EA and Lionhead Descend onto Store Shelves with Black & White 2 for the PC (thanks Frans) has word that Lionhead's god game sequel is headed to stores in the U.S., while this press release says the U.K. version is due on October 7. Also, the Black & White 2 News Page offers a link to a new community update, both the news page and that update referencing plans to release the first minor patch for the game on October 6. Here's a bit from the announcement:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2005--Will you be an evil or benevolent deity? Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS - News) and Lionhead Studios today announced that Black & White® 2 has begun to ship to retail outlets for the PC. From the creative minds of god game developer Peter Molyneux and RTS-creator Ron Millar, Black & White 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed hit Black & White®.

"Everyone at Lionhead is very proud of what they have achieved with Black & White 2 -- it is a monumental task these days to complete a mass market game. I'd like to thank the whole team for all their hard work and EA for their support," said Peter Molyneux, Managing Director, Lionhead Studios.