SandLand - This Game SHOCKED Me |Review|

[@davidvinc]

Grab SandLand here and support the channel at the same time! amzn.to/4dkiIfJ Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/TheDavidVinc

[@RPGLameO]

Fun Fact: in the manga the console was a Play Station 6 with Dragon Quest 13. And at the rate that the games are releasing, we might get DQ13 on the PS6 for real. This manga was released in the year 2000.

[@maj-solidsnake1808]

Dragon quest 13 in end ps6 maybe 😅 hope they release more DQ games

[@lc3212]

You may have a point but I guess it depends on when dq12 releases.

[@jaretco6423]

​@lc3212 And how well DQ12 would turned out.

[@lc3212]

@@jaretco6423 that’s a fair point too. From what I remember the only real con (although I don’t think it is but can understand others thinking with the franchises history) is the easier difficulty compared to previous dragon quest games (even I though dq11 is on the easy side compared to others I’ve beaten in the franchise) dq 12 has a lot to live up too but hopefully this long gap is because they are aware of that.

[@jaretco6423]

@lc3212 It's not the easier difficulty I'm worried about. It's the fact they wanted to " change " the series up in the story tones & the gameplay. I'm just worried it might suffered the same fate as Final Fantasy did.

[@bandrew1442]

Really admire you going into this with such an open mind after the experience you had with the demo.

[@hagrid397]

Same. I honestly don’t think I’d get the game if I hated the demo that much.

[@VegaNCalleDQuesT]

I wasn’t expecting this. You haaaaaaaaaated the demo. Nice to see it defied expectations.

[@BladeSerph]

Though im still holding off on getting the game itself to focus on other htings, its definitely shows alot was skipped out on in the demo: -Exp system to actually unlock MORE then just one skill basically for every unit. -Effectively nothing to actually find in the demo besides mostly pointless parts you cant even buy/sell for other useful stuff to atleast show what the merchant loop and whatever crafting/progression system would be present in the full game. -No Hub town so you cant even get a starting taste which normally some demos would just lock you out of everything past maybe the first or even second threshold of goodies. -That mostly bare-bones UI design due to all of it being mostly redundant because the demo basically have the stuff present but nothing to really do with it. -And i really hope the actual game itself if it has to be that typical open world game design, if its gonna have things like food ingredients and parts, you actually have a VERY extensive crafting system selection such as more then simple buff consume`ables (which thankfully they seem to have what i assume is throwable stun grenades and what not), such as consumeable traps, food buff items and preferably the skill tree eventually unlocks VERY CRITICALLY useful Single player QoLs like slowing down time when you are aiming to allow precise tank shots at weak points, mobility even in vehicles to clean up the jank and especially cost and/or detriment reductions to make using the same vehicle at the start feel WAAAAY differen then using the same exact vehicle at the end of the game. Doesnt help either that a certain MECHANIC, in the gameplay itself you get immediately at the start of the game, unlike the Anime which actually doesnt have her show up till the 2nd half when Forestland gets involved, meaning the `excuse` you dont have X character with Y skill set, mostly redundant, especially when you can customize your vehicles at any time and not at campsites or `garages` where some other games would normally demand you to go to those places then do it any time in the menu, which can either be a good restriction to prevent chees`ery or an annoying problem if poorly done. Also i feel like some of the things he might of say was incorrect, such as `Water depleting` since i dont think there was an actual THIRST gauge to push the idea of keeping a healthy stock, since unless its some detriment thrown in later on the game (which most people HATE those kinds of systems), the demo didnt really have that, despite the characters in both the lets plays i have seen and the demo are excessively gabbing a little too much and often repeating the same dialogue which is sometimes good for flavor text... But the true problem with having them gab so often especially the same dialogues show how they poorly optimized and annoying it can come off. Even if the game was more designed to newer players, theres still a point where i think some people would prefer buttons they can push and hold to pull up the tutorial stuff or just have stop and pop up window tutorials instead of having very aggravating lines of text. All of those are annoying, but they are definitely most annoying when done in excess and have no text variety to split it up. Such as maybe have the Protagonist THINK about it instead of having other characters constantly blab it and usually have 3 or 5 potential dialogues for those cases, instead of having the same 1~2 or even 3 lines repeated and sometimes back to back instead of rotated usually with a VERYsizable delay between them. So before i get sandland i would definitely look into if theres options to SQUELCH npc dialogue repetition, since just like how annoying freaking PAIMON was in genshite impact, i am never a fan of what is basically background noise that is said too often. Which atleast God of War and Ragnarok despite its own problems, atleast did very fun background dialogue, especially timing them in creative moments like while you are sledding in the desert or on a boat, where moments like those would be BORING slogs to go thru, so they fill it in with dialogue during it.

