In the tank, Sand Land reveals its true brilliance

Discover the Enigmatic World of Sand Land

Sand Land presents a unique and intriguing scenario. Unveiled during the Summer Game Fest 2023 live show, this ILCA-developed, Bandai Namco-published action-RPG adaptation offers a refreshing departure from the more well-known Dragon Ball series.

While Akira Toriyama’s work is widely recognized in the West, Sand Land remains relatively lesser-known. As someone who has experienced the vast universe of Dragon Ball, I was captivated by the unfamiliarity of Sand Land. After getting a taste of its Mad Max-esque barren landscapes at the Summer Game Fest 2023, my curiosity has only grown, leaving me eager to explore more.

For those unacquainted, Sand Land is a single-volume manga created by Toriyama that takes place in a world where water is scarce. In the aftermath of disasters and wars that have ravaged the land, a tyrannical king holds dominion over the limited water supply. The elderly Rao joins forces with Beelzebub, the prince of demons and a playable character in Bandai Namco’s Sand Land, in search of a new water source.

Embark on a Journey Through the Desert

My demo began with an action-packed sequence as I maneuvered our team’s car, evading attacks from a formidable sand beast. Although it was challenging to discern the details, this initial encounter effectively showcased the chaos and danger prevalent in Sand Land’s world.

Another aspect that immediately caught my attention was the art. Toriyama’s distinctive style has been faithfully adapted in the portion of Sand Land I played. The character models were superbly crafted, capturing the essence of Toriyama’s work, especially the intricately designed vehicles.

After successfully escaping, we arrived at a town. Unfortunately, I couldn’t explore the area, but it seemed to serve as a central hub. The producer, who guided me through the demo, directed me towards the next area. To traverse the terrain, I had the opportunity to utilize a special vehicle: the tank.

Engage in Thrilling Action

Although there was some on-foot combat towards the end of the demo, that segment felt predictable. Beelzebub displayed his prowess by engaging in hand-to-hand combat, stunning enemies with charged attacks, and unleashing a variety of powers from a radial wheel. While it was not groundbreaking, it adhered to my expectations of a 3D action-RPG, offering solid gameplay.

What truly captured my interest during the demo, however, was the tank. At one point, I had the exhilarating experience of commandeering a tank with my entire crew, battling a colossal dinosaur in the process. Firstly, the tank’s appearance was absolutely stunning. Toriyama’s design seamlessly integrated into the game and evoked pleasant memories of the iconic 3D Metal Slug series. Whenever Metal Slug influences are apparent, it’s always a positive sign.

Operating the tank felt remarkably mechanical, in the best possible way. The controls allowed for forward or backward movement, as well as turning. It struck a perfect balance between maneuverability and the tactile sensation of piloting a tracked vehicle. The tank’s weaponry comprised two slots that could be swapped for firing; while one slot was active, the other could be reloaded.

The entire tank battle section provided a refreshing departure from the norm, and that’s what resonated with me. While I appreciate a solid action-RPG, it was these small deviations from the formula that made Sand Land stand out. I am intrigued by the prospect of discovering hidden pathways and secret areas, as I came across breakable walls scattered throughout the demo.

Ultimately, Sand Land has the potential to be a stellar action-RPG with intriguing twists. It is these twists that will determine the game’s ultimate success or failure in my eyes. Only time will reveal if the allure of traversing vast deserts and engaging in tank warfare will endure when Sand Land finally arrives.

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