ELECTRONIC ARTS - E3 2000

Electronic Arts (EA) had their typical booth this year.  Tons of sports games, a Need for Speed title, and lots of fans.  The big crowds were surrounding a game named "Black and White."  The game resembled Populous, but you have much more direct control as to what happens in the game.

EA's sports lineup looked better than ever.  With obvious influence from Sega sports games, EA was able to produce games that in some ways look better than the fantastic efforts of Sega.  For one, most of the games seen were being developed for the PSX 2, which is a more powerful machine... but is more difficult to program for.  Madden 2001 looked very promising, as well as a great looking FIFA soccer 2001.

Black and White - In development for well over a year now is Black and White.  Whenever I walked by the demo area for this game I always saw these giant animals roaming around, so I talked with one of the designers to get the low-down and see what else the game had to offer.  Basically, there are many mini-quests that you can partake in.  As a God, you have the ability to influence your people by performing acts of goodness, or by fear.  There is no right or wrong, it's whatever you want to do.  These giant animals are used to create awe in your followers so that they will worship you.  If you want your people to recognize your greatness, just have your beast eat some villagers or destroy a building and they'll react.  You also have to watch out for the other Gods in the game, because they will want your people too.  In the end, you will have to win over all the other humans in the game.  Very unique game that looks very fun!