Whispers of the sands

Following a voice you seek the desert
Survive the heat of the day, the cold of the night
Let the desert teach you
In meditation you will find what you seek

Whispers of the sands is the archetypical journey of seeking isolation to find truth within.
This is a novel game, enjoy it as you wind down from a hectic day.
With minimal use of UI, let your thoughts flow by as you let the present moment hold your attention.

Survive the Open Desert
Manage your heat - movement adds heat, shadows decrease heat and wind amplifies heat or cold.


Explore and seek shelter in Caves.
Bring a candle to explore deep into dark caves that hides mysteries

Meditate
Gain insights and new abilities in meditation that help you progress in the desert and makes you see things more clear

Gather supplies and build
Simple survival mechanics that aren´t intrusive but serves to ground you in exploring the desert

Seek wisdom
Find remnants from past desert dwellers and get inspired by Sufi poetry 


Features
Dual Realms Exploration
Experience two worlds integrated. Make peace with the external Jihad: A logical and realistic desert that is contrasted with the greater inner Jihad, an intuitive and abstract world. The wisdom and insights from this world are intertwined with the other.

Minimal UI
There is minimal use of UI and menus. Instead of bars that keep track of hunger, heat, stamina, etc, this is communicated via effects and sounds.

Realistic survival
Whispers of the sands is partially a survival game, but you can decide how difficult it will be. Managing your heat is key since it generates thirst. Movement generates heat, Exposure to the Sun or fire generates heat. Stillness and the night generate cold.
Caves negate both heat and cold, while wind makes the heat hotter and the cold colder.
Pay attention and let the desert teach you how to find food, water, ingredients and useful items.

True Meditation
Meditation is not just a visual gimmick but is based on true meditation techniques and spiritual insights.

Dream world
In sleep, you enter a dreamworld where you may remember lessons learned and find new connections.

Story
Whispers of the sands is a mere framework in which the player co-creates reality and meaning.
Make a journey that mirrors real challenges on the road to enlightenment
Learn stories from past desert dwellers, such as a dervish dancer and an ancient cave dwelling people

Spi-fi
Journey into a “spiritual fiction” fantasy world with spiritual themes from Sufism, Nondualism, Vedanta, Taoism, Zen and Buddhism

Poetry
Relevant poems will accompany your journey from poets such as Rumi and Ibn Arabi, 13th - 12th century Sufi mystics.