PGC NEWS

Sand Land, a game based on the manga by the late Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and heartwarming storytelling. This game, released alongside an anime adaptation, revives a 24-year-old manga, giving it new life and introducing it to a wider audience. Let’s delve into this captivating world and discover what makes Sand Land a worthy tribute to Toriyama’s legacy.

A World of Sand and Struggle

Set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a devastating war, Sand Land portrays a struggle for survival in a land where water is a precious commodity. The story follows Beelzebub, the mischievous yet kind-hearted prince of demons, as he embarks on a quest with Sheriff Rao and his trusty companion, Thief, to locate a legendary hidden spring said to hold the key to alleviating the world’s water crisis.

alt text: Beelzebub, Rao, and Thief traversing the desert landscape in their vehicle.

The game faithfully adapts the original manga, recreating its iconic locations and events in stunning 3D. The barren landscapes and the trio’s journey, filled with both humor and touching moments, capture the essence of Toriyama’s storytelling. However, Sand Land doesn’t stop at simply retelling the manga’s story. It expands on the original narrative, introducing new areas like Forest Land, new characters, and side quests that enrich the world and provide further depth to the characters.

alt text: Beelzebub, the demon prince, displays his powers.

This expansion creates a unique experience, offering both fans and newcomers a fresh perspective on the Sand Land universe. The game successfully blends the familiar with the new, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with Toriyama’s signature style of storytelling – a mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt emotion.

Engaging Combat and Exploration

Sand Land surprises with its dynamic and entertaining combat system. Players engage in battles both as Beelzebub, utilizing various attacks and special abilities, and as tank commanders, controlling a diverse array of customizable vehicles.

alt text: A dramatic scene showcasing the destruction in Sand Land.

Beelzebub’s combat is straightforward yet satisfying, offering a range of attacks from light and heavy blows to special abilities. The real highlight, however, lies in the tank combat. Players can unlock and customize various vehicles, from motorcycles to heavy tanks, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

alt text: Beelzebub using his demonic powers in combat.

Crafting and upgrading tank parts using materials collected during exploration adds a layer of strategic depth. The sheer variety of vehicles and customization options makes tank combat incredibly engaging and rewarding. The semi-open world aspect of Sand Land allows players to freely explore the vast desert landscape in their customized vehicles. Different vehicles offer different functionalities, enabling players to overcome various obstacles and access hidden areas.

alt text: A tank battle in the desert of Sand Land.

This exploration element adds another dimension to the gameplay, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and discover the secrets hidden within the desert.

Toriyama’s Artistic Legacy

Despite his untimely passing, Akira Toriyama’s artistic touch is evident throughout Sand Land. From character designs to environments and the unique art style, the game captures the spirit of his work. Developer ILCA has masterfully translated Toriyama’s distinctive style into 3D, bringing beloved characters like Rao, Beelzebub, Thief, and General Are to life. Even new characters seamlessly blend into the established aesthetic.

alt text: A view of a mechanized unit in Sand Land.

alt text: Beelzebub and Rao navigating the desert on a vehicle.

The side quests, while simple in nature, offer charming vignettes reminiscent of Toriyama’s four-panel manga. These short, humorous stories add further depth to the world and provide a welcome distraction from the main narrative.

Minor Shortcomings

While Sand Land excels in many areas, it suffers from a few minor drawbacks. The game occasionally stretches certain events from the manga, resulting in moments that feel artificially prolonged. The limited variety of enemies, primarily reskinned versions, and a large number of useless crafting materials can also detract from the overall experience. Finally, repetitive dialogue during travel sequences can become tiresome.

alt text: A character close-up, showcasing the game's art style.

alt text: A tense standoff in a desert town in Sand Land.

Conclusion

Despite its shortcomings, Sand Land offers a unique and enjoyable experience that successfully captures the spirit of Akira Toriyama’s work. Its engaging combat, exploration, and heartwarming story make it a fitting tribute to the legendary manga artist. The game offers a compelling blend of familiar elements and new additions, providing a fresh and engaging adventure in a beloved universe.