For those not up to date with the computer game world. BLACK AND WHITE is the new game on the block; it’s the new GOLDENEYE (as far as popularity goes). You can also play on line! In this game you are GOD and you have to nurture and show you care for your world. You have a creature that can help you solve the problems you receive (no world is perfect) but he also has to be cared for and trained like you would any creature.
I am not a huge fan of computer games, but this has me hooked. You begin your god life with just one village that believes in you, and a temple in which shows how you are doing. There are other, more powerful gods around. You are trained, by a “GOOD guy” and “EVIL guy”, on how to use the controls and are given a choice of creature (a cow, ape and a tiger) I chose the ape, as it is quick to learn, affectionately calling it MONKEY (yes I know monkeys aren’t apes – I’ve seen the film!!) You have tasks to complete in your Eden for which you are rewarded with different objects that will help you; one is a ball for Monkey to play with. Others are usually “MIRACLES” such as miracle water, wood, food, etc. You are expected to show Monkey the ropes by stroking him or slapping him and are given a “training lead” for him to remember things. (Eventually you are given a “fluffy lead”, and an “anger lead”, self-explanatory).
You can make villagers DECIPLES (disciple builder, breeder, craftsman, etc) and there is also an option to make disciples missionaries, which you send off to villages which have no faith in you but you could rule them with the help of the missionaries, performance of miracles to impress them, helping them expand by offering them SCAFOLDS to build houses and also throwing stones impress them (strange!). With the help of Monkey, you work your way around the new world trying to get as much belief as possible so you become stronger and able to perform miracles for the demanding villages.
The game consists of 5 acts and therefore has a small scenario... But once the game finished you will still have the pleasure to see your creature growing and evolving by playing some crazy multiplayer games or playing on your own against the computer.
The down sides to this game are to controls, they are difficult to use if you are stressed, for example when Monkey is in a fight with an opposing creature and you have to help him out, or create a miracle as quickly as possible. I get my boyfriend to work the controls and I tell him what to do! Another downside is addictiveness, you will find yourself playing for three hours in a row and not realise it. The game has also caused arguments between my boyfriend and myself because of what we would call more important – Monkey or the villages you decide!
Lots of improvements are also available on Internet. The patch 1.1 has been released not long ago. It corrects some bugs and allows the player now to begin the game by choosing directly his creature, or to directly begin at the level 2, (the level 1 being a tutorial, it was indeed a bit boring to have to waist one hour of game just to finish this level if you already had played before). Other improvements have been added such as the possibility:
- To hear the thoughts of your people.
- Of using Winamp in the game and listening to your mp3 while playing and as well seeing the creature dancing on some funky rhythms
- To create a football stadium where your villagers can relax or play against the inhabitants of the other villages.
All these patchs and updatess are available for free on the official site of the game.
Please remember, MONKEY IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST CHRISTMAS!
website: www.blackandwhite.ea.com
More details
Addictiveness
Very hard to stop playing
Originality
Good
Value for money
Excellent value
Longevity/Expected Longevity
ongoing
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