From Dust

• Developer: Ubisoft
• Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
• Platform: PC
• Format: Digital Download
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Release Date: August 17, 2011

• Use your divine powers to change the world
• Create mountains, drain lakes, stop volcanoes and more
• Save members of a primitive tribe across 13 regions
• Includes a challenge mode for timed missions
• View your fastest times on online leaderboards

From Dust is billed as a real-time nature simulation with a constantly evolving world. In practice, it is structured similarly to a puzzle game that has you manipulating the environment to complete goals. Your primary objective is to oversee a primitive tribe in its quest to reclaim the ancient powers of its forbears.

To ensure the tribe's survival, you'll need to use godlike powers to stop potential disasters such as tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes and volcanoes. You can freely grab sand or mud, for example, from one area to stop or slow down surging waters, build walls to push back lava, empty entire lakes to prevent drowning, and even raise mountains to ensure the safety of the tribe. Once all members have reached an exit, the game continues on another part of the island's 13 distinct regions.

Since the elements in the game are designed to follow the laws of physics, the world will change and react differently depending on how you approach a specific scenario. In addition to the main quest, there is a challenge mode that has you racing against the clock to complete 30 time-sensitive missions.