From Dust is a recent entry in the Xbox Live SUMMER OF ARCADE promotion alongside Bastion and the upcoming Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.
All 3 games are really rad, but From Dust really stands out. This is the kind of game that I dreamed I was playing as a child. I played stuff like Populous and Sim City, but I always wanted a little more. From Dust is nothing like Populous and Sim City, but it still scratches that I MUST CONTROL THE WORLD itch that sandbox games strive for.
You don't have direct control over anyone... only some of the elements. It's a strange place you're thrown into... with the power to move earth, water and lava... but no power to physically manipulate the people you're trying to save. Tsunamis and lava rivers can only be redirected, not completely stopped. That is... until you get the special powers that protect villagers from water and fire. But even then, it's up to THEM to bring the knowledge back to the village. It's your job to make sure they can get there safely.
This is the kind of 'GOD' game I've wanted. A game where people go about their business and you control the world around them. You influence the people rather than push them.
But hey... you can still drown them and burn them alive, so it's all good.
Seriously. Get the demo.
It's coming to PSN and PC soon, but it's on XBLA right now for 15 bucks.
