ILCA, the studio that gave us a highly-praised One Piece adaptation, made a game based on another fan-favorite manga. This time, it takes us to the Sand Land universe.
The Sand Land manga
If you’re not much into manga, you may be surprised that Sand Land looks almost like the iconic Dragon Ball. The answer is very simple. Both series were created by the same person, Akira Toriyama, a Japanese artist who passed away this March. Thanks to the new RPG, players will have a chance to dive into the world that Toriyama imagined. Unlike many mangas, Sand Land didn’t have a never-ending run with countless volumes. It’s a condensed, fast-paced story wrapped up in a single volume consisting of 14 chapters. It offers readers a blend of action, adventure, and humor, all the while presenting nuanced characters and an intriguing in-universe dynamic.
Sand Land – story
The story is set in a barren, desert world plagued by a severe shortage of water. Its remaining supply is monopolized by a corrupt king. This has resulted in a dire situation for both humans and demons who inhabit this world, making water an exceedingly expensive and sought-after commodity. We can follow an unlikely trio on their quest to find a new water source for their drought-stricken land.

Characters
In the game, we will meet the same characters who play a central role in the manga. Players control Beelzebub, a young demon prince who, despite his tough exterior, has a kind heart and is known for his fighting skills and propensity to help others. Beelzebub’s companions are Sheriff Rao, an old and grizzled lawman who is tired of the king’s greed that has exacerbated the water crisis, and Thief, a cunning survivor with a compassionate attitude.
Sand Land – gameplay
Sand Land is a role-playing game that uses a third-person perspective. Players control Beezlebub and develop his skills and special abilities throughout the game. It’s not surprising that combat is an essential part of the experience. Our heroic team will have to face different kinds of monsters and the king’s minions. The protagonist uses light and heavy attacks. As you may suppose, the former are quicker but deal a small amount of damage, while the latter are slower yet much more powerful. Sheriff Rao and Thief won’t remain idle during combat, so you may count on their aid.
Beezlebub will also have access to combat vehicles that players can modify, upgrade, and equip with new weapons. They provide additional abilities and are indispensable when our heroes have to fight bigger opponents. The protagonist carries vehicles in capsules, so he can have up to five vehicles at any time.

Besides roaming the desert, players will also visit the city of Spino, where they have their headquarters. You will develop the base and interact with the Spino inhabitants.
Sand Land – release date
ILCA and Sand Land’s publisher, Bandai Namco, set its release date for April 26, 2024. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.