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SAND LAND

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SAND LAND
Item: SAND LAND
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Comedy, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 26, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperILCA, Inc.

Overview

Sand Land is an action RPG where you become the main character as Beelzebub, a Fiend Prince. Lead your company of heroic misfits and explore the legendary world of Sand Land developed by the creator of Dragon Ball & Dr. Slump, Akira Toriyama.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics laud SAND LAND for its engaging story about an unlikely alliance in a desert world fighting for water. Themes of discrimination, loss, and cooperation add depth, though some critics noted issues with dialogue and repetitive elements. Overall, the majority of reviewers praised the game for its character development and thematic exploration, making it a standout storytelling experience that captures the essence of the original manga.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of SAND LAND for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and unexpected depth. Critics like But Why Tho? and GAMINGbible appreciated the focus on an unlikely alliance between humans and demons in a desert world fighting for water supply, with the quest to find the Legendary Spring serving as a central driving force. The exploration of themes such as discrimination, loss, determination, and humanitarian cooperation added layers of complexity to the storyline, as noted by Noisy Pixel and Siliconera. The game's ability to expand on the original manga while staying true to its roots, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and Meristation, further contributed to the positive reception of the story. However, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the storytelling of SAND LAND. COGconnected and Gameblog.fr mentioned issues with dialogue delivery and awkward storytelling that detracted from the overall immersion. GamePro Germany highlighted repetitive elements in the narrative, while TierraGamer noted that lackluster secondary missions overshadowed the main story. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story remained positive, with the majority of reviewers acknowledging the game's strengths in character development and thematic exploration. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of SAND LAND. The game successfully captures the essence of the original manga, offering an engaging narrative with well-rounded characters and impactful moments. While some critics raised concerns about specific aspects such as dialogue delivery and secondary missions, the majority of reviewers found the story to be a standout feature of the game. SAND LAND's ability to blend humor, drama, and deeper thematic elements resonated well with fans and newcomers alike, making it a compelling and memorable storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics praise SAND LAND for its engaging vehicular combat and exploration but criticize the melee combat and repetitive nature of certain activities. The game offers exciting vehicle combat, gradual introduction of vehicles, and intricate customization options, providing a fun experience. While some highlight the variety of vehicles and rewarding upgrades, others find the melee combat lacking depth and certain activities repetitive. Overall, SAND LAND presents a mixed gameplay experience with strengths in vehicular combat and exploration, making it worth considering for players who enjoy these aspects.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of SAND LAND has received praise from several critics for its engaging vehicular combat and exploration elements. Critics like But Why Tho? and Noisy Pixel appreciated the exciting vehicle combat, gradual introduction of vehicles, and intricate customization options, providing a fun and engaging gameplay experience. Additionally, Siliconera and Game Informer highlighted the variety of vehicles available, with distinct playstyles and rewarding upgrades, adding depth to the gameplay loop. On the other hand, criticisms of the gameplay mainly revolved around the melee combat mechanics and repetitive nature of certain activities. Critics such as Digital Trends and TierraGamer pointed out that the melee combat lacked depth and polish, leading to a less satisfying experience compared to the vehicle combat. GamePro Germany and Checkpoint Gaming noted the repetitive nature of encounters, both in vehicle and melee combat, which affected the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that SAND LAND offers a mixed gameplay experience. While the vehicular combat, exploration, and customization options were praised for providing engaging and thrilling moments, the lack of depth in melee combat, repetitive missions, and simplistic mechanics were seen as drawbacks. Critics like GamingTrend appreciated the depth and variety offered by features like character skill trees and town upgrades, while others like SpazioGames and Dot Esports found the gameplay to be too simplistic and lacking in certain areas. Despite the mixed opinions, the majority of critics acknowledged the game's strengths in vehicular combat and exploration, making SAND LAND a title worth considering for players who enjoy these aspects in a game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously laud SAND LAND for its stunning graphics that