PC.IGN.COM previews Outcast after a viewing of the most recent build of this upcoming game from Infogrames. Here's a bit that describes an aspect of game balance (they don't say what happens if you shoot too many villagers):

One of the neatest features we learned about is how your actions will have widespread impact on the game environment. One of the best examples of this deals with simple Darwinian principles. Kill too many herbivores thereby depleting a major food source for the more ravenous animals in the area and the carnivores will start attacking villagers. On the other hand, if you shoot too many carnivores then the herbivores will start multiplying at an alarming rate and devour the villager's crops. Outcast is definitely going to be a game of balance and one where you'll have to think about your actions before doing something drastic.