How do I teach my creature new spells?

You teach your creature spells by performing the spell yourself and then having your creature mimic your actions. Repeat the spell several times, and your creature will eventually learn it.

Can I change my alignment during the game?

Yes, your alignment is dynamic and changes based on your actions. Performing good deeds will shift you towards good, while destructive actions will shift you towards evil.

What happens if my creature dies?

If your creature dies, it will eventually respawn at your temple. However, it will lose some of its progress and loyalty, so it's best to keep it alive!

How do I get more worshippers?

You gain worshippers by performing good deeds, building impressive structures, and expanding your influence. Each tribe has different needs and preferences, so cater to them to gain their devotion.

Black & White

In short: Black & White is a simulation game released in 2001 by Lionhead Studios, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

Black & White is a god game where players control a divine being, influencing the world and its inhabitants. Players must balance benevolence and malevolence while teaching a creature to follow their commands, impacting the world's factions.

Black & White is a revolutionary god game developed by Lionhead Studios, released in 2001 for PC. It challenges players to embody a divine being, with the ultimate goal of gaining followers and becoming the most powerful deity. The core of the game revolves around managing a vast world and its inhabitants, offering players the freedom to choose between benevolent and malevolent actions. Every decision, from how you nurture your creature to how you interact with the villagers, directly impacts the game's world and its unique factions. One of the most innovative aspects of Black & White is the Creature. This gigantic avatar, chosen at the beginning of the game, acts as an extension of the player's divine will. Players can teach their creature various actions, spells, and behaviors through direct interaction and positive or negative reinforcement. The creature learns by observation and consequence, developing its own personality that mirrors the player's alignment. A benevolent deity might have a gentle, helpful creature, while a malevolent god's creature could be destructive and terrifying. This dynamic system creates a deeply personal connection between the player, their creature, and the unfolding narrative. The game seamlessly blends real-time strategy elements with god-game mechanics and creature simulation. Players can cast miracles, terraform the landscape, and manage resources to expand their influence. The world itself is vibrant and reactive, with different tribes and…

Game details

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release year: 2001
Platforms: PC
Category: simulation

Our review

Black & White is a truly unique and ambitious title that pushes the boundaries of the god game genre. Its innovative creature AI and moral alignment system offer unparalleled depth and replayability. While the graphics, even for its time, weren't groundbreaking, the art style is charming and functional. The depth of choice and consequence, coupled with the endearing (or terrifying) creature, makes this a must-play for fans of simulation and strategy. The game offers immense satisfaction in seeing your influence shape the world and its inhabitants, making it a timeless classic.

Pros

Innovative creature AI
Deep moral choice system
Engaging god-game mechanics
High replayability
Charming art style

Cons

Graphics are dated
Can be overwhelming at times
Learning curve for creature AI
Some repetitive tasks

FAQ

How do I teach my creature new spells?: You teach your creature spells by performing the spell yourself and then having your creature mimic your actions. Repeat the spell several times, and your creature will eventually learn it.
Can I change my alignment during the game?: Yes, your alignment is dynamic and changes based on your actions. Performing good deeds will shift you towards good, while destructive actions will shift you towards evil.
What happens if my creature dies?: If your creature dies, it will eventually respawn at your temple. However, it will lose some of its progress and loyalty, so it's best to keep it alive!
How do I get more worshippers?: You gain worshippers by performing good deeds, building impressive structures, and expanding your influence. Each tribe has different needs and preferences, so cater to them to gain their devotion.

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Last updated: 06/10/2026