Remembering the Late Akira Toriyama Through ‘Sand Land,’ a Tribute to His Classic Works and Legacy.

“Sand Land,” an open-world game developed by the legendary Akira Toriyama, is a highly anticipated title. Not only does it enter a market saturated with similar games, but it also pays homage to Toriyama’s classic works like “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump.” The anticipation for the game increased after Toriyama’s untimely death in March, making fans more protective of his legacy.

Fortunately, “Sand Land” proves to be a competent adaptation of the source material, showcasing Toriyama’s genius and offering entertaining moments with a complex vehicular combat system. The story follows a post-apocalyptic world resembling “Mad Max,” where water control is used as a tool of oppression by the powerful. The unconventional heroes include Beelzebub, Sheriff Rao, Thief, and Ann, whose mysterious lineage and mechanic skills bring depth to the story.

The main focus of the game is on vehicular combat, offering a variety of vehicles like tanks, cars, motorcycles, and robots with unique abilities. While the vehicular combat system shines with Toriyama’s creative designs, other aspects like hand-to-hand combat and stealth systems feel lacking in depth. The open world is varied in towns but lacks overall substance beyond repetitive activities as in the “Far Cry” formula.

Despite its flaws, “Sand Land” manages to be an enjoyable experience thanks to its endearing characters and Toriyama’s storytelling prowess. In conclusion, “Sand Land” is a testament to Toriyama’s ability to create stories that resonate globally despite its shortcomings.