Black and White for DS

Giant animals stomping around on a handheld screen? Seems almost ironic doesn't it? But then again size never stopped Donkey Kong looking like a right terrifying bugger when he launched on those dual LCD screens all those years ago. And now it seems that the Nintendo DS is looking for big piles...sorry, small piles of animal poop.
In development for early next year, Majesco and developer Full Fat are currently busying themselves on a DS 'port' of Lionhead's legendary sim Black & White, to be subtitled 'Creatures'.

According to reports, the game will follow the premise of Peter Molyneux's original PC creation, with players assuming the role of a god, whose primary role is to command a big, giant beast.

However, you can also expect a number of major changes integrated into the mix. First up is the touch-screen stylus control, that reportedly allows you to not only train your pet but physically slap him whenever he's been a naughty boy. The microphone will also apparently play a role, providing further opportunities to scream abuse at your poor, maligned creature.
As for gaming features, Majesco is promising eight entirely new islands, plus 10 different animal breeds, some of which will be entirely new to the series. There will also be several extra game modes including Creature Quest, Creature Pen and the multiplayer Creature Battle, designed to make full use of the DS' wireless capabilities.

So if not-so-giant animals are your thing, Black & White Creatures could well be worth pencilling in your diaries. Expect more details and screens soon.