RAGBAN | رقبان

RAGBAN | رقبان

Two Eras. One Mystery. A Journey Through Time

The same place. Two different eras. Secrets hidden between them

RAGBAN is a first-person puzzle adventure inspired by Saudi heritage, where the past and present coexist within a mysterious environment

Switch between two eras, uncover hidden connections, and solve interconnected puzzles by discovering how time transforms the world around you

Rooted in Saudi historical inspiration, RAGBAN combines cultural identity, environmental storytelling, and time-based puzzles into a journey of exploration and discovery

Can you uncover the mystery that connects the two eras?

THE MEANING BEHIND RAGBAN

The name RAGBAN (رقبان) is inspired by a historical sword associated with King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The game's concept draws inspiration from the well-known Arabic proverb:

«الوقت كالسيف، إن لم تقطعه قطعك»

“Time is like a sword; if you do not cut it, it will cut you.”

Just as a sword has two edges, RAGBAN symbolically represents two interconnected eras: the Past and the Present

This connection shapes the game's central mechanic, where time becomes more than a setting—it becomes the key to exploration, discovery, and progression

Rather than introducing the sword as a physical weapon, RAGBAN incorporates its symbolism into the player's journey, connecting Saudi historical inspiration with an interactive experience

INSPIRED BY SAUDI HERITAGE

RAGBAN brings Saudi cultural identity into an interactive experience, drawing inspiration from the Kingdom's architectural heritage, traditional objects, and the connection between past and present

The game's environment blends traditional Saudi architectural elements with contemporary design, presenting two interpretations of the same space across different eras

From arches and courtyards to traditional objects such as the dallah (Arabic coffee pot) and incense burner, cultural details are incorporated into the environment and its puzzles

Rather than serving only as visual decoration, these elements encourage players to explore, observe, and discover how the past continues to connect with the present

Through RAGBAN, Saudi heritage becomes something players can explore and interact with, rather than simply observe

GAMEPLAY — TWO ERAS, ONE CONNECTED WORLD

The same location. Different possibilities

In RAGBAN, players can instantly switch between the Past and Present while remaining in the same physical position

Although the environment shares the same layout across both eras, its objects, pathways, and obstacles change with time

A passage blocked in one era may be accessible in another. An object needed to solve a puzzle might exist only in the past, while its purpose becomes clear in the present

To progress, players must observe, explore, and think across both timelines, using the differences between eras to uncover clues and overcome challenges

KEY GAMEPLAY FEATURES

- Instant Time Switching
Switch freely between the Past and Present to discover new possibilities within the same environment

- Interconnected Puzzles
Solve environmental challenges involving patterns, historical objects, and clues scattered across both eras

- Exploration & Discovery
Examine your surroundings, collect meaningful objects, and uncover connections that help you progress

- Environmental Progression
Unlock new areas by understanding how obstacles and pathways change between timelines

- A Hidden Mystery
Follow clues that gradually reveal the meaning behind RAGBAN and its connection to time

CONTROLS

Ready to begin your journey through time? RAGBAN uses simple keyboard controls for exploration, interaction, and puzzle-solving

Key	Action
W / A / S / D	Move
Arrow Keys	Look Around / Navigate
E	Interact / Select
T	Switch Between Past and Present
Esc	Exit Puzzle Focus

Puzzle-specific instructions will appear on screen when needed

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT

RAGBAN was developed as a playable 3D puzzle-adventure prototype during the AI in Game Development Bootcamp at SDA Academy

Built using Unity, the project brings together game design, environmental storytelling, and interactive puzzle mechanics to create an experience inspired by Saudi heritage

AI-assisted 3D generation was incorporated into the development process to help create the game's environments. These assets were subsequently refined, integrated, and adapted to support the two interconnected eras and their gameplay mechanics

The project explores how emerging technologies can support creative game development while celebrating cultural identity through interactive experiences

THE PAST HOLDS THE CLUES

THE PRESENT HOLDS THE PATH

-    Your journey through time begins here    -