Set to release soon, Sand Land is an action RPG developed by Bandai Namco, inspired by a lesser-known manga created by Akira Toriyama, the genius behind Dragon Ball. Originally published in 2000, the manga spanned a single volume, following Demon Prince Beezlebub, Sheriff Rao, and Thief on a quest to restore water in their barren world. While Sand Land may not have garnered widespread attention like Toriyama's other works, its video game adaptation promises to introduce a new generation to its captivating storyline.
Dragon Ball is a massive anime franchise that has gained even more recognition after Akira Toriyama's passing. However, some of his lesser-known creations are now receiving the spotlight. Despite mostly engaging in game projects like Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, Toriyama's Sand Land emerged as a fourteen-chapter volume in 2000, following the end of Dragon Ball. The animated movie adaptation and an upcoming anime series signal a revival of interest in Sand Land, with the game set to further expand its reach.
Sand Land's Compact Source Material
Unveiling the Tale of Demon Prince Beelzebub and Sand Land
Distinct from Toriyama's usual style, Sand Land presents a post-apocalyptic world where combat revolves around weapons and machinery. The protagonist, Beelzebub, is a demon prince who excels in martial arts, navigating a world where demons avoid lethal actions. The manga follows Beelzebub and his comrades as they combat a water-hoarding king, striving to rejuvenate their arid surroundings.
Sand Land's Game: Fidelity with a Twist
Expanding a Limited Series into an Interactive Adventure
Previewed gameplay hints at the Sand Land game's commitment to the original narrative while enhancing the player's experience with new elements. Although some adversaries in the game diverge from the manga, this alteration ensures an immersive action RPG encounter. Featuring expanded vehicle options and diverse side quests like bounties and races, Sand Land promises to extend beyond the manga's boundaries while preserving Toriyama's essence.
Elevating Sand Land's Influence
Given the manga's single-volume nature and conclusive storyline, the Sand Land game's addition of fresh content is essential for its evolution. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the IP, paving the way for potential growth through the game's launch. As the Sand Land anime embarks on the 'Angelic Heroes Arc' in 'Forest Land' concurrent with the RPG's debut, the franchise's expansion knows no bounds.