[@sinned6us]

The "demo" gave like 2 features out of like 10 vehicles and the open world nothing else no exp, skills, item drops. It gave nothing more a tech demo then game demo

[@BladeSerph]

@@sinned6us Even compared to other tech demos i seen, it was even more sparse then that. Also thought i need to watch some more lets plays, it does not seem like you get a 2nd vehicle or even the ability to `store` them till much later in the game, so the tech demo is definitely taking a step likely more in the middle game, outside of the demon village based on the layout. Meaning its basically an early game area, after you go thru all the required story elements, but have the mechanic not present at all either. Where she literally present when you first start getting parts in the actual game. Though i have not played the tech demo in a while i dont believe they had a mini map before, so thats atleast one improvement present, which i always consider a critical part of any open world game: The less you have todo a bunch of menuing, the better. Which is kind of why i feel LoZ Tears of the kingdom fell off hard, especially todo things like building and fusing arrows, dropping stuff to fuse stuff to weapons and even menuing if you wanna constantly access certain abilities instead of simply a toggle slider or quick pop in menu using a combination of 1 button to expand 3 or even 2 or even 4 buttons into having an additional 2 or 4 buttons for a whooping 4 for those that want you to still have access to jumping and maybe basic attacking/rolling or 8 to have a much more chonky spread of both action and special action buttons. which if i recall right on the demo rather just use a pop up menu of the analog stick to pick and choose the thing, since i dont recall them having anything on a open a hot-bar and quickly press your stuff while in combat, and instead stuck with that eternal game breaking annoyance of pausing the game every time when you wanna access things like consumables or skills or just let you do a LoZ breath of the wild and eat a bunch of apples and instantly be back to full health if you get tapped just once by some enemy or get caught in a fire due to some grass being set on fire.

[@Kudos2_Me]

The demo was pretty bad. I think people should skip the demo.

[@markusbrunner5706]

I'm so glad I seen this comment because I was going to by no matter what since I'm a fan of the creator but the demo was bad so I was so scared

[@MrTimelord77]

I always loved how Akira Toriyama inserted characters from his manga in all his games.

[@tetsugiux1917]

The game also has an anime that was made before it.

[@MrTimelord77]

@@tetsugiux1917 Well, that means using easily identifiable characters.

[@Crocogator]

Game looks absolutely gorgeous. Toriyama-sensei's designs are captured perfectly. The vehicles all just scream his style. Very OG Dragonball capsule corp stuff. I'm definitely going to check this out on Gamepass to see if it hooks me. It probably will. I love robots.

[@davidvinc]

You’ll love it!

[@ProfKisuto]

I'm assuming he did the DQ12 designs - that we obviously haven't seen yet!

[@reyntime1950]

I hope so. I trust his proteges to keep his style alive though.

[@Llortnerof]

@@reyntime1950 Given how distinctive his style is, they pretty much have to do either that or redo everything from scratch. And art tends to be a bottleneck.

[@jaretco6423]

My biggest worried is how experimental it'll be. Rumors say they might change the tone and gameplay; which is what I'm worried about the most.

