Sand Land, the latest release from Bandai Namco that was developed by ILCA, immerses players in a vibrant desert world plagued by a severe water shortage. In this action-RPG adventure, players assume the role of Beelzebub, accompanied by the loyal Thief and courageous Sheriff Rao, as they embark on a quest to locate the elusive Legendary Spring hidden within the desert. The journey is fraught with peril as they navigate through the arid expanse while evading the clutches of the malevolent King of Sand Land and his formidable army. We checked out the PlayStation 5 version.
The narrative draws inspiration from the manga and anime series of the same name by the legendary Akira Toriyama, infusing the game with a charming blend of humor, adventure, and heart. Not having any kind of personal experience with the source material though – we can safely say the game can be enjoyed by newcomers as well. The trio of protagonists, each with their own unique backstory and personality, forms a likable ensemble that propels the narrative forward. As players progress, they uncover layers of depth within the characters and witness their growth amidst the challenges they face.
Exploration is a key aspect of Sand Land, with players traversing the vast desert landscape, uncovering settlements, and interacting with various characters. The game adopts an RPG approach, offering a plethora of side missions and activities alongside the main questline. From battling enemies and scavenging through dungeons to solving puzzles, Sand Land provides a well-rounded adventure experience that keeps players engaged.
Also central to the gameplay is the utilization of vehicles, which adds an exciting dimension to combat and traversal. Players can unlock and customize a diverse range of vehicles, from battle tanks armed with powerful cannons to agile motorbikes and jump-bots. Because of vivid visuals and fun gameplay, vehicular combat is a highlight, offering exhilarating encounters against a variety of foes. The intuitive control scheme ensures accessibility, allowing players to switch between vehicles seamlessly and adapt to different combat scenarios.
While vehicular combat shines, the on-foot sections featuring Beelzebub feel less engaging in comparison. Additionally, stealth segments may even feel out of place and lackluster here, detracting from the overall experience as something that’s been done better elsewhere. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the vehicular gameplay and captivating world design.
Visually, Sand Land impresses with its stunning art direction and faithful recreation of Toriyama’s iconic character designs. The desert landscapes are rendered with attention to detail, showcasing diverse environments that enhance the sense of exploration by making you curious to see what’s around the next corner. Character animations are fluid, breathing life into the colorful cast of characters populating the world.
Despite its minor flaws, Sand Land delivers an enjoyable action-RPG experience that aims to capture the essence of the source material. With its charming characters, engaging vehicular combat, and captivating world design, Sand Land is a delightful journey that will appeal to fans of the manga and newcomers alike. Whether cruising through the desert in a customized tank or embarking on daring adventures with Beelzebub and his companions on foot, Sand Land offers a memorable escapade that will leave players eager for more.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 