SAND LAND

The story of Sand Land receives widespread praise for its engaging narrative, character dynamics, and faithful adaptation of the original manga. Critics highlight its post-apocalyptic setting, where water scarcity drives a quest for the Legendary Spring, as a compelling backdrop for exploring themes like human-demon collaboration and moral ambiguity. GamingBolt notes the "interesting character dynamics and commentary on demons and humans," while GameGrin praises the "intriguing narrative" and organic character development. Many reviewers, such as Push Square and GamesHub, commend the storytelling’s accessibility, with Push Square calling it "well-executed with great cutscenes and direction." The game’s blend of humor, action, and emotional depth—particularly in its exploration of friendship and societal conflict—is frequently lauded, with Eurogamer noting its "engaging narrative" and GameOver.gr highlighting "well-written characters." The story’s ability to balance lightheartedness with serious themes, as seen in Gaming Age’s mention of its "emotional depth," further strengthens its appeal. However, several critics point to notable flaws, including a reliance on clichéd tropes and uneven character development. GamingBolt and Vgames both criticize the narrative for feeling "typical and cliched" or "rushed," while GamesRadar+ notes that "character development suffers in the latter stages." Some reviewers, like GameCritics, acknowledge pacing issues, stating the story has "some pacing issues in the middle," and XGN mentions that the plot "lacks memorability." Additionally, while many praise the game’s faithfulness to the manga, others, such as PlayStation Universe, argue that new elements "lack the quality of the original narrative." Repetitiveness and underdeveloped secondary characters also surface as concerns, with TierraGamer noting that "secondary missions feel lackluster" despite a strong main story. These critiques suggest the narrative, while enjoyable, occasionally falters in sustaining its initial momentum or depth. Overall, critics agree that Sand Land’s story is a standout feature, particularly for fans of Akira Toriyama’s work and those seeking an accessible, action-driven adventure. While some criticisms about clichés and pacing persist, the majority view it as a well-crafted, engaging experience. GamingBolt acknowledges its "interesting character dynamics," while IGN France praises its "positive narrative experience" that caters to both newcomers and fans. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its world-building and thematic depth, with GameGrin noting its "vibrant world" and Noisy Pixel highlighting its exploration of "discrimination and determination." Despite minor flaws, the story’s strengths—its humor, character interactions, and faithful adaptation—prevail, making it a memorable entry in the genre.

The gameplay of SAND LAND receives praise for its vehicle-centric mechanics, which are consistently highlighted as a standout feature. Critics like IGN Italia and INVEN commend the "interesting vehicle mechanics" and the variety of vehicles—referred to as "mechas"—that offer unique combat and exploration experiences. GameGrin and GamingTrend note that the open-world design, combined with customizable vehicles and traversal options, creates an engaging experience, particularly for players who enjoy vehicular combat. The ability to switch between tanks, robots, and other machines adds variety, while IGN Adria and PlayStation Universe emphasize how vehicle customization enhances both exploration and combat. Additionally, Xbox Tavern and PC Invasion acknowledge the accessibility of controls and the intuitive nature of tank battles, which provide a satisfying core loop for many players. However, the game faces significant criticism for its repetitive structure and lack of depth in key areas. Multiple reviewers, including Vandal, GameMAG, and IGN Brasil, point to "repetitive missions," "simplistic combat systems," and "limited variety" that undermine engagement. The on-foot combat is frequently criticized as unpolished and monotonous, with Eurogamer Portugal and XGN noting that melee mechanics feel forced and lack challenge. RPG Fan and ComicBook highlight inconsistent controls and a cluttered inventory system, while Digitally Downloaded and Digital Trends criticize the generic quests and poor AI in stealth sections. Even the vehicle combat, though praised, is seen as repetitive by INVEN and GAMINGbible, who note that players often default to the same strategies, reducing the incentive to experiment. These issues create a disconnect between the game’s potential and its execution. Overall, critics agree that SAND LAND is a mixed experience, with its vehicle mechanics offering a compelling core but failing to deliver sustained depth or variety. While IGN Italia and GameGrin acknowledge the game’s strengths in exploration and customization, they also recognize its shortcomings in mission design and combat diversity. The consensus leans toward a "casual" or "accessible" experience that prioritizes vehicle-based gameplay over traditional RPG elements, as noted by Eurogamer Germany and Wccftech. Despite some positive aspects, the repetitive nature of missions, clunky on-foot mechanics, and lack of meaningful progression systems (as critiqued by RPGamer and Checkpoint Gaming) leave many reviewers feeling underwhelmed. Ultimately, SAND LAND is seen as a game with promising ideas but one that struggles to balance innovation with consistency.