[@guyinapandasuit2691]

180's like this are why I love gaming. I personally loathed what I called "Gameboy" graphics growing up. So anything besides Pokemon that was pixelated, I wasn't about it. Fast forward to Octopath Traveler. I have less than 0 interest in the game until my roommate started going on about it. At the same time my KZbin channels all were talking it up. So I decided to give it a shot and I can confidently say HD2D is now my favorite art style for games. Triangle strategy, Wandering sword, Octo 2, Star Ocean First departure and 2nd story, etc. They are all incredible games. I would have otherwise missed out on if I didn't have a complete 180 of my opinion before. To see David have a similar experience with this game is very heartwarming. HCG Johnny also really like this game. Possibly his game of the year. So I'm so stoked to get around to this after I finish stellar blade and infinite wealth

[@Christanstonir]

I was researching what the best Kemco games are a few weeks ago and I found this vid on this channel called ‘big weeks in games podcast’ and the number one game was called ‘Armed emeth’ and it has a thing where you fight normally or in these tank things that you can also upgrade etc. The guy was saying everyone should play this and it’s actually good. This game is VERY reminiscent of that in a great way

[@CGustin]

Told you! 😉 That Demo should have never been released it almost made never want to try the full game! But boy did I adore it! Like i said while the out of vehicle combat i dont find anything special the vehicle combat was fun and love exploring this world! The characters grew on me too! Glad you liked David!!!

[@LetheanMoon]

I said the same exact things after playing the demo. I wasn't going to buy it but i took a chance and i really enjoy it.

[@massdefection]

I just finally got my copy and this will definitely go the way of games like Blue Dragon and similar games as one of those "poorly marketed and thus insanely overlooked" RPGs. It's light-hearted, it's breezy, it's just straight-up FUN. Even with the light-hearted nature of the game, there are moments that it plays perfectly straight to great effect (shoutouts to the reveal of why Rao only has a magazine clipping of his wife). I think just for the sheer surprise factor and for the fact that Toriyama never ultimately misses, this might be in my top 5 of the year.

[@Wildezz]

I'm glad I kept the faith and stuck with the pre-order in this case - I had a feeling that it would be a good time after hearing feedback from other channels who have played it as well. I got it in the mail yesterday, so I'm really looking forward to experiencing it once I get there - this looks like it will definitely be up my alley - open world exploration meets action tank combat meets Metal Gear type of stealth moments. I'm also glad that Akira Toriyama's legacy is leaving on a higher note too with this. Glad to hear that your experience with the game also turned around for the positive for it too :).

[@sooperheep]

I totally forgot about this game after the demo until last week when I saw some gameplay with all the vehicles! Now I’m a super fan! Bought the game, the model, the shirt, the book from Japan…😄 I loooooove Toriyama’s vehicles😋

[@bigleaguejammer]

Great review! I was on the fence before, but I’m planning on picking this up after hearing how much you like it

[@adamheeley285]

I really wish this will come to switch at some point. Usually these kinds of games do well on that system.

[@thesteammachine1282]

Good review mate. Definitelly getting that one for the ps4 . After you finish the game, is there any option to just free roam and go back to the dungeons ?

[@fat-gotenks]

I’m so happy to see this game getting love. I’m having a blast playing it. Rest in peace the absolute god Akira Toriyama

[@MrTimelord77]

It's always good to see you find you way back into a good game. I know that some games aren't great at first and you have to give it more than an hour to discover the hidden gem.

[@vvolfflovv]

That sandbox pun set the tone perfectly. This game looks out of this world.

[@Frogdoddofficial]

I recently found your videos while im in the hospital. I just wanted you to know you have helped entertain me during this hard part of my life.

[@davidvinc]

I’m glad I can help you out in my small way, and I hope you recover soon!

[@BackAlleyKnifeFighter]

At this point, when an RPG that catches my eye is on a good discount, I always check to see if you made a video on it lol. It looks pretty good and I think I'll pick it up after seeing your review

[@HybridAngelZero]

So glad to see the huge turnaround here from how you felt about the demo. I loved the Sandland manga, and I'm so happy to see a game do it justice! This one is gonna be on "PS5 Hidden Gems" lists for years to come, I can feel it already xD

[@Vaquix000]

Looks fun and unique, also glad to hear it's not just desert all the time that was my main concern

[@JunJunMusume]

100% agree with you on the demo. I decided to give the demo a try this week and I also thought it was horrible but thankfully I was able to see a spark of hope and life because at least it still had a bit of charm. I seriously think I'll get this game on a sale.

[@jamescocorikis8595]

Ugh, thanks, David. Another game I need to get and add to my backlog! your demo review actually made me consider passing on it originally. 😅

[@protieus]

Ya they did a piss poor job on the demo..so many restrictions. I almost didn't buy the game but then found out that the full game has so much more and glad I bought the game. The best of the year. I like the idea of piloting a tank, a mecha and all sorts of cool vehicles in the game. I haven't seen this kind of game in a long time.

