The year 2024 has already seen some really good, but above all, really extensive games in its first five months. Who Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Persona 3 Remake Anyone who wants to play through the game will likely have little time for other hobbies or games. And if you also want to experience a bit of democracy in... helldivers 2 If you want to distribute your annual leave evenly, it will quickly slip through your fingers like sand.
The one released at the end of April sandlandThe game we were kindly allowed to test offers the perfect alternative. It combines entertaining gameplay with a manageable playtime and an interesting, vibrant anime world. If you're looking for a fun adventure to relax with after work, you should definitely give this title a try.
That's what Sand Land is about
Just to put things in context: sandland Based on the manga of the same name by the recently deceased 'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama, the game's creator, a TV series based on the manga was released on Disney+ shortly before its release. While you don't need to have seen Dragon Ball, an appreciation for its distinctive art style certainly won't hurt.
sandland Step into a post-apocalyptic world largely dominated by a vast desert. Water is scarce, and in their desperation, the people turn to the little demon prince Beelzebub. He briefly asks his father Lucifer for permission, and thus begins a thrilling adventure in search of a mysterious spring.
This is how the adventure unfolds
Anyone expecting a playful, "classic" anime or manga adaptation will likely be disappointed. sandland You'll be surprised. While you'll occasionally fight the evil king's henchmen or roaming monsters on foot, you'll spend most of your time behind the wheel of various vehicles. The selection is pleasantly large, ranging from fast bikes and powerful tanks to agile mechs – there's plenty to choose from.
In the garage, you can customize and upgrade your vehicles to your liking. The battles against large bosses or groups of enemies are especially fun, as you can cleverly maneuver around them and target their weak points. The open world is beautifully designed and full of secrets like chests and side quests, which, however, remain entirely optional.
That makes Sand Land the perfect snack
And that's precisely what makes the game such a refreshing change from many other current titles. Depending on your play style, you can easily complete the story in about 20 hours. 20 hours packed with fun battles, funny stories, and quirky characters, mind you. But if you want to complete more side quests, you can easily double or even triple the playtime.
That's how it was sandland It managed to quickly maneuver its way into my heart and, more importantly, into my evenings. I enjoyed the game in short bursts and each time I truly felt like I'd experienced and accomplished something. This is exactly the feeling I've been missing in other, perhaps even better, games lately. If you feel the same way, then you absolutely must check it out. Demo of sandland You might be surprised. On the rating platform Opencritic The title currently stands at 74 points. We would aim a bit higher and expect it to land just under 80.
