Bandai Namco has once again demonstrated its expertise in transforming anime and manga series into captivating video games. Their latest addition, Sand Land, was unveiled at the Summer Game Fest, and it immediately caught the attention of attendees with its striking and bold poster displayed alongside other hit titles, like the Naruto Ultimate Storm fighting series.
While Sand Land may not be a familiar name to many, it was actually created by the legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, the genius behind Dragon Ball. Toriyama is known for his exceptional character designs, which have graced notable games such as Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, and the beloved Dragon Quest series. With Sand Land, Toriyama’s artistic creations have reached new heights.
Sand Land is an action-adventure game that puts players in control of the spirited prince of the Devil, Beelzebub. Set in a desert-themed world where water is scarce and invaluable, the game introduces a unique storyline where demons and humans coexist. Beelzebub embarks on an adventure alongside the human Sheriff Rao and the demon Thief to unravel the water crisis plaguing their world.
During the Summer Game Fest, a 15-minute demo of Sand Land provided a sneak peek into the game’s mechanics. The demo showcased various gameplay elements, including exciting melee combat, exploration, and the utilization of two distinct vehicles: a tank and an unexpected golf cart. The demo commenced with the trio evading a desert dragon, as players skillfully maneuvered the golf cart to escape relentless attacks. Eventually, the gang had to make a difficult decision, sacrificing their precious water supplies to ensure their escape.
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Interestingly, the gameplay closely mirrors the events depicted in the Sand Land manga. For players who are unfamiliar with the story, this faithful adaptation offers an exciting opportunity to experience it for the first time. While some may find predictable storylines frustrating, being able to delve into an entirely new tale can be an exhilarating experience.
The demo also highlighted two distinctive play styles in Sand Land. Players can explore the vast desert landscapes, outposts, and towns using the available vehicles. However, certain situations necessitate players to continue their journey on foot, engaging in intense combat or interacting with various elements in the environment. Bandai Namco has teased that players will have the freedom to customize their vehicles, enhancing their performance and strategic advantages by adding different weaponry and components. The demo showcased the use of armor-piercing rounds, which had a slower fire rate but possessed devastating power against enemies. It is intriguing to imagine the possibilities of creating and customizing vehicles, especially considering that the initial vehicle presented in the demo was a humble golf cart sans artillery options.
Speaking of combat, Sand Land offers an array of exciting melee confrontations. Players assume the role of Beelzebub, equipped with an assortment of weak attacks, dodge rolls, and super attacks that gradually charge up during battles. While the combat mechanics may seem simplistic at first, Bandai Namco aims to deepen the combat aspects with additional moves and the introduction of support characters. Although not evident in the demo, it is anticipated that both the human Sheriff Rao and the demon Thief will join Beelzebub in fights, further enriching the gameplay experience.
A highlight of the early demo was the exhilarating encounter with a gang of bandits, reminiscent of the iconic Ginyu Force in Dragon Ball. Each member of the gang wielded unique weapons and showcased distinct attack patterns, providing players with an opportunity to test Beelzebub’s combos. Players could send enemies flying with powerful punches, only to follow up with an impressive aerial attack, slamming them back to the ground.
One of the standout features of Sand Land is the exceptional visual fidelity. Thanks to the current generation of consoles and powerful PCs, Bandai Namco is able to faithfully replicate Toriyama’s intricate artwork. This was evident in the demo, as players marveled at the stunning tank design. With the promise of customizing vehicles in the full game, the potential to create truly awe-inspiring machines is immense.
Sand Land is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, ensuring that players across different platforms can embark on this exciting desert adventure. As fans eagerly await the game’s release, there is no shortage of anticipation for the immersive world and engaging gameplay that Sand Land promises to deliver.
In conclusion, Bandai Namco’s newest endeavor, Sand Land, is an action-adventure game that introduces players to a unique desert-themed world, where water scarcity fuels a gripping storyline. The game captures the essence of Akira Toriyama’s masterful artwork, providing players with a visually stunning experience. With exciting combat mechanics, customization options for vehicles, and the prospect of engaging with Toriyama’s fascinating characters, Sand Land is a highly anticipated addition to Bandai Namco’s impressive lineup of anime and manga-inspired video games.
