SAND LAND REVIEW - Happy Console Gamer

Sand Land review, Sand Land is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was serialized in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump. A CGI anime film adaptation co-produced by Sunrise, Kamikaze Douga, and Anima was released in August 2023, while an original net animation (ONA) series began streaming worldwide on Disney+ and Hulu in March 2024. An action role-playing video game adaptation, also titled Sand Land, is set to be released in April 2024.
Like the show? Support the show! Patreon us! / happyconsolegamer
SUBSCRIBE! and add me on Twitter! / hcgshow
Facebook us!
/ 354792211336650
/ happyconsolegamer
Join Johnny Millenium The Happy Console Gamer as he discusses new video games and reviews forgotten games that not many people know about but should!
#sandland

[@A_G_H_A_N_I_M]

I remember way back in 2003, reading Shonen Jump when it first came to the states and discovering SandLand in those pages. I loved that manga so much I wore out my initial copy back in the day lol Never in my wildest dreams would I see this obscure one-shot become a video game or an anime or even that there would be people talking on KZbin about it. Thank you for the video! Can't wait to jump into this game myself.

[@cloudscourge5724]

I had the same one!! I still have it but i've read through it so much it's barely in one piece! I'm so happy this game was made!!

[@joshbrucks]

Its not a oneshot. It has 14 chapters. Maybe you think oneshot means one volume but it doesnt. It means the whole manga is published in a single magazing.

[@James-gj8rn]

This is kind of bittersweet as Toriyama-san's last game before he passed away, you'll be missed Toriyama-san, you brought joy to so many people R.I.P :')

[@statesminds]

Did he not work on anything for Dragon Quest XII?

[@James-gj8rn]

@@statesminds i think he may have done the character and monster designs again

[@theLikou1]

@@James-gj8rn Dragon Quest XII, Dragon Quest III Remake and there are rumours that he's done the art for another mysterious Square-enix game. Don't think CT, it's probably another DQ.

[@James-gj8rn]

@@theLikou1 thanks for clarifying :)

[@Aka-Spade]

I was about to mention Dragon Quest XII, but everyone else beat me to it. Yeah, while I'm not entirely sure how much was already done for DQ XII, it's safe to say we've yet to truly see the last things he's worked on, but I'd say Sand Land is the beginning of it.

[@MarkTheDead]

I just finished watching the impressions for Stellar Blade earlier, and now we get another video so soon, we're definitely spoiled. I love it, and it's good to see you back. Your show always puts me in a wonderful mood.

[@WebbyMcWebberson]

A whole land filled with sand ? Anakin Skywalker would absolutely hate this game

[@superdave3093]

Yeah it’s coarse and rough and it gets everywhere. 😊

[@bgill7475]

It’s a shame Rey buried his lightsaber in sand right at the end.

[@ajcarbonell]

cant wait to save my mom from the sand people

[@tanatos5]

Take a seat, young Skywalker.

[@PedalPoopers]

Nah, it's got droids, speeders and Pod racer like vehicles - plus demon characters who steal, plunder and murder. He'd love it

[@chrisrodriguezmeneses4441]

Did You know that in the manga, the console Belzebub is given was a play station 6 with a Dragon Quest copy, that's interesting. Greetings from México

[@redcomet0079]

RIP Toriyama Sensei 🎑

[@PatalliroMaro]

I'm very surprised you didn't mention this: It's by the same developer that had a hand in making the console version of DQXI!! ILCA! Very much evidenced by the tight rope walking and the forward monster chase.

[@devan_danger]

Yea he didn't name the developer or publisher at all which I was surprised by. Honestly, big oversight.

[@robardian3697]

​@devan_danger not really.

[@saiyananatomy6627]

You said that like we're supposed to know what either of those are

[@linkvagar2336]

Technically, Dragon Quest 12 will be Toriyama's last game

[@sanictheedgehog]

Difference is involvement. Sandland is 100% Toriyama.

[@Jay-qu2bc]

Did toriyama get to work on dq12 at all before he passed?

[@theLikou1]

@@sanictheedgehog Nah, he wrotes the extra story for the anime and game, this doesn't mean it's fully his game since he is no producer or anything.

[@lc3212]

Technically you are right but with sand land it’s based off his original work. He worked on not only the writing and scenarios for new forest world but also the artwork and designs that were not in the manga including characters, enemies, and vehicles. With dragon quest he does the artwork and I believe developed characters stories and backgrounds to work within the devs story. Here other than what writing the dev team did which he gave feedback and changes and eventually approved, his work is all over sandland apart from the actual developement of the gameplay which he was also kept updated on through development according to the devs cause they wanted it to be to be true to his vision.