[@wycoconutgaming]

Thanks for going through the actual game although the tech demo didn't seem much (I saw your earlier video). At least now there we know due to its very unique flavour, it probably cannot be demonstrated in a small demo earlier. It looks to be something to be experienced as a whole, would jump right to it but on my side of the world, the price tag of Japanese titles seems to be a little too high. Added to my personal Wishlist no doubt.

[@battlep0t]

I too couldn't really get into the demo but I am so into that artstyle, thanks for the thoughts unfortunately a bit busy with Stellar Blade and then I plan on playing Eiyuden Chronicle after that but might get round to this later in the year.

[@eliasisthegreatest]

Is the music from this from Sandland or DQ? It’s beautiful.

[@davidvinc]

It’s all DQ music as an homage to Toriyama

[@femtrooper]

Great review!!! I love that you decided to go for it despite not liking the demo. That's great news!

[@davidvinc]

Thanks so much!

[@lockedine]

The only thing I want them to add is checking off the treasures on the map after I explored them.

[@CrashPad56]

omg i love the DQ vibes on this one, and here i thought i was going to get a break in May on the backlog status. well this ruined that one, i have to give this one a try, thanks for convincing me with this one David, looks great!

[@Dynastybladeb]

So happy I watched this review I wrote the game off after the demo will probably get it now thanks David 😊

[@Kennosuke88]

Looks banging! Ill get this game on sale as my back log is pretty big.

[@argylega]

This is really good to hear. I was excited for this game UNTIL I played the demo, so I'm very glad that the final game is actually good.

[@Clouds12012]

Did DBZ help inspire you in any way to be fit and muscular?

[@hemmelight]

Thanks for the review - this wasn't on my radar at all, but I think I could really dig the game after seeing this!

[@samuel.jpg.1080p]

So many good games, so little time! Glad you enjoy Sandland. I liked the demo and will try the full game soon but still busy with finishing some from the backlog

[@Gaming_and_God]

First time I watched your channel. Just wanted to say all the games and merch behind you is amazing. I have a bunch of it and I want most of it haha. You have good taste sir

[@davidvinc]

Welcome aboard!

[@SolracCAP]

Toriyama's vehicle designs have always stood out. Can't wait to try this out!

[@jessejkulchacunningham5062]

THIS LOOKS AMAZING!!! How did I just sleep on this game like this !?? Just as well I saw this as I’d have overlooked it. Fate has it I’m about to start Dragon Quest 11s for the 1st time with it being my 1st ever DQ game proper

[@grey_wulf]

Hi David! Watching the premiere and wishing everyone a blessed day!

[@Botruc]

Thanks for sharing your opinions on the game! It actually looks quite fun! I really like that fun and colorful artstyle.

[@jaretco6423]

I'm glad the game turns out good. If this is what Dragon Quest 12 would looked like in terms of the visuals, while still keeping it's spiritual formula that we all know & love, than I have no doubt the future of the series will still be in good hands. I'm still anxious on how the project goes since rumors stated they will quote on quote " change " the series. But I hope it doesn't become the Final Fantasy 13 situation. R.I.P. Toriyama.

[@10mingaming8]

My wife tried to get me excited about this game unfortunately at the time I played the rather lackluster demo. Not sure why I decided to listen to your review on a game I had mentally passed on but I am glad I did. Thank you. You swayed me with your review

[@markusbrunner5706]

Mentally passed that's where I am I played the demo and that's all I can think about is it worth it?

[@archmagesalamar1377]

Full game is amazing

[@markusbrunner5706]

I'm 10 hours in I like the story I'm glad i got it it really is its own thing 🤣

[@mikeylovesretro]

I am glad you posted this as playing the demo I agree 100%. It was weird. Will give this another shot since I love DQ this reminds me a lot of it.

[@20Ginko00]

I also wasn't very fond of the demo but I still wanted to buy the game as I loved all of Akira Toriyama's works. And now I'm really glad that I did so. I'm currently about 20 hours into the game and I'm absolutely enjoying it.

[@lockedine]

Awesome! So glad you played it again I love the game and your demo review SHOCKED ME!

