Most puzzle games ask you to figure out where to go. Sands and Relics asks a slightly more awkward question: what happens when the path disappears behind you?
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC and PlayStation for £4.19, the latest release from Afil Games takes a deceptively simple concept and builds an entire adventure around it. Every step matters, every tile can become a trap, and reaching the treasure is often far harder than it first appears.
At A Glance
- Game: Sands and Relics
- Developer: Afil Games
- Publisher: Afil Games
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation
- Price: £4.19
- Genre: Puzzle
Every Footstep Changes The Puzzle
The premise is super simple, and utterly straightforward. Players must navigate ancient desert ruins in search of hidden relics, but the terrain isn’t exactly stable. Sand tiles crack, crumble and disappear beneath your feet, meaning every movement permanently alters the level.
One wrong turn can leave you stranded. One clever route can make a seemingly impossible puzzle fall perfectly into place.
Across 30 handcrafted stages, new mechanics gradually expand the challenge. Portals begin to appear, narrow pathways demand greater precision, and later levels start combining multiple systems together in ways that require careful planning.
A Puzzle Gem We Already Enjoyed
When we reviewed Sands and Relics, we came away pleasantly surprised by its approach.
As we said: “While we wait for that sequel, if you’re a puzzle fan who fancies something different, and wouldn’t say no to 2000G for thirty minutes of game, then Sands and Relics might be your treasure of choice.“
We did feel the game could have pushed its ideas further, noting that some mechanics arrived later than expected and that the puzzles rarely became truly fiendish. Yet the core concept remained engaging throughout, leaving us hopeful that Afil Games might eventually build upon it in a larger sequel.
Ready To Hunt For Lost Relics?
Sands and Relics is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC via the Xbox Store, with three versions available. You’ll also find it on PlayStation for £4.19.
If you enjoy thoughtful puzzle games that reward planning and experimentation, this desert adventure remains well worth a look. Just remember to watch where you step – the ground may not be there when you need it most.