The majority of critics praised Sand Land’s graphics and visual design for their faithful adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style, with many highlighting its vibrant, cel-shaded aesthetic. Reviewers like GameMAG and Eurogamer Germany noted that the character designs are "recognizable" and "vibrant," capturing the essence of Toriyama’s work, while Wccftech emphasized the game’s "impressive visuals" powered by Unreal Engine 5, with cutscenes rivaling Disney+ series. The desert setting, though repetitive in some areas, was often celebrated for its dynamic lighting and detailed environments, as noted by Games.cz and Digital Trends, who praised the "beautiful Toriyama-style art" and "stunning visuals." Additionally, GIGA and Siliconera highlighted unique vehicle designs and "top-notch character and mech aesthetics," reinforcing the game’s visual appeal. The cel-shaded style, reminiscent of Dragon Ball and Borderlands, was consistently lauded for its charm and ability to bring the manga’s world to life, as noted by XboxEra and COGconnected. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the game’s visual design. The desert environment, while stylistically consistent, was frequently criticized for being "lifeless" and "repetitive," with GameMAG and Xbox Tavern noting a lack of detail and sparse NPC activity that diminished immersion. Games.cz and PC Invasion mentioned technical issues like pop-in effects and texture problems, while Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) acknowledged that some environments "may feel cluttered" during vehicle customization. Additionally, TheXboxHub found the desert "boring," and Vgames criticized the world for feeling "repetitive and lacking distinctiveness." These critiques often centered on the game’s reliance on a sandy aesthetic, with PlaySense noting that the "primarily sand-based environment" limited variety, and Worth Playing pointing to "plain" environments due to the desert setting. Despite these issues, many reviewers felt the art style compensated for these shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Sand Land’s graphics and visual design are a strong suit. While technical and environmental flaws were acknowledged, they were often overshadowed by praise for the game’s faithful adaptation of Toriyama’s work and its vibrant, stylized world. GameGrin and VG247 highlighted the "visually stunning" experience, while COGconnected called it a "perfectly realized" world that "faithfully captures Toriyama’s iconic art style." Even critics who noted flaws, like Xbox Tavern and PC Invasion, acknowledged the game’s visual strengths, suggesting that the positives—such as the cel-shaded aesthetic and detailed character designs—created an engaging experience. The majority of reviews emphasized that Sand Land succeeds in translating its source material into a visually captivating 3D world, making it a standout title for fans of Toriyama’s artistry.

The sound design and music of Sand Land received a mix of praise, with several critics highlighting its strengths. IGN France praised the original soundtrack for its "surprisingly well-crafted" melodies, noting that it surpasses previous entries in the series by blending electro/ambient sounds effectively. MondoXbox and Pure Xbox both emphasized that the audio design complements gameplay, creating an engaging atmosphere, while Noisy Pixel and GameGrin highlighted the "chill soundtrack" and "impressive" music that enhances immersion. RPG Fan drew a favorable comparison to NieR: Automata, suggesting the score effectively supports the game’s tone, and Meristation commended the high-quality voice acting from renowned actors. Additionally, several reviewers noted that the soundtrack aligns well with the game’s mood, offering a rewarding experience for players. However, critiques focused on areas where the sound design and music fell short. Generación Xbox criticized the audio as "simple and ambient" with a lack of depth, while Vandal described the effects as "repetitive" and the soundtrack as "lacking depth." COGconnected and Gameblog.fr pointed to bland voice acting and an unmemorable score, respectively, with Gameblog.fr specifically noting that the audio experience "is not a standout feature." PlaySense mentioned repetitive team conversations, and XboxEra noted that the music occasionally veered into "weird" territory with faux chanting and synths. Additionally, some critics highlighted localization issues, such as MeuPlayStation’s lack of voice acting in Brazilian Portuguese and GamingBolt’s mention of dialogue and translation flaws, which detracted from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sand Land’s sound design and music are decent but uneven. While many praised the soundtrack’s atmosphere and voice acting quality—particularly IGN France, RPG Fan, and Worth Playing—the lack of originality and repetitive elements were recurring complaints. Vandal and Generación Xbox emphasized the audio’s simplicity, while others like GameGrin and Noisy Pixel found it enjoyable despite its limitations. The mixed reception suggests that Sand Land’s audio is functional and occasionally impressive but fails to leave a lasting impression, with its strengths in mood-setting and voice work overshadowed by technical shortcomings and repetitive compositions.

