My fascination with Akira Toriyama’s creations began long before I was capable of understanding the depth of his genius. Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, Dr Slump, Chrono Trigger – these titles, all bearing Toriyama’s distinctive touch, captivated my 13-year-old imagination.
My journey into Sand Land, Toriyama’s 2000 manga, was a youthful one, filled with naivety and enthusiasm. The prospect of a video game adaptation, featuring Toriyama’s signature style, instantly captured my attention. As I delved deeper, my anticipation turned to skepticism. With the story’s brevity and lack of depth, it seemed ill-suited for a game. Yet, the game’s launch coincided with Toriyama’s passing, igniting a mix of dread and curiosity.
ILCA, the developers, faced daunting expectations. Critics feared another uninspired anime game destined for the bargain bin. However, Sand Land defied those predictions, offering a blend of action, RPG elements, and vehicular combat that surpassed initial expectations. My skepticism transformed into genuine admiration as the game unfolded.
At its core, Sand Land is an action RPG. Players take on the role of Beelzebub, the Prince of Demons, embarking on a quest to find water for the barren world of Sand Land. Alongside old friend Thief and new companion Rao, Beelzebub navigates a tale that weaves together action, exploration, and strategic combat.
Initially, the gameplay felt mundane. Beelzebub’s combat felt routine, and tank battles lacked the depth required for sustained engagement. However, as the game progressed, the narrative and gameplay evolved. New abilities and vehicle upgrades enriched the experience, making combat more dynamic and engaging.
The vehicle building and combat system stands out as the game’s centerpiece. Sand Land offers a unique approach to vehicular combat, with customizable mechs that become deeply personal to players. The attachment to these vehicles adds layers of strategy and emotional investment, making each mech feel uniquely powerful and essential.
Storywise, Sand Land excels. The developers took creative liberties, expanding upon the original manga’s narrative with additional missions that suit a video game format. The second half of the game, particularly, showcases enhanced story missions that are both innovative and engaging.
Despite its strengths, Sand Land is not without flaws. Stealth missions feel repetitive and underdeveloped, while certain missions begin to feel monotonous due to their similarity. Additionally, the frequency of dialogue lines between characters can become tiresome.
Performance-wise, Sand Land shines on PC, delivering a smooth experience. The game’s initial PC port issues were resolved, ensuring a seamless journey for players. The game’s visual fidelity and responsiveness contribute to its overall enjoyment.
Reflecting on the game’s narrative, I realized that Sand Land is as much a story about Beelzebub’s journey as it is about his unlikely friendship with Rao. This relationship, marked by mutual growth and trust, becomes a poignant reflection of the game’s themes.
Overall, Sand Land is a remarkable achievement that pays homage to Toriyama’s legacy while offering a fresh and engaging gaming experience. Its blend of action, RPG mechanics, and thoughtful storytelling sets it apart, making it a standout title in the anime game genre. Despite its minor flaws, Sand Land delivers a memorable adventure that honors Toriyama’s vision and leaves a lasting impression on its players.
A copy of Sand Land was provided for review by Bandai Namco.