[@abrausedteleport8548]

Um actually 🤓

[@Arashi1138]

Been looking foward to this one for awhile. Can't wait for work to end so I can go pick it up today :D

[@marthazard2]

They printed some sand lands in shonen jump back in the day I read them !

[@jb0258jr]

I fully plan on getting this. Just trying to catch up with a few other games first. The gameplay, vehicles, and story all really hit the right spots.

[@123AFTERMATH]

I said the same thing 😂

[@jb0258jr]

@@123AFTERMATH lol its been so hard trying to keep up with new releases. I'm, like, literally 3 games behind where I want to be right now 😅

[@cultivatedgamer]

I like that style of shaded cell graphics.

[@hashslingingslasher3083]

This is what dq12 will probably look like, if not better

[@Kennosuke88]

Makes the graphics look real good! I love this level of cel shading

[@vizuz]

They need to make Pokemon in this style in stead of the abominable style they have been using since they´ve gone full 3D

[@chachinator100]

I have to wait a whole month before playing this one,so that I can play it with my granddaughter..I can't wait!

[@Igenitts]

I didn’t know this existed until yesterday. I ordered a copy off Amazon.

[@MKSmooth69]

I am looking forward to picking this up along with Stellar Blade!

[@michaelmurray2033]

Very interested in this. Great video, Johnny. Picking up stellar blade tomorrow. Still on chapter 9 in ff7 rebirth doing all the side content, so this is gonna be a sale for me at least when it’s 39.99

[@jaypayne4744]

This is on sale for $39.99 at GameStop and I think Amazon if you’re still looking for it. Just picked it up myself. Cheers!

[@michaelmurray2033]

I seen that on Amazon and ended up getting it. Just got it in the mail. Appreciate the heads up my friend. Happy gaming!!!

[@vgsquirrel]

Staying on a budget right now but I'm definitely interested! I'll have to pick it up on sale sometime. Glad it's on PS4 since I haven't picked up a PS5 or Series X yet. Thanks for covering this one Johnny!

[@robbiestroud2858]

Had no idea what this was until you brought it up. This seems like a must-play (as recommended). What a pleasurable video to watch. Perfect review!

[@sorv5790]

Dude, I had heard it was Toriyama's last work but I thought it was a Naruto Shippuden kind of thing, not an RPG-ish sandbox game. This looks super fun, thanks for highlighting it. I might have to pick this up!

[@dcrediah]

Watching the anime is giving me a mighty need to play this Rip Toriyama. May you live in our hearts forever

[@1jasup]

Pre ordered the collector's edition. Been a fan since reading the manga years ago, and since hoped there would be more Sand Land.

[@grafixtiger]

Yes all ready picked it up on release day ,not many copies out their, some stores never even heard of it finally found 1 copy at best buy, none at target or Walmart...

[@grafixtiger]

Me too exactly what happened to me, sure got some strange looks , too bad they don't know how great it is

[@natural8677]

kind of reminds me of that Fist of the North Star yakuza spin off that you reviewed a couple years ago in terms of setting

[@MentalLiberation]

Agreed. Water being a major commodity reminded me of that. RIP Toriyama. You'll be heartily missed

[@ladoo60]

Never heard of this before but you really convinced me and I’ve ordered my copy and it’s arriving today! Thanks for another amazing review! ☺️

[@cbmetalgod88]

It wasn't a game I had on my radar, but I've pre-ordered it after playing the Demo. I really liked the versatility of the vehicles and I could see myself spending hours building and upgrading my own vehicles. Not to mention it has an art style I absolutely love.

[@mickyg3820]

Fella, I meanness in a total complimenting way! You should honestly put to do a VoiceOver for a Game character! You have a really unique voice, it would sound brilliant as a character honestly 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Aussie_Tom]

Been following this since reveal. As a massive fan of Toriyama's work, Mad Max and vehicle combat/customization this is 200% up my alley. Currently downloading on Steam but so hype to start. Looks like it's going to be an incredible game to honor the legend himself.

[@Dusty_B]

It’s in my maybe pile. Budget is sparse and Stellar Blade and Eiyuden are taking priority right now and Pete Dorr has rekindled my Xbox 360 flames so I’ve been picking up some titles there too. The Sandland demo didn’t really click with me, but that’s true for a lot of games that I ended up liking. It definitely factored into me waiting though. I’ll get it eventually.

[@ladoo60]

Never heard of this series before but I’m now super interested and added this game to my buy list! Thanks for the amazing review ☺️

[@ircha]

Wow this looks goooood! I'm getting this because of your great review! 🎉🎉

[@TheWisestWizards]

I was wondering how they could turn such a short manga into a whole game, but so far this looks incredible.

