A Tale in the Desert certainly won't appeal to everyone. It is about long-term goals, and the short-term rewards aren't better weapons and armor, but rather better tools and crops. It doesn't look very good, and the simple graphics may turn off players with a desire for exciting landscapes. Further, there is really no sound to speak of, except for the footsteps of your character as he or she runs about. But it's so ambitious and offers so many interesting tasks for those who can enjoy its unique elements, that those who get past its aesthetic shortcomings will likely find themselves addicted to harvesting flax and making charcoal. The designers themselves have stated that A Tale in the Desert is about creating a society, and watching the experiment in action is almost as enjoyable as taking part.