Don't take the word 'gift' literally, because that implies you don't have to give anything back. Obviously, you do - 1200 MSP (AU$20) to be precise. Still, it's great value for something that you can spend a silly amount of time with. It would be easy to describe From Dust as a glorified tech demo, but it really is so much more. You're getting an experience, a sense of intrigue and mystery, a thought provoking journey that makes you wonder about the origin of our species. Short cut-scenes and haunting orchestral music create a memorable atmosphere, presenting you with a truly unique solo package. There aren't many other contemporaries, definitely not on this platform anyway. Apologies for the elongated introduction, because really, From Dust is a very simple concept with basic ideas.
Don't frown brother, look on the bright side.
And that's a good thing; it allows you to create a personal world using one central idea. The gameplay involves moving a snake-like cursor across the land, pressing the left trigger absorbs matter, pressing the right trigger releases the contents. What makes From Dust so incredible to look at, aside from some beautiful art design, is the fact that everything reacts in real time. The first hour of gameplay doesn't go too far beyond consuming balls of dirt to create bridges and walls, but you're quickly introduced to newer, more varied substances and different forms of environmental enemies. Seeing the power of water, how it erodes, how it kills, how it changes the landscape with beautifully lush flora, how all of this happens right before your eyes – it's an amazing achievement. When you eventually come across the moving worlds, you really begin to appreciate the delicate details and how all of the elements come together in harmony.
Of course there is a structured story behind the wonderful technology. The emphasis is on structure because the one major fault with From Dust is an underdeveloped plot. A good amount of work has gone into creating a peculiar tribe with their own language and rituals, but it could have been exploited with a bit more depth. Since you're not playing it for a gripping tale, From Dust is more about challenges and exploration. You'll enter a new world with a few people; from here you need to click on a 'Totem' to repopulate, building villages, and you'll need to access each one before moving onto the next area. Geographical obstructions are the most prominent blockade facing the people, so you'll have to fiddle around with your abilities to let them run wild. If you're feeling extra motivated, you can search for hidden stones, revealing different histories.
At this stage you're probably thinking, that's all very plain isn't it? Well, not really. When you're knee deep in mud, surrounded by the constant threat of tsunamis and raging bush fires, From Dust takes on a greater sense of urgency. You'll have to time movement carefully so that Mother Nature does't wipe out an entire civilization, and this is helped by the aforementioned Totems, emitting special powers to open up a window of opportunity. Some of these powers include the ability to jellify water or a more extreme option, completely evaporate all of the liquid across the land. They're all time sensitive so you might have less than a minute to reach your goal. As you progress through the 'story' (supplemented by bonus challenges), you'll discover more tools to manipulate the worlds and exploit From Dust's technology. Just stick with it until you reach the volcanos, that's when the gameplay really improves and grows increasingly complex. Flaming trees can be picked up and planted to control rivers, plants bursting with water can be placed strategically to defend against fires, continuously changing the world with every press of a button.
It really is magical in places.
The concept remains the same throughout, and From Dust is all the better as a result. You don't necessarily need to appreciate the genre to enjoy the adventure, it's the technology that resonates strongest. Frustrations will occasionally arise out of the inhabitants persistent refusal to traverse a hill, the inability to select specific groups and move them individually is annoying, and there are times when you'll get bamboozled with defending all of your villages. Otherwise, it's a very polished title with a ridiculous amount of potential in capable hands. The main missions are short bursts of fun that steadily amass into larger, more difficult challenges. So you'll be playing From Dust into the early hours, no question, even after the relatively standard length of the campaign. It's easy to get distracted and lose track of time while playing with the fancy water effects, but maybe that's an indication that we need to get out more…
From Dust could be destined for cult classic status; hardcore fans will find the simplicity off-putting, newcomers will bemoan the lack of a fully fleshed out narrative. However, both demographics will undoubtedly be gobsmacked with the technology, beauty, and customisation that From Dust delivers so incredibly well. If you're looking for something new and different to fill the gap until the blockbuster games start rolling in once more, then look no further. From Dust is one of the best games on the Xbox Live Arcade, and a prime example of how to intertwine gameplay with a spectacular engine. Miss out and play the martyr if you like, but remember, the big man is always watching you.
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