faithfully capture Akira Toriyama's iconic art style. The game's cel-shaded aesthetic, detailed character designs, and Unreal Engine 5 utilization impressed reviewers like But Why Tho? and COGconnected. Despite some minor drawbacks like hindering character movements and occasional texture issues, SAND LAND delivers a visually appealing experience that immerses players in its diverse environments and well-crafted world design. Overall, the game successfully translates Toriyama's art style into a captivating post-apocalyptic setting, earning high praise from critics for its impressive visuals and immersive portrayal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of SAND LAND, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like But Why Tho? and COGconnected appreciated the gorgeous visuals, detailed character designs, and vibrant cel-shaded aesthetic that faithfully captured Akira Toriyama's iconic art style. The diverse environments, striking contrast between different lands, and well-crafted world designs by Toriyama, as mentioned by GAMINGbible and GIGA, added depth and immersion to the game. Additionally, the use of Unreal Engine 5, as noted by Wccftech, contributed to impressive visuals with distinct landmarks and top-notch character and mech designs, enhancing the overall visual experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the graphics and visual design of SAND LAND, some critics did point out a few drawbacks. Multiplayer.it highlighted issues such as hindering character movements due to animations, generic assets, occasional frame rate drops, and shader pop-ups, which slightly impacted the gameplay experience. PC Invasion also mentioned occasional texture issues and repetitive environments that detracted from the overall visual appeal. SpazioGames criticized the lack of immersion and disappearing enemy vehicles, indicating some inconsistencies in maintaining fidelity to the source material and technical execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is that SAND LAND excels in delivering a visually appealing experience that stays true to Akira Toriyama's style. The game's beautiful cel-shaded graphics, varied environments, and captivating world design were widely praised for capturing the essence of the source material, as emphasized by Digital Trends and Noisy Pixel. While there were some minor technical issues and inconsistencies noted by a few critics, the majority agreed that the graphics and visual design of SAND LAND were very good, offering a stunning and immersive portrayal of the post-apocalyptic setting. The game successfully translated Toriyama's iconic art style into a vibrant and engaging visual experience, making it a standout feature that resonated positively with the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the Sound Design and Music of SAND LAND. Positive feedback includes praise for high-quality voice acting and engaging character conversations. The music is highlighted for enhancing gameplay immersion and emotions. However, some critics point out issues like bland voice acting, lack of a memorable soundtrack, and inconsistencies in voice direction. Overall, opinions vary, but the general consensus leans towards a moderately positive reception with elements that enhance the gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of SAND LAND have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the quality of voice acting in the game. Meristation commends the high-quality voice acting from renowned voice actors, while SpazioGames and GamePro Germany appreciate the well-received English and Japanese voice acting. Noisy Pixel also praises the various conversations between characters that enhance the overall enjoyment of the game, providing a rewarding experience for players. GamingTrend particularly emphasizes the amazing music that complements the gameplay experience, enhancing immersion in the game world and appealing to the player's emotions. On the other hand, some critics expressed negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of SAND LAND. COGconnected points out that the bland voice acting detracts from the overall immersion of the narrative, which suggests a disconnect between the voice performances and the game's storytelling. Gameblog.fr notes that while the game features quality voice acting, it lacks a memorable soundtrack, with the overall audio experience not standing out as a prominent feature. XboxEra highlights issues in voice direction, indicating that there may be inconsistencies or problems in how the voice acting was executed. Gamepressure mentions that repetitive character lines can be annoying, potentially leading to a sense of monotony in the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of SAND LAND is somewhat mixed. While there is appreciation for the quality of voice acting and some positive feedback on the fitting soundtrack and engaging elements like character conversations and vehicular combat sounds, there are also criticisms regarding aspects such as bland voice acting, lack of a memorable soundtrack, and issues with voice direction. The varying opinions suggest that the audio experience in SAND LAND may resonate differently with players based on their preferences for voice performances and music styles. Despite some shortcomings, the overall sentiment leans towards a moderately positive reception, with elements that manage to enhance the gameplay experience for many reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

