Based on Akira Toriyama’s 2000 manga, SAND LAND occurs in a post-apocalyptic world with near-endless plains of sand and an acute water shortage. With the Royal Army hoarding much of the water supply, it’s up to the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, Sheriff Rao and Thief to find the Legendary Spring. However, things aren’t as they seem, and the trio must overcome many trials and prejudices to succeed.

Though Beelze can fight hand-to-hand, with his allies providing support, players can also customize and pilot different vehicles against enemies. Each offers other benefits, like the Jump-Bot’s ability to reach higher elevations or the motorcycle’s quick speed. If you’re keen on its gameplay, check out the free demo.

Adapted from Akira Toriyama’s 2000 manga, SAND LAND sees the Fiend Prince Beelzebub and his advisor, Thief, allying with Sheriff Rao. Their mission is to locate the Legendary Spring, but that’s only one part of the story. Throughout their journey, they’ll discover other allies like Ann, a mechanic skilled in repairing and assembling bots.

Those bots are especially essential when traversing the treacherous Sand Land, whether relying on a motorcycle to cross quicksand or a Jump-Bot to surmount obstacles. They also make it easier to go toe-to-toe with the Royal Army, wild creatures and other threats, though Beelze is more than capable of throwing hands.

For more details, check out our review for SAND LAND here. We awarded it a 7 out of 10 for its visuals, narrative, cast and fun vehicular combat, even though the side quest design, dialogue and other aspects were lacking.

SAND LAND takes place in a post-apocalyptic world called, well, Sand Land. Bandits and wild creatures run rampant. Water is a luxury, and with the Royal Army essentially monopolizing it, it’s a struggle for most of humanity to survive. You control Beelzebub, the Fiend Prince, who hangs out with his demon friends, playing video games, reading comic books, and assaulting the Royal Army’s transports to steal water.

"There’s some interesting commentary about the preconceived notions that demons and humans have of each other, represented through the conversations between Rao and Thief."

In fairly quick succession, he meets Sheriff Rao, who seeks help locating the Legendary Spring. Choosing Thief to accompany him, Beelzebub sets out, in no small part motivated by the last remaining video game console. As far as premises, SAND LAND is very straightforward, but that’s one of the appeals. You hit the ground running, exploring the world and familiarizing yourself with the vehicle controls one moment before outrunning a Geji Dragon and beating up some bandits.

Throughout all this, we learn more about Beelze’s strength, how he never runs from a fight, and how demons aren’t supposed to kill. Thief provides comic relief but also serves as a source of wisdom when he’s not sneaking around in a comical Santa Claus outfit to steal stuff. Rao is perhaps the best, fulfilling the responsible adult role, but also possessing surprising tactical acumen. Ann also plays a central role as a mechanic and is equal parts happy-go-lucky and skilled in upgrading, customizing, and building new vehicles.

It’s a motley crew, to be sure, but they play off each other quite well. There’s some interesting commentary about the preconceived notions that demons and humans have of each other, represented through the conversations between Rao and Thief.

Meanwhile, Beelze and Ann are the more future-facing heroes, tackling whatever comes their way and constantly moving forward. The voice acting is solid in this regard, though some dialogue and localization aren’t the best. It’s serviceable overall and shines the most when focusing on the core cast. However, I could do without characters repeating the same lines and advice ad nauseam.

"The vehicles are the main attraction, as each has a unique function while exploring the world and different weapon loadouts and traits in combat."

There are plenty of other characters to encounter in the Sand Land, from the Swimmers and their obsession with taking out Beelze to the arrogant but ultimately honorable General Are. I wasn’t too enamored by the main threats since they come off as comically evil at times with very little else to them. They don’t ruin the experience by any means but they also don’t stand out. The game does a pretty good job of creating stakes, even as Beelze whoops almost all challengers without breaking a sweat, but as a whole, you shouldn’t expect anything too extensive.

There are two main gameplay components to SAND LAND – traveling on foot, which turns it into a beat-’em-up style game, and vehicles, which form the bulk of exploration and combat. Beelze can unleash light and heavy attacks and perform tricks on stunned opponents, amounting to tossing them around. Special skills eventually become available, from rush combos to tossing boulders. Rao and Thief don’t participate directly in combat, but you can call them in to assist, and they have their benefits (like the latter causing enemies to drop more items or money).

Hand-to-hand combat can feel simple initially, but you’ll eventually unlock combos, launching enemies into the air to juggle them, sliding sweeps, and charged attacks. Overall, it’s solid—again, nothing extraordinary—but smooth and responsive, though I would have preferred better tells on enemies. A faint red glow is hard to make out at times.

The vehicles are the main attraction, as each has a unique function while exploring the world and different weapon loadouts and traits in combat. Your first is a tank capable of firing heavy armor-piercing rounds and machine gun fire, though it’s not the fastest. The Jump-Bot is next, a bi-pedal bot capable of accessing higher terrain and stomping on enemies (which I found underwhelming). It also has a machine gun but lobs grenades in an arc.

"Though this isn’t a seamless open-world game, with some towns and areas requiring a loading screen, it incorporates several elements of the same."

Other options open up quickly, and while leading to interesting encounters, they also play a part when progressing through the story. Thanks to the miracles of capsule technology, you can store vehicles and deploy them instantly, blowing up a cracked boulder with a tank one moment and accessing the high ground the next with the Jump-Bot. Since you’ll encounter enemy vehicles and ground infantry, not to mention overwhelming creatures, the vehicular combat feels more engaging.

There’s also a hefty amount of crafting and upgrading, whether you’re leveling the vehicle’s base stats, unlocking new Chip Slots (which can offer different benefits like more health or disrupting foes), or adding new parts. The gear grind is thankfully not that hefty—you can get by on salvaging parts from defeated enemies and opening chests—but be prepared to kill and collect everything you see since the resource demand is no joke. At times, it felt like the amount of Zeni wasn’t enough, necessitating a quick visit to the store to sell any excess materials.

Combat isn’t too challenging overall, especially when you’ve leveled your vehicle and its weapons enough (at least on Normal). Still, there’s some satisfaction in mowing down hordes of foes and blowing up tanks, which is a good thing since there’s a lot of it. Like in regular combat, your allies can assist in different ways, like Rao magically rolling up in his own tank (and admittedly not doing much due to some AI kerfuffles) or Ann refilling your health.

Though this isn’t a seamless open-world game, with some towns and areas requiring a loading screen, it incorporates several elements of the same. You’ll cruise around on seemingly endless plains of sand, exploring caves with chests of parts, jumping on rock formations to mine materials, saving wandering NPCs from attacks, and fighting Alpha monsters, who do put up a pretty good fight and encourage skillful boost usage without burning out.

"SAND LAND won’t win any awards for its mechanics or gameplay systems, and even with the interesting characters and setting, the story can feel pretty typical and even cliched."

However, the range of activities does feel a bit lacking. SAND LAND has an extensive range of side quests, yet they boil down to picking up and delivering materials, slaying some monsters and defeating enemies for bounties, or partaking in battle arenas. While this can get monotonous, at least the game sticks to its strengths, which is the combat. There are some vehicle races to mix things up slightly, and as you complete tasks in Spino, it starts to change for the better (even providing a room that you can customize to your liking).

It is somewhat odd that the development team didn’t play around a bit more with survival mechanics. Despite the dire state of the world, water is plentiful, located in random outposts throughout the world, and all it does is restore your health. Granted, elements like dehydration would probably interfere with the overall game flow, so I won’t complain. It’s just weird, given the state of the world.

Visually, the world is stunning to behold, maintaining the manga’s aesthetic (right down to the shading) while still looking high-fidelity. The atmospherics, lighting, and particle effects are especially important in a setting like this, and they’re capably handled, making you really feel like a Fiend Prince traversing a roiling hot desert and being cooked by the sun.

SAND LAND won’t win any awards for its mechanics or gameplay systems, and even with the interesting characters and setting, the story can feel pretty typical and even cliched. Nevertheless, as an adaptation, it’s a solid action RPG with a significant amount of vehicle customization and combat, gorgeous graphics, and extensive activities, making for a fun experience.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Set in the titular Sand Land, SAND LAND is about Beelzebub, the Fiend Prince, hanging out with his fellow demons, stealing water from the Royal Army, and idling away the time. After Sheriff Rao approaches him to find the Legendary Spring and hopefully solve the drought afflicting humans throughout the world. Together with Thief, the trio set out.

Beelzebub is strong, Rao is tactical, and Thief is sneaky, but other tools are required to progress forward. To that end, players can customize tanks, Jump-Bots, motorcycles, and more with different weapons, suspensions, and chips to bypass obstacles and take out enemy creatures and the Army’s soldiers.

SAND LAND launches on April 26th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Check out the free demo to try its vehicular combat.

Players can create all kinds of vehicles, each capable of different functions, like the hovercar for traversing water and rougher terrain or Battle Tanks for taking on foes. They can carry up to five at a time, but at some points, it seems Beelzebub is capable of throwing hands, powering up and unleashing Light and Heavy attacks.

He can learn new skills and abilities throughout the game to become more effective in combat, and even his companions – Sheriff Rao, Thief, and Ann – help out. SAND LAND launches on April 26th worldwide for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. A free demo is available now on all platforms – head here for more details.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Among the many franchises that Konami has ignored through the years is Suikoden, and though it’s remastering the first two games, the potential next chapter is coming from a completely different studio. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a spiritual successor, produced and directed by Yoshitaka Murayama, the driving force behind the first three games (who recently passed away).

It features three core protagonists – Marisa, Seign and Nowa – in the fantasy world of Allraan, where rune-lenses have become a popular commodity. With the Galdean Empire using them to command and conquer, it’s up to the trio to assemble allies from across the land to fight back. Cue over 100 different allies with unique stories and abilities, from the magical girl Mellore and her crew to CJ, Isha and Garoo from Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising.

Combat is turn-based, but battles play out differently based on the environment. If there are cliffs or other elevated positions, they can prove advantageous for long-range party members. This also affects the presentation of battles, giving them a cinematic flair. Players can also unleash Hero Combos to team up and deal devastating damage. On top of this is War Mode, which offers real-time combat over a larger scale, and the Alliance Headquarters, with mini-games and different activities available.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes launches on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Phantom Fury

You’re forgiven for not remembering Bombshell, an isometric character action game with a whopping 43 Metascore. Phantom Fury is the follow-up, releasing on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, but offers first-person shooter gameplay instead. It sees Shelly Harrison on a bombastic journey through the US, battling mutants, cyborgs and enemy soldiers to secure an artifact. While the standard handguns and shotguns are available, Phantom Fury has some unique options – like Bowling Balls and electric foam.

Weapons can be upgraded and modified, while Shelly can eventually unlock new abilities like a shield or punching enemy groups into a fine red mist. It may have some boomer shooter vibes, but with extensive interactivity (including playable arcade machines) and fast-paced combat, it may be a worthy FPS diversion.

Underspace

For many, Freelancer is the pinnacle of sandbox space combat titles, which very few have managed to compete with, much less surpass. While it’s too early to call Underspace a competitor, the prospect of a hand-crafted universe with cosmic horrors and Eldritch creatures to navigate (appropriately named Croft) is too enticing to ignore. Like Freelancer, you can pursue the main quest or be whatever you want, exploring the universe and solving puzzles, battling massive space serpents, interacting with more than 40 factions and venturing into the deepest reaches of space. And yes, you can engage in trade, shipping and piracy with co-op support.

There is a catch, though – Underspace launches on April 10th for PC in early access. The developer has clarified that extensive ship customization, several interiors and questlines, and even cockpit textures won’t be available. Multiplayer is also launching in a “very early state” without many key features. Early access will still offer plenty of campaign content, bosses, enemies, points of interest and more to explore, but further polish is still required. Even with all that in mind, we’re keen to try Underspace and embrace the void.

Sea of Thieves

Rare’s highly successful live service pirate title comes to PS5 as part of Microsoft’s new multi-platform approach. Since launching in March 2018 to a mixed reception, Sea of Thieves has undergone an exceptional transformation over the years, with new content, mechanics, cosmetics and even narrative-focused questlines with Tall Tales (which crossover with the likes of Monkey Island and Pirates of the Caribbean).

Don’t let its cartoony visuals fool you, as Sea of Thieves offers some realistic sailing to go with its combat and exploration. While it still doesn’t have a proper character creator, the new Safer Seas option allows players who don’t want to engage in PvP and explore the seas with their crew at their leisure, with some limitations. It’s out on April 30th for PS5, with Digital Deluxe owners receiving five days early access.

Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide

Final Fantasy 16 had a strong start when it launched last year and though its first DLC, Echoes of the Fallen, was pretty short, The Rising Tide looks to redeem it. Players explore a new region, Mysidia, with new locations, side quests and fresh enemies, including Tonberries. The focus of this DLC is on Leviathan, the forgotten Eikon, and along with a boss battle against it, Clive also gains new abilities, including one that has an Active Reload mechanic. An increased level cap is inbound, which should be helpful in the new end-game activity, Kairos’ Gate.

It’s a wave-based survival mode with increasingly tougher enemies and bosses, with new items and weapons as rewards. Beat all of the stages and a new secret boss becomes available. As a send-off to Final Fantasy 16, The Rising Tide is worth looking forward to when it launches on April 18th for PS5. Even for those who aren’t picking it up, a free update will go live, allowing you to create sets of Eikonic Skills, among other quality-of-life improvements.

Stellar Blade

Shift Up calls modern action games an inspiration for Stellar Blade which is pretty clear based on gameplay and the recent demo. Though sci-fi, the Earth is in ruins, and players explore linear levels and semi-open world segments alike, taking on requests while accompanied by a helpful drone.

For all its similarities, however, Stellar Blade offers high-fidelity visuals and detail with a crisp frame rate, and unique combat mechanics that mix Sekiro-like parrying with special attacks, perfect dodges and combos. The main campaign promises to last about 25 hours, with plenty of collectibles and unlockables to discover. Time will tell if Stellar Blade can rise further beyond its inspiration when it launches on April 26th for PS5, but so far, it’s looking good.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

From smaller titles from relatively lesser-known developers to triple-A level games like Immortals of Aveum and Wild Hearts, the EA Originals label has seemingly come full circle with Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. The story involves a boy reading a tale by his late father about Zau, who explores the land of Kenzera.

As a 2.5D Metroid-style game, there are some stunning visuals with beautifully realized environments to go with fast-paced combat. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU promises to be a perfect encapsulation of what grief is when it launches on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Dead Island 2: SoLA Expansion

2023’s excellent Dead Island 2 received an expansion back in November of last year. Now it’s all set to released another one in the form of SoLA. Releasing on April 17, this expansion will takes players to a music festival in the heart of LA. Apparently, this festival is turning everyone into zombies. The SoLA expansion promises an interesting setup, so we are intrigued to see how it pans when we go hands on with it later this month.

TopSpin 2K25

It’s been over 13 years since the last entry in the acclaimed Top Spin franchise, but the wait is nearly over as TopSpin 2K25 nears release. Legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the 24-player roster with true-to-life venues like La Caja Mágica, Pala Alpitour and Foro Italico, and online multiplayer with cross-platform support. Solo players can venture into MyCareer and fight to become Grand Slam Champion, with MyPlayer offering an extensive range of options to customize your appearance, gear and more. TopSpin 2K25 launches on April 26th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Gigantic: Rampage Edition

Launched in 2017, Motiga’s Gigantic is making an unexpected comeback with Gigantic: Rampage Edition. Developed by abstraction and published by Gearbox for $19.99, it features the same MOBA-style gameplay loop, with teams of five players working together to take out the opposing Guardian. However, all microtransactions are now removed, with cosmetics acquired through gameplay.

It also adds two new heroes and maps, a new game mode called Rush and cross-platform play. Ranked Mode and additional hero skins are coming in post-launch updates. Gigantic: Rampage Edition launches on April 9th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, and regardless of its long-term success, it’s good to see it return.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

Playing like the Konami classics of old, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants features Turtle Power that builds upon defeating enemies and can unleash powerful screen-clearing attacks. Local co-op is supported for four players, on top of the original stages and boss fights, though Wrath of the Mutants adds three more stages and six new bosses. Launching on April 23rd, it could offer some fun for those who want more TMNT brawling action.

Freedom Planet 2

Following extensive acclaim with its PC version, Freedom Planet 2 is out now on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on April 4th. The action platformer offers a new threat with Merga, the water dragon, and four characters – Lilac, Carol and Milla from the first game, and the now-playable Neera. Adventure Mode offers a mix of story cutscenes and a world map to explore, while Classic Mode focuses on the stages alone.

Boss fights are even more over-the-top than the first game – with the new Battlesphere Arena offering an extensive range of optional challenges. Thankfully, new Potions, Amulets and Charms can provide some buffs for one’s character, while a revival system offers a risky second chance. If you enjoy 2D Sonic the Hedgehog titles or want a fun action platformer, Freedom Planet 2 is well worth the time.

Inkbound

Roguelike turn-based combat in a universe where books act as worlds to be explored by the creators of Monster Train? That’s Inkbound in a nutshell, but there’s more. The combat allows free movement from players, but during online play, you can coordinate and act simultaneously with up to three other players. There are also several character classes, abilities and upgrades, hundreds of items and more to make each run feel fresh. Inkbound is currently in early access, but version 1.0 is out on April 10th for PC, adding new cutscenes, cosmetics and other content.

Sand Land

As set in a desert world, players control Beelzebub in SAND LAND, who ventures with Thief and Sheriff Rao to discover the Legendary Spring.

Though it’s an action RPG, the focus is on vehicle design, as players cobble together tanks, bikes and jump-bots from various parts depending on the need. The sense of adventure and aesthetic, alongside the combat, set it apart from the crowd, and we’re curious to witness the Sand Land’s world when the game launches on April 26th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Braid Anniversary Edition

The classic side-scrolling indie platformer from Thekla Inc. returns with updated visuals and gorgeous new backgrounds (with the old art style available to switch to at any time). However, there’s more to Braid Anniversary Edition than revamped sound effects, revised tracks, or the +15-hour developer commentary and interviews which discuss the design. It also features 35 new levels with new puzzles, though other additions remain to be revealed.

Hilariously, only four or five new levels were to be added before things got out of hand. Either way, Braid Anniversary Edition should satisfy long-time fans and draw in new ones when it launches on April 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PC.

Based on a short manga series by the late Akira Toriyama, SAND LAND sees a Friend Prince named Beelzebub, Sheriff Rao and Thief on a quest to find the Legendary Spring. It’s easier said than done between nigh-endless deserts, wildlife, the Royal Army and other threats. Fortunately, players can construct different vehicles to make the journey easier.

You can create motorbikes, Jump-bots, Battle Tanks and much more, each fulfilling a specific purpose and featuring a variety of customization options. There’s also Spino, a city that serves as the player’s base and features various NPCs to interact with and take on requests.

SAND LAND launches on April 26th for the above platforms. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

With a new trailer (which you can view below), Bandai Namco has revealed that SAND LAND will launch for PC and consoles in Japan on April 25, and a day later, on April 26, in the rest of the world. Pre-orders have gone live on all platforms, with Bandai Namco also offering a $70 Deluxe Edition, which includes pre-order bonuses and four pieces of DLC, and a $130 Collector’s Edition, which also comes with a customizable Beelzebub figurine by S.H. Figurarts.

SAND LAND will follow the story of Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao as they head out into the desert on a quest to find the Legendary Spring. Players will control Beelzebub’s powers, take on a variety of enemies, and most importantly, build a variety of tanks and vehicles and use them for traversal and combat.

Upon its launch, SAND LAND will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

As for the online schedule, there’s a mysterious announcement on September 23rd at 11 AM JST, followed by Blue Protocol’s latest Transmission stream at 12:15 PM JST. The Tekken 8 Special Stage airs at 3:45 PM JST with new details and live gameplay, while the Tales of Arise 2nd Anniversary Special Live Stream airs at 9:15 PM JST.

The latter will feature the “latest information” on the Tales series, which could mean new content for Tales of Arise (especially with Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn trademarked back in December 2022) or a brand new game. Tokyo Game Show 2023 takes place from September 21st to 24th, so stay tuned for more updates next month.

All of these titles will be playable by attendees, and given that Armored Core 6 launches on August 25th, it’s the perfect time to try it before buying. The expo also marks the first time SAND LAND is playable in Europe. Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS will show off its 1v1 Versus Mode, while Tekken 8 allows fights with other real players.

Gamescom 2023 ruins from August 23rd to 27th in Kolenmesse in Cologne, Germany. Xbox, Bethesda and Nintendo are confirmed for the show, while THQ Nordic and Sony will be skipping. Before the expo opens, Gamescom Opening Night Live will air on August 22nd, so expect plenty of world premieres and announcements.