Where there once was sand

Almost every culture has at least one story about a lost civilization that disappeared from the face of the Earth in a matter of days. Granted, most of them are myths and legends designed by clever writers trying to gain prestige, but there have been a few discoveries that may prove that not all of these stories are made up. Not only that, but we may even find others one day, at least if we keep searching.

Where there once was sand is a first-person adventure game in which you play the role of a robot sent to assist a professor with his research. Thus, your role is to do as he says and accomplish the missions he puts on your mechanical shoulders. On the other hand, the machine is sentient as well, so you can make choices and decide on whether to help the professor complete his lifelong work.

As such, the story revolves around the lost civilization of Mu and Dr. Willis, the one trying to find proof of its existence. However, the desert under which it is supposedly buried is quite large, which is why the professor is left without funds after a while. Not only that, but the area is turned into a mining facility as well, given the fact that the desert is abundant with all sorts of gems.

The missions get tougher and tougher as you manage to solve them, but you shouldn’t expect too much content either, given the fact that the game is designed for a jam. However, they feel pretty exciting, even if some of them tend to become quite repetitive after a while. On the other hand, you at least get to explore and admire a beautiful desert while you’re at it.

Speaking of which, the graphics are mighty impressive as well, even if the environment is not that detailed and not very populated either. In fact, there’s not a lot to see except for the sand, but the level design gets better later on. The color theme is very well-chosen and enjoyable, even if the yellow can be a bit too bright sometimes.

All things considered, Where there once was sand certainly has the potential to keep you playing from start to finish, at least if you enjoy a challenge. Still, it would be nice to see the idea taken to the next level in the future, because the concept is worth the effort.