Black and White

Electronic Arts

PC, Due by Christmas

Review: PeterEley

For a game with such wonderful graphics, Black and White seems a surprisingly colourless name. It doesn't have anything to do with the visual aspect of the game, but its nature.

For Black and White is all about the choice between good and evil. Somewhat amorally, players can choose to play as a good character or bad — a bit like tackling Diablo from the Devil's perspective.

There aren't any shades of grey here. If you're good, you're really bad, and if you're bad ... well, it is a lot of fun. The game is very much in development, but test versions are spectacular, pushing the graphical envelope closer and closer to full video quality.

Black and White is set in the mythical world of Eden, and the playable character is that of a minor deity who wants to become the supreme god. He loves to intervene in human affairs, and there are several civilisations in the game to interact with.

A lot of the game is typical role-playing, but its super graphics, depth and controversial storyline may well make it stand out in a crowded market.