Thanks for giving Across the Sands a try. The game "stages" are definitely meant to be taxing but the game could definitely improve with shorter term goals. Game Jam deadline gave me very little wiggle room to iterate but it's definitely what I have planned for post-game jam, whenever that ends up being.
I'm glad the art stuck for most playtesters; it's the first time I attempt to create my own art assets for a jam and it was definitely a learning experience!