Sand Land, originally a manga series by Akira Toriyama, has been transformed into an open-world action RPG by ILCA and Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game faithfully brings to life the world of Sand Land with a heartwarming adventure that fans of JRPGs will appreciate, despite some shortcomings in its open world design.
Sand Land follows the Fiend Prince Beelzebub and his companions on a quest for the Legendary Spring to save the water-starved Sand Land. The game offers a unique experience with a diverse cast of characters and a surprising twist on the JRPG genre.
Sand Land - Engaging Characters and Storyline
The captivating storyline and well-developed characters are the standout features of Sand Land. The game's narrative evolves into a larger-than-life adventure, showcasing the endearing relationships between Beelzebub and his companions.
Beelzebub's playful yet kind-hearted nature, along with the loyal Thief and resourceful Rao and Ann, adds depth to the game's charm and emotional appeal.
Sand Land - Innovative Progression System
Unlike typical RPGs, Sand Land focuses on vehicle customization for player progression. With a deep customization system for combat vehicles, players can enhance their abilities and power through the game's Epic, Legendary, and Mythical vehicle parts.
The city of Spino serves as a unique hub for players, offering a dynamic environment that evolves as players complete side quests, providing a diverse range of materials and vehicle parts.
Sand Land - Expansive yet Repetitive World
The vast desert landscape of Sand Land sets the stage for exploration and adventure. While the open world offers rewarding discoveries, its repetitive dungeons and lackluster caves may lead to player fatigue.
Despite some technical flaws and gameplay issues like stealth segments, Sand Land shines through its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and innovative progression mechanics, making it a worthy experience for both fans of the manga and newcomers alike.
Sand Land is now available on PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, offering a blend of heartwarming storytelling and exciting gameplay. Game Rant received a PS5 code for this review.