Under a Desert Sun (2017)

Under a Desert Sun is a virtual reality game currently available in early access, offering players an immersive experience set during the North African Campaign of the Second World War. This campaign occurred between June 10, 1940, and May 13, 1943, and the game situates the player within this historical context. Although the main narrative begins after June 9, 1940, the protagonist Jack is initially unaware of the events that will unfold.

Game Setting and Atmosphere

The game takes place in a detailed desert environment reflecting the North African theater of WWII. Players encounter realistic landscapes, sandy terrains, and the unique atmospheric conditions of the desert. The environment is designed to evoke the historical and geographical elements of the period, aiming to provide a faithful representation of wartime North Africa in 1940s settings.

Gameplay Features

Currently, Under a Desert Sun functions primarily as a wave-based shooter in single-player mode. Players face multiple enemy waves in a structured combat system designed to test reflexes, aiming skills, and tactical decision-making. The early access version focuses on proving core gameplay mechanics, ensuring stability and responsiveness within the VR environment.

The game emphasizes immersion and interaction through VR controls, allowing players to aim, shoot, and maneuver within the 3D desert space. The wave-based combat system is designed to challenge players progressively, with increasing difficulty and variety in enemy encounters.

Story and Narrative Potential

Although currently limited in story content, the intended full version of Under a Desert Sun will develop into a story-driven adventure. The narrative aims to expand on Jack’s experiences and the larger context of the North African Campaign. Players can expect historically inspired missions, interactions with the environment, and events reflecting wartime conditions.

The game’s early access stage provides a foundation for the narrative by introducing the protagonist and establishing the historical setting. The developers aim to build upon this framework, ultimately delivering a comprehensive story-rich adventure set in the desert of 1940s North Africa.

Technical Aspects and VR Implementation

As a VR-focused game, Under a Desert Sun leverages immersive technology to engage players in realistic combat scenarios. Early access testing ensures that mechanics such as weapon handling, movement, and environmental interaction are functional and responsive. The wave-based shooter format serves as both a demonstration of VR capabilities and a testing ground for future narrative-driven gameplay.

The game’s current design prioritizes single-player experience, focusing on individual engagement with the virtual environment. This approach allows for careful testing of controls, combat mechanics, and environmental interactions, which will be expanded as the game progresses beyond early access.

Future Development Goals

The full version of Under a Desert Sun will include expanded narrative content, additional gameplay mechanics, and enhanced environmental details. The developers intend to transition from the current wave-based shooter model to a complete story-driven VR adventure. The goal is to create a historically grounded, immersive experience that captures both the challenges of desert warfare and the personal journey of the protagonist.

Players can anticipate an evolving game world where exploration, strategy, and storytelling are integrated, providing a richer and more engaging experience. Early access serves as a foundation, allowing the development team to refine gameplay systems, optimize VR performance, and expand narrative content for the final release.

Summary

Under a Desert Sun combines historical setting, VR immersion, and interactive gameplay in a developing early access title. The game introduces players to the North African Campaign of World War II, currently offering a single-player wave-based shooter. Future updates aim to deliver a fully realized story-driven adventure, set in a realistic 1940s desert environment with progressively challenging gameplay and expanded narrative depth.

"Under a Desert Sun" has potential but feels far from a complete experience at this point. Currently, it offers little more than a basic wave-based shooter, lacking depth or meaningful narrative. The game is still in Early Access, and while the setting is intriguing, especially for WWII enthusiasts, the gameplay feels repetitive and shallow. As it stands, there's just not enough here to keep you invested for long.

If you're a fan of VR shooters and willing to support the development process, you might find some enjoyment, but we recommend waiting until the full version is released. There’s promise in the concept, but the current state doesn't offer a compelling experience to recommend it just yet.