In the realm of Sand Land, the tank experience truly takes the spotlight.

Enter Sand Land

Sand Land presents an intriguing scenario. Unveiled during the Summer Game Fest 2023 live show, this ILCA-developed, Bandai Namco-published action-RPG adaptation offers a refreshing choice.

While the works of Akira Toriyama, such as Dragon Ball, are well-known in the west, Sand Land hasn’t gained the same level of popularity. However, it is precisely this difference that has captivated me. I’ve seen plenty of Dragon Ball, but I’m relatively unfamiliar with Sand Land. After sampling a bit of the game at Summer Game Fest 2023, I’m genuinely intrigued to explore its post-apocalyptic arid wastelands, reminiscent of Mad Max.

If you’re not familiar with Sand Land, it is a single-volume manga by Toriyama set in a world with scarce water resources. Following years of disasters and conflicts that devastated the land, a single king controls the water supply. In Bandai Namco’s Sand Land, players assume the role of Beelzebub, the prince of demons who joins forces with the elderly Rao to locate a new water source.

Embark on a Desert Journey

The demo started with an exciting action sequence, where I drove the crew’s car, evading attacks from a sand beast. Although the creatures were somewhat difficult to distinguish, it provided a thrilling introduction to the chaotic and perilous world.

What immediately caught my attention was the exceptional artwork. Toriyama’s distinctive style was faithfully represented in the portion of Sand Land I played. The character models were visually impressive, capturing the essence of Toriyama’s work, especially the vehicle designs.

After a successful escape, we arrived at a town. Although I couldn’t explore the area, it seemed to serve as a hub for activities. The producer, who guided me through the demo, directed me to the next area, and to reach it, I had to utilize a special vehicle: the tank.

3, 2, 1, Let’s Jam

While there was some on-foot combat towards the end of the demo, it followed the expected formula. Beelzebub showcased his abilities, including melee attacks, charged strikes that stunned enemies, and a variety of powers accessible through a radial wheel. It was a solid gameplay experience for a 3D action-RPG.

However, what truly captured my imagination, and continued to linger in my thoughts after the demo, was the tank. At one point, players have the opportunity to commandeer a tank along with their crew, engaging in a battle against a massive dinosaur. Firstly, the tank itself is visually stunning. Toriyama’s design translates exceptionally well in-game, exuding vibes reminiscent of the classic Metal Slug series. Whenever I’m reminded of Metal Slug, it’s definitely a good thing.

Operating the tank feels mechanical in a satisfying way. Navigation involves forward and backward rolling, as well as turning. It strikes a perfect balance between mobility and the tactile sensation of piloting a tracked vehicle. The tank’s weaponry comprises two slots that can be swapped for continuous fire, allowing one slot to reload while the other remains operational.

The tank battle section introduced a refreshing change of pace, setting it apart from the typical action-RPG experience. While I enjoy a traditional action-RPG, it’s these unique elements that truly make Sand Land stand out. The promise of discovering hidden pathways and areas, as evidenced by the presence of breakable walls in the demo, has piqued my curiosity.

Overall, Sand Land has the potential to be a captivating action-RPG with intriguing twists. It is these twists that will ultimately determine the game’s success. Only time will tell if the combination of sand and tanks can deliver on their promise when Sand Land finally arrives.

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