Overlord II, the sequel to the comic dark fantasy game Overlord, offers players the chance to play as a dark Overlord who leads armies of minions against the human Glorious Empire. The Empire is not a force for good, as its leaders are trying to eliminate all magic users. The game follows the Overlord from his childhood to becoming a mighty dark knight resembling Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.

To conquer and become a powerful dark lord, the Overlord must commit vile deeds, such as slaughtering baby seals. The minions at the Overlord's command develop into more powerful and deadly creatures, attacking the enemy in large hordes. Overlord II is not a strategy game, as players only directly control the Overlord himself, with the minions commanded through his orders.

Overlord II is well-known for its humor, with puns and parodies on villains and other fantasy tropes, such as elves and fairies. The goblin minions are playful and the Danny-Elfman-esque music echoes in the background.