[@imonbora9271]

I like the naughty boy voice of Beelzebub, specially when he is cursing it's so hilarious 😂

[@SoftOtaku]

I genuinely wish I could have what you’re having. 😅 I love it that you love it. I hate it. Like nails on a chalkboard x10. MAYBE if I play from the beginning I’ll get used to it? I’m super curious what the Japanese version sounds like. Hope you don’t mind me replying to your comment!

[@IM_ProphetSoup]

I hate saying I've been on the fence with this game. But its now been added to my need list.

[@stevestars2966]

I pre ordered it for all the consoles except for the PC version cause I’m not so sure if this game is any good once I find a used copy at GameStop I’ll try it out for 7 days and deck myself is it worth owning spending $60 on not every game that gets released is great

[@tyrone8177]

Where have i been? I haven't seen anything on this. It looks great. I'll have to check this one out.

[@harlandsylling9587]

This reminds me of a PS5 updated version of The Misadventures of Tron Bon. Definitely gonna have to get this

[@nonlegend]

There is a Sand Land anime airing right now by the way.

[@riskvideos]

I'm so happy this story is getting some love. I read the manga when it appeared on localized Shonen jump issues. Such a fun story. Toriyama will be missed.

[@jayone8891]

I believe the game is basically the story of the anime

[@redcronojm]

I plan on getting it after summer. Cause im too backlog to add this game

[@JordansoBASED]

It will definitely be on sale by then!

[@nerdrage3626]

2 Episodes this Week, and we STILL haven't gotten to Sunday!

[@BulletPr00fGAm3r]

Thanks for a great video! Quick question is the game complete on the physical Disk?

[@XGiveMeLibertyX]

Picked up a physical copy for PS5. still haven’t played it, but I will get to it before the end of summer!

[@Theendgamelv3]

I bet everyone under 35 watching this video is going, wtf is Blaster Master and everyone else is feeling old who knows that game lol

[@bennorrell6411]

I feel that in my 41 year old soul. 😂

[@ericpivaral4747]

I'm 23 and I know blaster master lol

[@gamelover2222]

They actually made a new version called Blaster Master Zero. It's a trilogy and it's not bad!

[@tomsimmons7673]

​@@gamelover2222yup. Very popular on the Switch.

[@Kennosuke88]

Game looks class but im gonna wait for price drop, my back log is too big right now.

[@MusicSkeletonKeys]

XC3 was criticized by some for the repetitive party banter while exploring. BUT, a lot of people find it charming and memorable. “Ya hear that Noah? Lanz wants something a bit meatier!”

[@6zdog]

Definitely picking this up day one alongside Stellar Blade. I love action RPG's, and Akira Toriyama's art style is very appealing to me. It's gonnna be great!

[@Sevenifity]

its pretty good game by the looks of it. i already in love with the series by watching 2-3 episodes from the anime. i think the game will give the exact experience i want from the vibes of it. but i just need to clear some backlogs, Ronin, Rebirth, Stellar blades and dozen switch games. i might get it when its on discount later.

[@tobymalamute2856]

Good review man, you basically are game journalism to me now, I've given up on the rest of them.

[@KitRobin]

This game was on my radar but I didn’t know much about it. I feel like you sold me on it. I played the demo for stellar blade and this sounds more up my speed so I might get this first.

[@MrLloydFletcher]

I might grab this after work. I dunno though, multi plats seem to drop price kinda quick. That and I just got Stellar Blade.

[@Teknoman]

Im definitely grabbing a copy, I dunno how I feel about the dub voices, it might be just that the mouths dont match well?

[@humblemudgames]

this game looks so cool! it's reminding me a bit of FotNS Lost Paradise with the setting, but then you say Blaster Master vibes too?? oh man. I remember reading this comic back in the day in Shonen Jump too. I always thought Bubs was one of Akira's more interesting characters.

[@Constellasian]

Well now. I didn't know about this game until seeing this video. Thanks. I have it in my Steam cart now.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

Def not picking it up on launch, only do that once or twice a year now and only just heard of this game. Reminds me of this old Japanese series called Metal Max with the vehicle combat. Will check it out at some point, the art, as always, makes the animations look like an anime.

[@ningboch18]

This sounds exactly what my younger son (9yo) would enjoy - close combat with monster, blasting up everything with a tank, exploring caves to find treasure, riding different machines… Really FUN, right?!

