This weeks Xbox Live title is the visually arresting Contre Jour, which mixes elements of game play from Angry Birds, Cut the Rope and Limbo to create a compelling, physics-based, puzzle game. The aim of the game is to get a black blob (Petit) to the exit of each level and, along the way, collect lights (the key to unlocking new levels and achievements).

The catch in Contre Jour is that you can not move Petit directly. Instead you must rely on attaching and detaching tentacles (like Cut the Rope), slingshots (like Angry Birds), reshaping the landscape (move by rolling), and other in game elements (blowers, portals, air geysers, pulleys). Some of the levels favour one movement method over another, but in most you'll need to use a combination of methods, especially if you want to complete the level fully (collect all the lights).

Naturally the levels get more difficult as you go, but there's a gentle learning curves and the touchscreen controls are largely intuitive. What does take a bit of time to master is the precise effect that each movement method will have on Petit. At first, you may find yourself having to repeat movements in order to get the desired result.

While the game play is a clever mash-up of several very popular mobile game titles, the most striking element of the game is the visuals and background music. The music is an original soundtrack from compose David Ari Leon, and provides a suitably soulful mood. The graphics, which are largely duotone, project an air of starkness, creating a rather unique game atmosphere. It certainly feels original, even if many of the game play elements have been seen before.

Contre Jour is already available for a number of other mobile platforms, but as has become traditional, the Xbox Live version has a number of extra levels (Mango World), which are exclusive to Windows Phone.

Marketplace description:

Blurring the lines between games and interactive art, Contre Jour welcomes you to a hauntingly beautiful world shaped by the interplay of light and darkness. 

Use your finger to morph the landscape, propelling the mysterious creature Petit to safety. Pull, swipe, and tap gadgets such as tendrils, air geysers, and pulleys to complete clever puzzles. Set to a poignant orchestrated soundtrack from composer David Ari Leon, Contre Jour both delights and bedevils from start to finish.

Contre Jour can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace; a free trial is available and the full game costs £2.29 / $2.99 / €2.99.

Here's the video trailer for the iPhone version of the game, which was published by Chillingo last year: