Codemasters is promising to bring minion mayhem to gamers this summer in Overlord, a game that gives players hordes of evil, gremlin-like critters and a peaceful land for them to reek havoc on. Additionally, Codemasters today released a new minion teaser video which is available for download now at www.codemasters.com/overlord . Created by Triumph Studios, Overlord is set to ship this summer for the Xbox 360 and the PC, and is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

In Overlord, the minions constitute the evil Overlord’s army and are the key gameplay mechanic. Completely and utterly loyal to him, minions will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and even die for their master. Their loyalty knows no limits and their bravery borders on stupidity, but with every bone in their odd little bodies, the minions will follow players’ commands no matter how despotic or life threatening they are. The minions can be controlled generally in two different ways: either by moving the horde as a group, or by independently firing them off like some destruction-crazed, reusable missiles. Players will be able to send individual minions to take on smaller jobs, or they can select a posse from their horde to take on bigger tasks.

As the Overlord grows more and more powerful and evil, the minions will grow as well, getting a bit more powerful and evil at the same time. Opportunists by nature, if they can rob an opponent of a mighty axe to wield themselves, or steal some armor to wear for protection, they will. Whether axes, knives, chef’s hats, pitchforks or even emptied out pumpkins, whatever the case is, minions aren’t fussy as long as it gives them the fighting edge. As the Overlord, players can amass an army of up to 50 minions (with hundreds more in reserve) made up of four different breeds:

Brown Minions – The Fighters. These are the strongest minions for combat. They will pick up dropped equipment from defeated foes and use it for themselves – pitchforks, severed unicorn horns and the like are some favorites.

Red Minions – The Fire Throwers. These minions are like archers who hurl blazing fireballs to defeat opponents from a distance. Also, immune to fire, they can clear dangerous paths for the Overlord and the rest of the horde.

Green Minions – The Assassins. These minions love their stealth attacks. They’ll try to get behind an enemy, jump on their back and then stab them viciously to death – great for ambushes. They’re also immune to poisoning and can turn rubbish left on the battlefield into upgrades.

Blue Minions – The Healers. These are the smartest of the minions, and the only ones who have the ability to swim. Blue minions can also resurrect fallen minions, and get them ready to join the fight once again.

Minions – use them tactically and these evil little comrades will always be there for their master, ready to sacrifice themselves and their lives in servitude to the Overlord.

Look for the game this summer.