Sand Land, the 24-year-old cult classic by the late Akira Toriyama, has arrived as a sprawling video game adaptation, offering players an immersive journey through a world defined by the iconic Dragon Ball creator’s signature style. While the game experiences fluctuations in technical polish and performance, it succeeds as a compelling narrative experience that allows fans to fully inhabit a realized Toriyama universe.
A Tale of Two Worlds: Manga and Beyond
The Sand Land video game serves as both a faithful retelling of the original 2000 manga and a brand-new sequel. For newcomers, it provides an accessible entry point, though the transition from the familiar Sand Land region into entirely new territory creates a narrative shift that feels slightly disjointed. While the characters—with the notable exception of the principled and surprisingly open-minded “old man” Rao—lack significant emotional growth, the plot is engaging enough to keep players hooked from the opening act.
Vehicle Combat and Customization
As Beelzebub, the son of the demon king, you embark on a quest to restore water to a parched world. The gameplay loop centers on exploring vast environments using an arsenal of customizable vehicles. Whether piloting a heavy tank for skirmishes or a motorcycle for traversing dunes, the combat feels intuitive, mirroring the mechanics of a third-person shooter. Although the vehicle-swapping system can feel cumbersome—often requiring a full stop during fast-paced encounters—the thrill of upgrading your garage and fine-tuning your machines provides a satisfying sense of progression.
Town Building and Stealth Woes
Beyond the battlefield, the game rewards exploration through the development of the town of Spino. By completing sidequests, players attract new inhabitants, ranging from painters who offer vehicle customization to merchants who expand your resources. However, the game falters during its non-vehicular segments. Stealth sections feel like a relic of a bygone era of game design, and while hand-to-hand combat is functional, it lacks the excitement of the vehicle-based action.
A Lasting Impression
Despite being slightly overlong, Sand Land clocks in at a reasonable 20-hour playtime. It succeeds on the strength of its charm and Toriyama’s unmistakable humor—highlighted by Beelzebub’s primary motivation: earning an extra hour of video game time from his father. While it has its technical shortcomings and pacing issues, the experience of building your garage and exploring the vast, arid landscapes makes Sand Land a worthwhile journey for fans of the late, legendary creator.
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