[@naenre21]

out of 3 videos where the other two say it's a 25 hour pass experience for the most part...it's nice to see a positive spin and I'm going to give it a try

[@adamcorb2974]

I played the demo, and i could tell that with actual story and more things to do it would be a good game, coz they just kinda throw you in there for the demo instead of a usual demo where they give you a small chunk of the story then it caps you off at a certain point. So yes i am planning get it and your review cements that 🙌

[@theLikou1]

Yeah, the demo did more harm than good to this game. No events at all, just walking around aimlessly. Word of mouth will carry this game, hopefully.

[@Ty-douken]

It's funny, the fact that it's "such a large game" is actually a reason for me to pass it up. I've got so many large games waiting for me to finish Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth because despite loving my time with the game (I'm just over 50 hours in now), I've mostly spent time with Helldivers 2 because of its more jump in & jump out nature.

[@StoneKingx]

I will get Sandland in two or three months. Playing Stellar Blade, Rise Of the Ronin, Tales Of Kenzera Zau and will be playing Hellblade 2 in less than a month.

[@mdog86]

Man it was really a tough decision between this and Stellar Blade. Decided to go SB and it's absolutely incredible, but I'm definitely looking forward to this one as well.

[@rossedwardmiller]

It actually reminds me a lot of the mad max game from several years ago. It was incredibly underrated.

[@genoman3]

My biggest gripes with this game is the combat, considering you can beat almost every encounter by just circle strafing and shooting in your tank. The AI never adjusts their aim, so as long as you're constantly moving, you will never get hit. Also the on foot combat is very button mashy, no thinking required. Overall, I'd give the whole game 7/10

[@TheGamingCircle]

Johnny has just pulled out a Gem 💎 PS: This game wasn’t on my radar until now:-))

[@SmugStick]

Super excited for it

[@gundambassexe31]

There’s a lot of newcomer vas in this game and a few veterans like Kira Buckland , Keith Silverstein ( hisoka in Hxh 2011 ) and many others

[@jonathanlisowski5618]

Rest In Peace Toriyama Sensei

[@roxasthebandicoot4492]

Indeed

[@HalfpennyTerwilliger]

Not a day one purchase but it'll be on my watchlist for later.

[@SultanSamet]

I was HYPED ! - but the demo on series s was a bit lackluster (they just throw you somewhere in the desert to play around, but ... no direction? no real context for the situation, etc) . So i waited for a review. Thanks

[@elric19765]

I'm enjoying the game. You are right, though the talking when in the desert is too much. I've had them say the exact same things multiple times in a row. I had to turn the voice volume off.

[@fattiger6957]

I wasn't even aware of this game until recently. Though I will be busy with Stellar Blade in I'm definitely going to get this game. Despite people complaining about this year, I have 3 brand new games I want to play. I mentioned Stellar Blade as well as this game, but I also intend to get Rise of the Ronin.

[@manopsp12]

I got to play the first 15 minutes or so at Gamescom back in August and i felt like this was definitely a day 1 pick-up for me, and then the demo came out last month and felt like a giant empty step backwards, but your review has convinced me again to pick it up.

[@fredo3161]

I'm surprised. It looked interesting at first but then gameplay seemed mid. But this glowing recommendation has me interested again.

[@jamesreed2475]

I found this game a couple of months before launch. I was really excited to play it and have been very pleased so far. Very fun, moments of humor, tons of customizations, good progress and pacing. Thoroughly enjoyable absolute must play.

[@azure5584]

7:46 "the music was always kinda in the background and that's where it's supposed to be" - overall true. It can be said that the best music in video games is the one where you don't notice it, meaning it fits perfectly. However, there is definitely something to be said to separate that kind of music from the one that's this good but ALSO makes you want to buy the OST and make a special playlist for it, listening to it outside of the game in your daily life. I guess that's what the author meant, perhaps, that it is not on THAT level?

[@mr.1up932]

Luckly I recently just read the manga. So looking forward to play this game!

[@MoltenMan85]

I'm glad someone else made the Bruce Campbell connection! I was watching the anime the other day and thought the same.

[@SirFragalot]

Well, I'm still playing Unicorn Overlord and I got Stellar Blade tomorrow but thanks to your review, I'll make this the game I buy and play after I finish those two. I had this on my radar but I was waiting for someone I trust to review it, and you gave me all the approval I needed.

[@deskmanatee]

I had no idea about this game until a couple weeks ago, but it looks really cozy! I love Akira Toriyama's vehicle designs, so iconic. I think I'll probably pick this one up on sale.

[@sneakyskunk1]

It sounds sort of like Metal Max, and I loved Metal Max so I will be playing this one. I just wonder if they left Sexy Terrier in there somewhere.

