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Developer:
Lionhead Studios
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Release Date:
Late 1999/Early 2000
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By Ron Dulin
Page 1 of 5
Black and White comes from the mind of Peter Molyneux, cofounder of Bullfrog Productions and creator of such acclaimed games as Populous, Magic Carpet, Powermonger, Syndicate, Theme Park, and Dungeon Keeper. Now at Lionhead Studios, Molyneux hopes to continue his tradition of unique games. His newest game, Black and White, promises to do just that.
The most striking thing about Lionhead Studios' upcoming Black and White is how far off base the title is. This is not a game about duality. Lionhead is crafting a strategy game that, while ostensibly about good and evil, promises to reflect each individual player's unique approach. Philosophically and technologically, Black and White is a game about varying shades of gray.
Like earlier Molyneux games, Black and White will let you terrorize a peaceful land |
On paper, the game is an amalgamation of almost every game he's done before. You can influence and dominate groups of people through indirect means. You have a wide range of magic spells at your disposal. And it's technologically impressive. Because of these components, Black and White could be seen as just a modern extension of Populous or an outdoor version of Dungeon Keeper. But this system is only the backdrop for the real point of the game: raising creatures that serve as your alter ego in the game, playing along with you, doing your bidding, and learning from your actions.
Black and White will also attempt to create an environment that represents your playing style. Treat your creature well, and it will be a proud, gallant beast. Treat it cruelly, and it will become a terrifying monster of destruction. The land itself will reflect your style as well. Beat your followers into submission, and the land will start to crack and the local foliage will wither and blacken. Gain their respect through magnanimous deeds, and the land will be green and thriving. Either route is encouraged, as is any combination of the two.
Black and White looks to be Molyneux's most ambitious game to date, attempting to create a more complex breed of strategy game.
Next: The World and Its Denizens
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