[@donovan8031]

I had the same experience with the Sand Land Demo as well wasn’t too impressed with the Demo upon first impressions. I’m soooooo glad I bought game regardless (mainly because to honoring Mr. Toriyama). I am having a blast with this game! There are aspects that remind me of OG Dragon Ball going on adventures, traveling, the vehicle riding, and such.

[@calvinmatthews1527]

Wow, talk about a complete 360. Toriyama-san's swansong David. Bet you're glad to be so wrong.

[@AKABoondock19]

Wow nice!!! Maybe I will check it out afterall!!

[@timmer919hep]

this wasn't on my radar but im gonna have to check it out now

[@bryanmusso2393]

I’m really enjoying this game so far, I think thief is my favorite character so far, followed by Ann .

[@Pencliff]

I'm glad the full game is proving more enjoyable than the demo and I'm not surprised. The characters and story are always the heart of a Toriyama project and they were sorely missing from the demo, I'm looking forward to getting round to this

[@trevorduke5245]

It sounds like it’s a pretty faithful adaptation of the manga, I know mangas aren’t your thing but it sounds like by playing the game, you pretty much read the manga and don’t have to actually read it to know the story.

[@zibba1331]

What a turnaround…maybe i will give it a shot. If im ever able to pry myself away from FF7 rebirth 😬

[@TheOborune]

Thanks for doing a review of Sand land. Love your content. thanks for the info :)

[@millzfromthahunnids4968]

Loved the manga and did yall know that Beelzebub is Daburas son yes the same one from the boo saga

[@MotherKojiro]

Interesting how they designed it to give more experience from completing quests than killing trash mobs, almost like a Western RPG. I wonder if you'd enjoy something like Kingdoms of Amalur; I tend not to like Western RPGs because the combat often feels clunky to me, but Kingdoms of Amalur is a lot more fluid, and you can pretty easily switch between the usual fighter/rogue/mage on the fly, or even hybridize your class.

[@matthewstarnes9147]

Glad you made this video,i just tried the demo and was massively disappointed, started searching if i was missing something, glad i found your video

[@davidvinc]

Glad I could help!

[@michaelh7901]

Holy moly the 180 you did! I just went from eh to wanna play!

[@RickyLopez-ni2kz]

i did not have the funds for this but as i am a huge fan R.I.P. '' TORIYAMA '' of the creator i bought it out of respect and gosh am i in love with it

[@reyntime1950]

Nailed it. Demo was a real let down but I'll be picking this up soon. Just finishing up first playthru of final Fantasy 4.

[@TrippyScarecrow]

Love the Manga. Ive been keeping my eye on this game, and now I'm stoked to grab a copy

[@thehater6189]

The decision as to whether I buy this depends solely on what David says. LET'S GO!

[@Elazul2500]

Glad to hear the full game is a whole different beast than the demo. Will be picking this and Stellar Blade up within the next month. .....Btw, you gonna play Stellar Blade? =)

[@tonyfava2944]

the game is just damn fun, i would ignore fast travel points to just drive somewhere taking pot shots at things as i went

[@jimkincaidz]

Gotta say, the aesthetic of this is amazing. It absolutely exudes Toriyama-san's universe and does it so much justice

[@TheIncredibleEmu]

I will forever love you for that sandbox pun.

[@GalanOfTruth]

I'm as shocked to see you turn around on this game as much as this game shocked you. Very nice to hear.

[@DNotzz]

I’m seeing lots of reviews saying it’s a same open world game with a so so story.

[@ScottMakesGames]

I'm so glad that the full game redeemed the demo. It would be a shame if the demo stops a lot of people taking a chance on it now.

[@ericstaples7220]

Gotta play this for AT RIP

[@32BitMoto]

Glad to see you enjoyed this. My back log keeps growing for 2024. 😂 Also glad to hear that old bitches like us have a chance. I love FPS stuff but never got good at them on consoles.

[@zekken8227]

:) yes i enjoyed my time on the game! hope it gets nominated for ARPG of the year

[@MasterLee2011]

If it makes you feel better, I'm not that great at aiming either. Still, looking forward to this game though. Great review. 👍🏿

[@davidvinc]

Thanks so much my friend!