[@SoftOtaku]

This is the first time I can remember thinking WOW I AM GOING TO NEED TO PLAY THIS WITH JAPANESE VOICES. That was the strongest impression I got from this video by far, other than the fact that the art looks awesome.

[@dynamicsamurai3803]

Sand land was one of my favorite Toriyama stories, when I heard it got an anime and now a game I’m happy. Unfortunately Sandland seems to be a game that will trigger my motion sickness but that being said I’m glad people are able to discover the greatness that is Sandland.

[@natural8677]

personally im working through ni no kuni 2 on the switch then will be getting ready for smt vengeance

[@Grawbad]

Hey brother. Hope to see how you feel about Unicorn Overlord. For me, I have never played through a single strategy game ever because I am bad at them and just can't be bothered, the demo of this game blew me away and I am loving the game. Curious how you feel about it. On topic of this video, glad you put your thoughts here because I found the demo to be lacking in any reason for me to care about the game. It had almost no purpose. The only thing I got out of it was the vehicles and how they move. It had no direction. So happy to hear how the game actually works.

[@PTGN87]

I was worried with some of the negative reviews I saw but after watching this I'm definitely picking it up

[@roxasthebandicoot4492]

There aren't much negativity especially with toriyama passing disrespecting someone who put his heart into so much things

[@PTGN87]

@@roxasthebandicoot4492 there has been at least in the Twitter comments but that's also pretty normal there

[@GameAddict84]

I'm really bummed this is not on the Switch, it would've been a perfect game for handheld gaming on the go.

[@LotusKay36]

I love how the vehicles look like they were made by Capsule Corp, it’s a really nice bridge to the Dragon Ball universe!

[@CosmicKazma]

I had to get the collectors edition. I remember reading the manga when I was younger and remembering that I wanted more from this universe. Toriyama was a crucial part of my upbringing as he was with millions of people and I will hokd his work near and dear to my heart.

[@femtrooper]

This definitely looks cool - I need to check it out - maybe I'll try the demo. Just so many games right now! AH!

[@brady9592]

I think this is the first new release you’ve covered that I had not at all heard of.

[@Obad87]

I started playing last night. A lot more fun than I thought it would be. I've been having a "blast."

[@bored312]

You talk about all the variation in gameplay. From fighting bad guys. To earning experience. To unlocking new moves. To entering caves for treasure. To stealth sections. But you do a huge disservice to your audience by not mentioning how basic and generic most of these gameplay elements are compared to other games. Wide as an ocean, deep as a puddle. The customization of vehicles and vehicular combat is where the majority of development went and it really shows. Stealth, hand to hand combat, even exploration are all subpar for an "open world" game coming out in 2024.

[@yokaidigital3033]

I was very sad when I heard of his death. So I was very interested in this game to honor his legacy. I played the demo couple days ago and was amazed I will definitely be picking it up soon. Probably in June my birthday is coming up

[@FT-Games]

It kinda reminds me of the Mad Max open world game that came out years ago. Looks fun, I'll see if I can pick it up on a sale.

[@projectmessiah]

This games sorta on my radar. I read the manga a long time ago and plan on watching the anime sometime before trying the game.

[@b1zarr01]

It's on my radar but not looking like something I'm comfortable paying $60 for just to sit in my backlog.

[@DaraM73]

I got half way through your review and just went and pre-ordered. Thanks for the heads up!

[@Nebuloid1]

Currently watching the anime and I just love the setting/characters/story/comedy, buying the game for sure ! Having just finished DQ Treasures and was contemplating getting back into DQ11 but this will do nicely, exploration and treasure hunting in this awesome world, yes please.

[@taglor]

Thanks John, as a single dad of two young ones money really is tight and I can hardly ever justify a new game at the prices now. I couldn't decide between this and Stellar Blade but your videos helped me acknowledge I really enjoyed the demo and if it opens up as you say a bit later too then that's great. In reality I'll read more reviews and put Stellar Blade in my basket then delete it at the last minute and wait for a sale lol. Arghhh you see, by the end of my waffling message I'm now thinking of SandLand as I love something different and quirky from the Eastern developers. Fist of the North Star Lost Paradise is still one of my favourite games just because it's mad and fun lol.

[@ashtoonstravels3051]

This sounds a lot like the Mad Max game for the Xbox1. I loves that game.

[@Riz2336]

When I saw the character designs I knew this was an Akira thing since he's got that distinct look to his stuff. I've never seen the manga or anime but I'll play this game, looks cool

[@coryflynn4007]

I was getting this confused with My Time at Sandrock. Now seeing your review, I am definitely buying this.