SAND LAND's voice acting receives mixed reviews: praised for quality and immersion by some critics, criticized for repetitive dialogue and mismatched performances by others. While there are strengths like a quality cast and solid performances, improvements are needed in addressing repetitive dialogue and refining voice direction. Critics agree on the potential for enhancement in the gaming experience but highlight the need for growth and refinement in certain aspects of the voice acting in SAND LAND.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in SAND LAND has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Gameblog.fr and Meristation praise the quality of the voice cast, highlighting how it enhances character interactions and immersion in the game world. SpazioGames also commends the English voice acting, indicating a generally positive reception towards the performances. Additionally, GamePro Germany notes the availability of voice acting options in both English and Japanese, providing players with a choice in their gaming experience. On the other hand, Checkpoint Gaming and But Why Tho? express concerns about repetitive dialogue and constant chatter from characters, with But Why Tho? suggesting the need for more variety or an option to disable in-game suggestions. PC Invasion further criticizes the voice performances, noting that they do not always fit the characters, which can be off-putting during dialogue segments. XboxEra points out issues with voice direction, particularly with the character Rao, indicating a lack of consistency in the delivery of performances. Overall, while SAND LAND's voice acting has its strengths, such as a quality voice cast and solid performances as mentioned by Twinfinite, there are also areas that need improvement, such as addressing repetitive dialogue, ensuring that performances align with character portrayals, and refining voice direction. The consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging the potential of the voice acting in enhancing the gaming experience but also recognizing the room for growth and refinement in certain aspects to elevate the overall quality of the voice performances in SAND LAND.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise PS5 SAND LAND for stable gameplay and technical prowess but criticize technical limitations. Xbox Series X version offers smooth experience with no major issues. PC players face performance challenges. Overall, mixed reviews highlight diverse gaming experiences across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the different gaming platforms, the PS5 version of SAND LAND seems to offer a stable experience with customizable difficulty levels and good accessibility options, as highlighted by GamePro Germany. Additionally, Wccftech praises the PS5 version for running at a stable 60fps with a respectable resolution, positioning it as one of the most technically polished Unreal Engine 5 games. Moving to the Xbox Series X, Game Informer's positive feedback indicates a smooth gameplay experience without any technical issues or stability concerns. XboxEra also appreciates the seamless transition between cutscenes and gameplay, especially during major story development scenes. On the flip side, there are notable negatives mentioned by critics for each gaming platform. The PS5 version receives criticism for occasional technical limitations impacting the overall experience, frame rate drops, generic assets, hindering character movements, disappearing enemy vehicles due to AI behavior, lack of immersion, and issues with animations, as pointed out by Gameblog.fr, Multiplayer.it, and SpazioGames. PC players, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and PC Invasion, face issues with frame rates on older hardware, texture problems, and occasional character animation issues, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of SAND LAND across different gaming platforms is mixed. While the PS5 version is praised for its stable performance and technical polish by Wccftech, it also faces criticism for various technical limitations and issues highlighted by Gameblog.fr, Multiplayer.it, and SpazioGames. The Xbox Series X version seems to deliver a smoother experience without major technical hiccups, as noted by Game Informer and XboxEra. However, PC players encounter performance challenges on older hardware, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and PC Invasion. The varying opinions suggest that while SAND LAND excels in technical aspects on certain platforms, it falls short on others, resulting in a diverse range of experiences for players across different gaming systems.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed views on the replay value of SAND LAND. Positive aspects include engaging side quests, town rebuilding, and customization options that enhance gameplay depth and offer incentives for multiple playthroughs. However, negative aspects like repetitive content and lack of variety in side missions may limit the game's replayability. While some critics praise the engaging elements that extend gameplay hours, others express concerns about the lack of diversity in activities and combat depth. Overall, SAND LAND presents a blend of engaging and repetitive elements that influence players' decisions to replay the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The positive aspects of the replay value of SAND LAND, as highlighted by several critics, include the depth and rewards offered by side quests and open-world activities. Digital Trends appreciates how side quests enhance the gameplay experience, while Checkpoint Gaming finds the town rebuilding aspect compelling and the customizable room feature adds replay value. XboxEra also notes that side quests and worldbuilding mechanics provide a sense of progression beyond the main story, contributing to the game's replayability. Additionally, Meristation mentions that collectibles and customization options add depth, extending playtime for players looking to explore additional content. On the other hand, the negative aspects that impact the replay value of SAND LAND, as pointed out by various critics, include the lack of variety and repetitive nature of side content. Critics like GIGA and Gamepressure highlight the repetitive content in the open world and the lack of depth in side missions, respectively. TierraGamer and Gameblog.fr express concerns about the lack of depth and engaging secondary activities, limiting the game's replay value. Twinfinite mentions the lack of unique content and diversity in enemies as factors that may restrict the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of SAND LAND is mixed. While some critics appreciate the additional gameplay elements like side quests, character upgrades, and town development that provide incentives for multiple playthroughs, others express concerns about the lack of variety in side content and the repetitive nature of certain activities. Critics like GamingTrend and Wccftech acknowledge the engaging aspects of the game that can extend gameplay hours and keep players invested. However, critics such as GamePro Germany and TierraGamer point out the lack of engaging secondary activities and depth in combat, which may impact the overall replay value of the game. Despite differing opinions on specific aspects of replayability, the overall sentiment suggests that SAND LAND offers a mix of engaging and repetitive elements that influence players' willingness to revisit the game for multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on SAND LAND highlight several positive aspects of the game. Critics like But Why Tho? and Noisy Pixel praise the game for its stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, with Noisy Pixel even going as far as to call it a must-play epic adventure that sets a new standard for anime-licensed games. The game's captivating post-apocalyptic world and faithful adaptation of Akira Toriyama's legacy are also commended by critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Siliconera. Additionally, the game's focus on vehicle combat, customization, and exploration is appreciated by XboxEra, who found it to offer a fun experience with entertaining story and characters. On the flip side, some critics point out various shortcomings of SAND LAND. Digital Trends and Gamepressure note that the game falls short in delivering a compelling story and engaging open-world activities, with Gamepressure specifically mentioning the lack of a more varied and substantial gameplay experience. Checkpoint Gaming and Dot Esports criticize the game for repetitive dialogue, cumbersome crafting systems, and bland melee combat, which hinder the overall experience for players. Twinfinite also highlights the lack of unique content and repetition in later stages as a drawback that limits the game's potential as an open-world title. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding SAND LAND. While the game receives praise for its visuals, storytelling, and worldbuilding, it also faces criticism for its gameplay mechanics, side content, and lack of depth beyond the main storyline. Critics like COGconnected and Meristation recommend the game for fans of Akira Toriyama's work, acknowledging its engaging gameplay and visually appealing experience. However, critics like Gameblog.fr and SpazioGames suggest that SAND LAND struggles to stand out significantly in the action-RPG genre due to challenges in storytelling and gameplay execution. Despite its flaws, the game seems to resonate well with fans of the original series, offering an enjoyable experience that captures the essence of Toriyama's signature style.

