Gamefings logoimg

Review of Sand Land on Xbox Series X/S

by Chucky Chucky photo Apr 2024
Cover image of Sand Land on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Released: 26 Apr 2024
Genre: Action Role-playing
Developer: ILCA
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Introduction

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.

Gameplay

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.

Graphics

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.

Conclusion

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.

See Latest Prices for Sand Land on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Forza Horizon 5 Takes a Pit Stop on PS5'
Tanya Krane - 31 Jan 2025
In a move that's left gamers doing double-takes and Xbox loyalists clutching their controllers a little tighter, <strong>Forza Hor...
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...