From Dust PC port requires online at start-up

From Dust was a bona fide hit on Xbox Live Arcade, making it Ubisoft's fastest-selling XBLA game, but some decided to wait out the PC version. After all, mouse controls could only benefit the God game, so clearly some patience would yield you the superior version, right?

Unfortunately, this version is leaving much to be desired, and frustrating PC fans with a combination of DRM and limitations to the graphical options.

From Dust

Rock Paper Shotgun reports that it started off with confusion over the online requirement, after the game was promised not to include Ubisoft's controversial "always-on" DRM. An Ubisoft representative stated it only requires a "one-time" online activation, as per the company's policy change from January. After that, users should be able to play offline, but players found they couldn't launch the game offline at all.

Ubisoft has since posted an update to its forums, saying:

'From Dust' requires an internet connection when you start the game. Make sure you are connected to the internet when you attempt to start the game. After you have signed in and the game is running, you no longer need the internet connection for that session (emphasis ours) and can disconnect and play offline you so wish.

It appears Ubisoft has back-pedaled on its DRM policy, and From Dust will require an internet connection at every start-up.

But the complaints don't stop once the game is up and running. Some users have reported bugs, like the menu screen not loading. Then, the game is capped at 30 FPS, without anti-aliasing, and users are unable to run it at the highest resolutions in a window. Steam has reportedly granted some refunds, but Ubisoft is now suggesting contacting their support center directly if you want your money back.

Ubisoft has been getting quite a bit of heat for its DRM structure lately. Driver: San Fransisco will require an online check at start-up, and the company recently promised that Trackmania 2 will only require a one-time registration. Of course, that's the same promise given about From Dust, so you never know.

Shacknews has contacted Ubisoft, and will update as more information becomes available.