The voice acting in SAND LAND receives largely positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its quality and authenticity. Critics like Generación Xbox highlight the availability of Japanese voice options, which are preferred over English, while MondoXbox and Pure Xbox commend the game’s full voicing in both English and Japanese, emphasizing consistency with the anime series. TheXboxHub notes the retention of original anime cast members, enhancing cutscene immersion, and XboxEra appreciates the main cast’s enjoyable performances. RPG Fan and TheSixthAxis specifically praise standout roles like Risa Mei as Beelzebub and Owen Thomas as Thief, while PlaySense and GameGrin highlight natural character delivery that enriches player engagement. The Japanese voice acting is frequently lauded for its quality, with SECTOR.sk and SpazioGames noting its positive contributions to the experience. However, several critics point out notable flaws in the voice acting. But Why Tho? and Comicbook.com criticize repetitive dialogue, suggesting a lack of variety or options to disable in-game suggestions. Digitally Downloaded finds Beelzebub’s characterization clumsy and his voice annoying, while GamingBolt and Checkpoint Gaming mention excessive repetition that detracts from immersion. RPG Fan points to poor translation and direction causing awkward pacing, and PC Invasion notes instances where performances don’t align with character traits. Additionally, Generación Xbox mentions the absence of Spanish voice options, which may limit accessibility for some players. These critiques highlight areas where the voice acting falls short despite its overall strengths. The overall consensus among critics is that SAND LAND’s voice acting is solid and immersive, particularly in Japanese and English iterations, but not without flaws. While TheSixthAxis and RPG Fan celebrate standout performances and authenticity, others like GamingBolt and Digitally Downloaded emphasize recurring issues with repetition and character alignment. The game’s voice acting is broadly seen as a strength that enhances the experience, though it occasionally falters in consistency and variety. Reviews from platforms across different regions (e.g., IGN Italia, Gameblog.fr) underscore its value as a key component of the game’s charm, even as some critics call for improvements in dialogue diversity and translation quality. The mixed reception reflects a balance between commendable execution and persistent technical or creative shortcomings.

The technical performance of Sand Land varies across platforms, with several positives noted by critics. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox praised its "visually gratifying experience," while IGN France highlighted a stable 60 FPS and IGN Adria (PS5) commended the game’s smooth performance on Unreal Engine 5. For PS5, Push Square and Wccftech emphasized flawless 60fps and quick load times, with MeuPlayStation noting "no crashes or frame rate drops." On PC, Eurogamer and Vandal reported solid performance, with GameGrin appreciating smooth controls and PC Invasion acknowledging quality-of-life improvements. Critics like IGN Adria and Wccftech also praised the PS5’s technical polish, while XboxEra highlighted seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay on Xbox Series X. However, several technical issues were raised across platforms. On Xbox Series X, IGN France criticized "clipping and poor lighting effects," while Xbox Tavern noted pop-in concerns. For PS5, Eurogamer Portugal pointed to inconsistent AI behavior, and Multiplayer.it mentioned frame rate drops and generic assets. PlaySense highlighted "invisible walls" in mountainous areas, while RPG Fan and SpazioGames cited unfinished cutscenes and immersion issues. On PC, Checkpoint Gaming warned of frame rate struggles on older hardware, and PC Invasion noted texture problems. Critics like XGN (PS5) and WellPlayed (PS5) also mentioned pop-in and rigid animations, while TouchArcade (PC) reported frame rate inconsistencies in open-world areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sand Land delivers a technically solid experience on most platforms, particularly on PS5 and PC, with stable performance and visual appeal. However, platform-specific issues like AI glitches, animation flaws, and pop-in effects persist, as noted by IGN France (Xbox), Multiplayer.it (PS5), and Checkpoint Gaming (PC). While some critics, such as Wccftech and Push Square, praised the game’s technical polish, others highlighted its "rough edges" and unresolved bugs. The mixed reception suggests that while Sand Land is generally well-optimized, it faces challenges in maintaining consistency across open-world mechanics and visual fidelity, particularly on PS5 and PC.

The critics who highlight positive aspects of SAND LAND’s replay value emphasize its expansive open-world design, customization options, and optional content. Eurogamer notes that the game’s “significant amount of side content” encourages exploration, while Push Square praises its 40-hour runtime with side quests and town rebuilding. Dot Esports and Checkpoint Gaming commend elements like vehicle builds, home decoration, and town development as incentives for revisiting the world. Additionally, some critics, such as Wccftech, acknowledge that the game’s engaging mechanics and diverse activities—like treasure hunting and crafting—can extend playtime beyond the main story. These reviews suggest that SAND LAND offers a foundation for replayability through its variety of side activities and progression systems, particularly for players who enjoy exploration and customization. However, the majority of critics express concerns about repetitive gameplay and lackluster side content. Vandal, GameMAG, and GamesHub criticize the “limited replay value” due to simplistic missions and unengaging mechanics, while GameOver.gr and TierraGamer highlight the monotony of fetch quests and repetitive tasks. IGN Brasil and GamingBolt note that combat lacks variety, and Meristation and COGconnected point out that side quests often feel trivial or uninspired. Even reviewers like Eurogamer Portugal and Xbox Tavern acknowledge that while exploration is encouraged, the “repetitive nature of some activities” may deter long-term engagement. These critiques collectively underscore a disconnect between the game’s potential for replayability and its execution, with many feeling that the core mechanics fail to sustain interest over multiple playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward cautious optimism tempered by significant reservations. While several reviews, including those from Eurogamer, Push Square, and Checkpoint Gaming, argue that SAND LAND offers enough content—such as side quests, customization, and exploration—to justify replayability, others like Vandal and IGN Brasil emphasize its limitations. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on player preferences: younger audiences or fans of its source material might find the open-world elements engaging, while more discerning players may be deterred by repetition. Ultimately, SAND LAND appears to strike a balance between offering optional depth and suffering from formulaic design, resulting in a replay value that is present but not universally compelling.