TL;DR

Critics praise SAND LAND for its stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and faithful adaptation of Akira Toriyama's legacy, but some point out shortcomings like repetitive dialogue and lack of variety in gameplay. While the game is recommended for fans of Toriyama's work, it struggles to stand out in the action-RPG genre due to storytelling and gameplay issues. Overall, SAND LAND receives mixed reviews, offering an enjoyable experience for fans of the original series but falling short in certain aspects.

MONSTER

Reviews

166 reviews found

GamingTrend

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land is a well-rounded RPG game that delivers on its promises of engaging storytelling, immersive gameplay mechanics, captivating visuals, and a memorable experience for fans of Akira Toriyama's works.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land sets a new standard for anime-licensed games, offering a must-play epic adventure that combines innovative gameplay, rich storytelling, expansive world exploration, and beautiful visuals.

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But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SAND LAND is described as a gorgeous and heartfelt game that offers a fun and unforgettable journey, scoring an 8.5/10 in the review.

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Dot Esports

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land delivers an engaging story, fun gameplay, stunning visuals, and high replay value, despite some issues with boss fights and repetitive conversations.

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Siliconera

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land is a great vehicular action-RPG, one of the best anime and manga games available, with beautiful visuals and a great story penned by Akira Toriyama.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land is a fitting farewell to Akira Toriyama, elevating itself above most digital adaptations of his work. It delivers a well-presented story, solid action, and satisfying exploration, making it a recommended experience for both new and veteran players.

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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land is praised for its stunning visuals, compelling story, and engaging traversal and vehicle combat. However, the side content and lack of incentive to switch strategies are noted as drawbacks.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land offers a great adaptation of a legend's work, with a focus on vehicle combat and customization. While it has some flaws like crummy land combat and odd invisible boundaries, the game provides a fun experience with entertaining story and characters.

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Twinfinite

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Great potential as an open-world title with solid worldbuilding and gameplay loop, but hindered by lack of unique content and repetition in later stages

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sand Land captures the heart and soul of Akira Toriyama's classic tale. Stunning visuals and fun vehicle combat overshadow the lackluster melee combat and side quests. A thrilling journey for fans of anime.

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