I love Dragon Ball and Akira Toriyama’s latest game immersed me in his world

AKIRA Toriyama, the prolific and beloved creator of series like Dragon Ball, passed away earlier this year to the devastation of fans.

Before his death, he was working on Sand Land, a video game adaptation of his manga of the same name.

Toriyama created the Sand Land manga in 2000, and it consisted of just one volume.

It’s set in a desert world where water is scarce and bandits roam freely, and this unique world still feels distinctly Toriyama’s.

The Demons of Sand Land are far more powerful than the average human, but it’s still not your typical super-powered action story.

Human characters can be just as impactful in combat as Demons, but that’s because most of Sand Land’s story is told from the back of a car.

You’ll start off in a simple tank, but then you’ll have access to the Jump Bot, which has a number of perks.

There are motorcycles with more speed but less firepower, and the Battle Armor vehicle which is heavier and therefore slower.

While it’s fun to traverse the world in these different vehicles, they trivialize combat.

Since vehicles can be equipped with ranged weapons, you can usually take them out before you get close enough to be hit.

There are a few combat encounters you’ll have to face on foot, but they feel like an afterthought.

This applies to all sections for which you do not have a vehicle.

The platforming, stealth sections, and repetitive dungeon crawling feel less polished and unfinished.

Sand Land shines when you’re in the driver’s seat, but it doesn’t push boundaries in any way.

If all you’re looking for is a fun romp through Toriyama’s world, you’ll certainly find it here.

However, it’s not groundbreaking and certainly not an essential title for gamers.

If you want to read more about game releases, check out our Hades 2 review.

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