From Dust Hands-On

19 Jul 2011 at 12:08:35 by Nick Akerman

If there's one thing you don't want to mess with in this world, it's Mother Nature. Since the beginning of time, she's broken more hearts than any other woman on the planet - often leaving mass destruction in her way. From Dust looks to provide the antidote to our cruel mistress and it's going about it with a confident swagger to its step. Stepping face to face with the Earth's most powerful force, this title indicates that (contrary to populoar belief) playing with fire is the only way to survive.

It's clear that From Dust's creator Eric Chahi wants his audience to feel responsible for their actions throughout the game. During our hands-on time thus far, there were moments of confusion, panic, and sheer joy, all based round the reactions of our tribe. With little introduction, we were launched into the game like a makeshift god trying to pick up the slack of what was already in place. Not that there was much, mind, as we entered the world with only a few islands, a handful of followers and a suffocating absence of water. Before long, it's obvious that these elements need to be utilised as tools for a much wider idea.

The first interaction we had with our tribe was the creating of 'Breath.' Essentially, this is the beginning of life for the world's first inhabitants but, in gameplay terms, it's simply your cursor. Breath allows you to manipulate landscapes by picking up sand, mud, water and other sedimentary vital for progression. Everything starts peacefully as your followers gather round a totem pole for a quick song and dance. This party has great importance, acting as a catalyst for the creation of the first village, and start of civilisation.

The levels we played were from the opening of the game and offered a slow but interesting entrance to what is surely going to be one of the year's most unique titles. With a few villages set up, From Dust quickly increases the pressure and throws us into a do or die situation against an incoming tsunami.

Luckily, your tribe have substantial knowledge of how to deal with such terrors. Out of the blue, we were prompted that a giant wave was minutes away and that there's only one way the tribe can defend themselves. By making it to the next island, they would receive information on how to guard their village, as tips are passed from one generation to another. This is where the game's clever mechanics come in, as you have minutes to pick up and disperse sand in order to forge a path between islands and save your tribe.

Every action results in a reaction, so sucking up and dumping the wrong load of sand could see water seep through, or worse yet, major flooding along the route your tribesmen are taking. It's hugely important to manipulate the right areas of sand, as dunes will provide quicker access to big loads, without the hassle of accidently picking up water or patches of rock.

After playing this section a few times, it's great to see how careful planning is a vital component for success. On our first run, the tribe got stuck halfway across the temporary bridge to the next island which concluded with a failed attempt at protecting the village. On the second, it was clear where to place the sand, making a narrow but sturdy bridge across to the destination. Despite this, water still managed to creep through, eventually creating gaps in the route that spilled over to the mainland. At a third attempt, we made it back with minutes to spare, as the tsunami passed by our immovable village without making an impact. Aquatic walls scaled our land, as the tribes people danced round the totem pole out of sheer joy, jigging with the cockiness of victory.

From Dust strikes certainly strikes a fine balance as, although the formula is simple, quick-thinking and precision is needed to execute a plan. It's entirely possible to feel like you've got it in the bag, only for a lump of sand to sink out of place, creating a death trap for all of those living nearby.

As this section came to a close, it was clear we were only treated to the tip of the iceberg. A volcano loomed over the next village, ushering feelings of Pompeii straight into the mind's eye. Once more , both the villages and the animals that lived within our lush forests were under threat. The demo ended here, as the natural blues of the tsunami were exchanged for devilish reds that pointed towards a challenging next mission. There's no doubt this title will continue to increase the difficulty throughout, and it's somewhat enticing that it left us wanting more.

We've see plenty of inventive titles released onto Xbox Live Arcade, but From Dust manages to capture the beauty of nature without sacrificing its barbarity. The line between surviving and being wiped out is often decided by instinctive reactions, and as the creator of the universe, you sculpt the land into what you feel is capable of outlasting the toughest of tests. Already, it's clear to acknowledge that this title has immense potential, and is sure to make more than a few waves when it's released later this year.

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