Just downloaded the game, when i opened it first time it sent an error message of me requiring a specific version of .NET
Did as instructed, finished downloading it, opened it and...just a black screen.

I Run a Windows 8.1 64-Bit OS on a Laptop

Try downloading and installing .NET Framework 4.7.1. I was getting just a basic black screen and this version fixed it for me.

I'm getting the same issue. I've installed the .NET Framework version linked from the download page, but it still won't progress past a black screen. It is also generating crashlogs.

Excerpt: 

Exception
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
   at Bronze.Monogame.BronzeAgeGameBase.Update(GameTime gameTime)

Repeated over and over every second while the 'game' is 'running'.

EDIT:  .NET Framework 4.7.1 does fix the problem. Am running a working game in the background as I type this edit.