Sand Land is a shonen Japanese manga released in 2000, which was adapted into a CGI movie in 2023. Moreover, it is also being adapted into an action RPG title by Bandai Namco and is set to release in April 2024. Although the release date is only a few weeks away, the game passed under the radar for many until a recent spike in interest.
There is a suitable yet tragic reason for the sudden interest in this upcoming action RPG game. It is the last work of the renowned mangaka Akira Toriyama. He is no stranger to those interested in anime and manga, as Toriyama is the creator of the world-renowned Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball series. Shockingly, this legendary mangaka passed away on March 1, 2024, due to an acute subdural hematoma.
On March 8, his production company, the Bird Studio, released an official statement via the official Dragon Ball site about the passing of Toriyama at the age of 68. The demise of such an iconic personality left his fans in utter shock. This shocking news led fans to research his other work, leading them to Sand Land and its upcoming action RPG adaptation. Hence, most are now eagerly looking forward to Sand Land’s release.
Fans speculate if Akira Toriyama’s death can affect Sand Land’s release
At this moment, it seems like Sand Land will punch way above what the publishers had initially speculated. Toriyama’s death has brought this game into the limelight, and fans claimed that playing it would hit them a little differently now since it is arguably the legendary Mangaka’s last work. However, they still urged everyone to enjoy this game as a sign of honor and respect.
I wasn’t planning to purchase it at launch first however, recent events has made me changed my mind. Thank you Toriyama
— Mikey on Astral Express (o´▽`o)ﾉ (@AgonistKira) March 8, 2024
Honor the man by buying this and having fun connecting.He may be gone but he will never ever be forgotten. Rest in peace Mr. Toriyama.
— playstationloyalist (@hondafreak2468) March 8, 2024
I was getting this game anyway because of its interesting premise and gameplay mechanics, but now it’s my most anticipated game
— Jay (@skpmd) March 8, 2024
Indeed. Go buy, Sand Land, next month, April 2024. Great way to celebrate his life and works.☮️
— Kevin Anthony Haynes (@kevihaynes) March 8, 2024
Some fans are sad that this game is only getting attention because of the current consequences. However, they are also happy about the sudden hike in the excitement, as more people would get to enjoy Toriyama’s vision. Fans also asked the developers to add a thank you message at the start to appreciate tAkira Toriyama for his work.
This game is going to sell very well now. Kinda sad that that it will do better due to current circumstances, but the silver lining is that more people will be able to take delight in Toriyama’s vision.
— EndlessWound (@Endless_Wound) March 8, 2024
Preordering the deluxe edition rn
— ラディッシュ (@N64_rumble_pak) March 8, 2024
I got my copy pre-ordered.
— Doongie4ever (@doongie4ever) March 8, 2024
Many fans have already pre-ordered the game and it might become one of the most selling video games from Akira Toriyama. After all, this isn’t the first time when we witnessed a game or other media having great sales after the death of a key member involved in that project.
