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.
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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

[@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.

[@stevelife8505]

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

[@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.

[@redcomet0079]

RIP Toriyama Sensei 🎑

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@BulletPr00fGAm3r]

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

[@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

[@TranCeFORM3R]

Loved your review much respectable ❤. You just got yourself a fan, will be fun diving into your content

[@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 🤓

[@marthazard2]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@MKSmooth69]

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

[@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 ☺️

[@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.

[@Igenitts]

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

[@Orkex]

Seems like a less adult version of the Mad Max game? Not just in setting, but gameplay action-RPG exploration and customising vehicles? Or am I missing something?

[@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! ☺️

[@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.

[@brady9592]

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

[@evanq5478]

Great spoiler free review. I appreciate it!

[@RPGreg2600]

Dang, 2 extra videos this week! ❤

[@tyrone8177]

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

[@Constellasian]

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

[@brandonflynn8047]

The tank part looks awesome

[@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.

[@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

[@coryflynn4007]

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

[@dcrediah]

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

[@britain1100]

Had no clue about this game but I’m def getting it. Thank you for reviewing it to enlighten me

[@ericmoreau4568]

Wow! Thanks to your great review, I just wishlisted it! 😜

[@DaraM73]

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

[@TheWisestWizards]

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

[@rodrigocampos1302]

I'm very conflicted, i really want to play this one and Stellar Blade, but i would have to get one this month and the other on the next one. Which one should i get first

[@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

[@joeb2955]

Great review , best one yet. thank you

[@ConsoleChoice]

Waiting for my copy to be delivered today! 😃 Wish I didn't have to go to work this evening...

[@jimhormann6085]

Played around in the demo when that came out and enjoyed it quite a bit. Watched some of the anime that's coming out right now as well. Going to be playing it soon

[@ekurisona663]

has anyone figured out if there's a way to turn off the random quips from the other characters and the background music?

[@gamelover2222]

Did you even watch the video? No, there's no option.

[@MakoyUnggoy]

It's a shame they didn't put an option in for that as I bet it gets annoying quite quickly, there seems a lot of talking just by watching this review!

[@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.

[@harlandsylling9587]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@shoked99]

Thanks for the great review. Would it be better to read the manga or watch the anime before playing the game?

[@MoltenMan85]

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

[@deffloyd]

I'm waiting for my CE to be delivered. Can't wait.

[@geoffreyaraujo4503]

Bought collectors edition. Cant wait to try

[@Jammet]

I wonder if they will ever release a PC version or any updated version of Blue Dragon. And I guess now I can completely give up on there ever being an Anime for Chrono Trigger.

[@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.

[@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!

[@mr.1up932]

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

[@bullyfrog6771]

Question how do you make the safe point work for u as seeing as it auto?

[@DolphinOnHigh]

I know nothing of this series but the art style drew me in, got it early today and enjoying it so far

[@colebuschle]

It's on my wishlist but my backlog is so big I'm just going to wait for it to go on sale and try and finish some games frome last year first

[@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.

[@hangingon]

Stellar Blade is amazing! Havent put it down since I got it after work yesterday.

[@AndrewsClayCreations]

Game looks incredible. I will definitely be picking it up. Might have to sculpt one of the monsters sometime.

[@canuckzero9136]

Can't wait for this weekend 😊

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@rossedwardmiller]

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

[@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.

[@ty_sylicus]

Definitely excited about this one and need to watch that anime!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mercurybird9711]

Game looks super fun - thanks for the review!

[@StrangeHarper]

now i will check this game out. thanks..

[@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

[@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?

[@andrewshooter]

This game caught my eye on Steam. Thanks for the honest review!

[@GamesTuesday]

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.

[@natural8677]

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

[@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.

[@ssjdennis6058]

This game is on top of my wish list, but need to finish Unicorn Overlord first...

[@sebastianbenavidesmorales2274]

i watched the gamexplain review of the game and i was dissapointed but you show us a whole different perspective of the game, i'm definitely gonna check it out!

[@roxasthebandicoot4492]

Gamexplain and ign can be total jerks

[@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 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HalfpennyTerwilliger]

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

[@ninjatemper8797]

Sounds like an action version of the early Metal Max rpgs. Cool.

[@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.

[@mjmonkey8618]

Thank you for this review. I had no idea what this game was about and now I think I'll be picking it up on my steam deck. 😁

[@SuperAriel35]

Never hear of the game but you sold me on it John a another to pick up on my list

[@tobymalamute2856]

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

[@loganroberts2195]

About 12 hours in and its a blast.

[@MoviegeekDutch]

Owww haha love that Campbell like voice 😂😂 i preordered this game a while ago! Cant wait to play it!

[@Mikemeister2k]

Good review 🙌🙏

[@jellord]

Reminds me of Metal Max! I preordered it, very excited for this one.

[@TheGhoulieGamer]

I plan on getting it when it gets a bit cheaper. I need to pick up Blue Dragon still as well.

[@roxasthebandicoot4492]

You will beat blue dragon on the same day you bought it lol

[@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!

[@Pichuscute]

I definitely need to pick this one up.

[@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

[@SmugStick]

Super excited for it