Microsoft hosts a contest called Dream.Build.Play for those who develop games using the XNA Creator's Club, and this year the winner was a charming little game called Lumi. It was created by two people, features some very inviting artwork, and is fun as hell. Bonus: it's $5 and available now in Xbox Live Indie Games.

The gameplay is simple: you use the top trigger buttons to either attract or repulse Lumi from red and blue balls of energy, using them to propel your way around the level. You collect fireflies to feed plants that in turn bring light back into a world that has fallen into darkness. There are enemies to avoid and fight; one level pits you against a giant charging beetle, and the backgrounds and aesthetics change often enough that you'll want to keep playing to see what comes next. This is a very attractive game: it stopped multiple people in their tracks when they walked by the monitors I was using to play.

There are some downsides to the game, as I often found myself relying on trial and error to advance, and some jumps felt a little trickier than they need to be. The charm of Lumi more than makes up with these minor shortcomings, however; the design is refreshingly colorful and organic. This feels like a larger, full-priced release, and is cut above above most of the games found in the indie games section of Xbox Live.

The team won $40,000 in the Dream.Build.Play contest, but this is still a game worth supporting. With many Xbox Live Arcade games priced at $15, this is a steal at $5. Enjoy!