounty on this game. I have to
admit it was fairly motivating in completing this guide.
"Some people make sacrifices to make other people happy." - Chris Zawada
