Sand Land is the latest brainchild born from the whimsical mind of Akira Toriyama, and before you ask, yes, it involves the same flair that brought us Dragon Ball but set in a desert wasteland. Grab your sunscreen and water bottle because it’s time to dive into a world that’s hotter than a jalapeño on a summer day.
Picture this: you’re wandering the sandy expanse, controlling Beelzebub – no, not the demon from your spooky bedtime stories, but a cheeky character who’s on a quest to find a legendary spring of water amid a kingdom ruled by a king who probably drinks Evian scented with desperation. The gameplay combines traditional action RPG elements such as melee attacks (light and heavy) with a sprinkle of vehicle mechanics that make you feel like Mad Max, if Mad Max had a thing for customization. And spoiler alert: it does! Unlock new skills, drink water (the holy grail in a desert), and battle monsters like they owe you money. Honestly, it’s less about solving great mysteries and more about dodging sandstorms and not stepping on a lizard that could ruin your entire day. Also, shoutout to the companions. They may not be loyal puppers, but they are decent sidekicks who help when they feel like it—typical.
The visuals are crisp, thumping at you from the Unreal Engine 5, which is basically the industry's way of saying, 'Hey, check this out, it’s really pretty!' Character designs will remind you of Dragon Ball—thank you, Toriyama—but with more sand particles than you can shake a stick at. Between wandering through gritty deserts and customizing vehicles that look like they’ve been shaped by a three-year-old in a crafting class, it's a spectacle for the eyes, albeit your eyes might need some hydration too. The animations have their moments, like when you can dodge attacks. But don’t expect a flawless experience – it’s like setting out to find water in a desert and occasionally getting distracted by shiny rocks.
Sand Land is a delightful ride through a thirsty world, though it gets mixed reviews (hy-drations!). Balancing between entertaining gameplay and visual flair, it serves as a tribute to Toriyama's genius and a treasure trove for fans. You'll get a few laughs at the characters' expense and maybe get mildly frustrated every now and then. If you’re looking for a fun, albeit sandy, distraction, and you appreciate quirky RPGs, this title might just quench your thirst for adventure. Just remember: Always keep that skin moisturized, friends.