72
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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81
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
81
Positive (80-100)
80%
Mixed (50-79)
20%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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69
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
69
Positive (80-100)
28%
Mixed (50-79)
72%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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81
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
81
Positive (80-100)
64%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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67
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
67
Positive (80-100)
18%
Mixed (50-79)
82%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
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70
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
70
Positive (80-100)
22%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
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68
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
68
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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64
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
64
Positive (80-100)
28%
Mixed (50-79)
61%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
72
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
72
Positive (80-100)
37%
Mixed (50-79)
63%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
72
MONSTER
Reviews
166 reviews found95
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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90
Noisy Pixel
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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85
But Why Tho?
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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85
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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80
Siliconera
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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80
Wccftech
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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80
GAMINGbible
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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80
XboxEra
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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80
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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78
COGconnected
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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