Black and Blue?
Black and White is a new game for PC computer systems from Electronic Arts. I had seen and heard a lot of hype about it before its release and numerous push-backs. When it finally did arrive on store shelves I was skeptical about it because normally when products keep getting delayed there is some sort of major problem with them.....but not here, oh no, not here at all.

Supreme Being
Black & White is one of the best games I have ever played, and I only got it three days ago! In the game you play God or some sort of supreme being ruling over a world. In this way it is a lot like one of my other favorite games The Sims (think I have a God-complex?), but it is different in that here you are actually acknowledged as the supreme being on-screen. You even have a hand by which you can move the world around!

Demi-Gods
As the Supreme Being you have an animal/demi-god do your bidding. You choose which animal you want to represent you at the beginning of the game from a list of three; either a tiger, monkey, or cow. Now these aren't normal animals, these are huge demi-god beasts that grow and change with time. Depending on which you choose (the tiger is aggressive and powerful, the monkey is smart, and the cow is docile) and how you rule with them, your world with its citizens will be transformed. There are other animals available, or so I hear, on the internet I believe at www.planetblackandwhite.com, though I have yet to go there.

Black and White
The title of the game refers to how you do your bidding as the Supreme Being. You can either rule your world through your animal with kindness and giving (White), or evil deeds and malice (Black). Neither way is presented as the "right way" and I suggest choosing which ever way you feel would get things accomplished best, and reflects your personality most. Doing good things such as casting spells to heal and performing miracles can win you followers, however scaring people and eating the occasional one may also make sure no one loses faith in you. This game is kind of like the Crusades in that way, your job is to convert as many people as possible into believing in you as the Supreme Being and worshiping you. There are other demi-gods fighting for the people's belief out there on the planet, and you must try to over come them, and maybe even have your animal fight them.

Controls
The unique controls for this are great, but very tricky to learn at first. As the Supreme Being, you can have an onscreen hand that moves the land, or picks things up etc... You can also use this hand to cast spells via your animal by creating a circular motion with the mouse, or do it using keyboard shortcuts if you prefer. I really recommend learning to use the hand/mouse controls, cause then the game really feels like you are involved in it, which is something you don't get often, and is really neat.

Graphics and Go Get It
The graphics are stunning in this game. A full 3D world for you to exploit or enjoy. When playing, you'll lose yourself in the realness of this strange new world of pixels. I don't want to give away any more about the game, and frankly I am still learning a lot more. I'm going to play it right now, and I really suggest you go and get it. It takes a fair amount of computing power to run, but no more so then today other hit games. Go get it if you like games like The Sims or the old classic Populus, or if you are just looking for a new great game. You won't be disappointed.

Recommended: Yes