[@MasterLee2011]

@@davidvinc You're welcome.😁

[@TheBatmanMan1]

To be perfectly honest, it was your video on the demo that made me want this game. I saw that you (and a few others, but among them, you’re the one I follow the most) were really put off by it and had incredibly low expectations for the game - but seeing it myself I kept thinking, “I don’t get it - the game looks pretty fun to me” So I tried the demo myself. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t perfect. There wasn’t even a hint of the story, you were plopped in at a relatively high level and could not level up, experiment with equipment, gather loot, or anything. And to be honest I was worried at first that it’d be a pretty hollow experience. After looking around a bit more at other gameplay I realized there was way more to the game that what was in the demo - that it was very much a technical demo only, specifically allowing you to mess around with the gameplay, and even then only in a limited capacity. Once I realized that, I decided to get it day one. Freekin loving every minute with this game man. Honestly the main thing they need to patch is how often the characters repeat the same lines while exploring. Not kidding, it’s even worse than the pawns in Dragons Dogma. (Another series I love)

[@mccoy4369]

Hey Dave buddy, I know this has nothing to do with this video but I'm playing through earthbound and mother 1 using your guide and just want to say you have game me alot of laughs with the gay jokes, I'm not gay but we share the same mind with adult humour and and the laughs are just what I needed. If I ever do mother or earthbound let's play id defo dedicate it to you after earthbound was your final LP.

[@TotalLevelYT]

Great to hear as like a good many, I too didn't enjoy the demo. Going have to put this on my wishlist

[@Eagleknight815]

Glad you gave this to open-minded treatment. I still want to support this game. Just too bad it didn't come out on switch

[@AdversaryOne]

Glad I'm not alone. The demo was so bad it took a day one purchase for me and almost completely took it off my radar. I'll play it someday, but I'm in no rush.

[@baalfgames5318]

Honestly, this game was BEGGING for non-human protags, but of course not. The main "non-human protag" is just a pink human with horna and a devil tail, and the ACTUAL non-human goodguys are minimal and far between. Shame, because I've always hated that about Akira. He has so many charming characters, and he wastes 99.99% of them on villains/antagonists and makes the vast majority of his heroes uninspired, generic humans.

[@jimkincaidz]

As a huge fan of Toriyama-san and a fellow old bitch, I'm very much looking forward to playing this! ❤️‍🔥

[@Caffinated_Koala]

I bought the collectors edition, buuut I don’t want to open the box because this is Toriyama’s last game. I can fix this by buying another copy

[@Petersmith57921]

I knew it beautiful as always david

[@Mclearmountain]

Looks really fun

[@kewoshk]

You know what else shocked me? This game is not available in Turkey. Only this specific game though, the rest of the Bandai Namco’s current library is available to purchase to your heart’s content. The game and the demo do appear on search results on Steam. What’s Bamco cooking?

[@kewoshk]

Steam says this game and its demo is restricted in my region. You can’t even access the demo for some absurd reason.

[@connergaskell1909]

I just can’t wait for sparking zero as much as i loved this it still sucks Toriyama will never see them R.I.P. the GOAT

[@deatho0ne587]

Looks like Borderlands style gameplay somewhat and I mean the original 2.

[@eliechaya9690]

Love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤

[@popsgarcia2859]

I hated the demo so I guess I can pick this up on sale and enjoy this

[@FRCB]

I had fun with the demo

[@Genethagenius]

I’m surprised cause I was excited for this… and then I played the Demo. Ugh. But if David says the demo was crap & the actual game is good, then guess what’s going back on my Steam Wishlist boys & girls? 😂

[@ClubAnimay]

Humongous big mistake not letting it be dragon ball open world that would’ve been absolutely epic everyone would have it and if they added character creator and multiplayer online it would be epic

[@gromkin7146]

I just wish so many charactera weren't actual demons. Like Mr Satan always confused me.

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

It is very Toriyama-like to throw some jokes into a serious moment. He is a gag manga writer after all.

[@vagrantvanguard]

Akiri 😂🤣 Narotu am i right

[@CC-ed9lf]

Best part of the game is the side quests lol

[@mandorandom]

i hated the demo, im glad to hear the actual game is good, gonna give it a try