Key Takeaways
1. Game Concept: SAND is an open-world PvPvE extraction shooter set in a dieselpunk environment with decaying cities and mechanical giants called Tramplers.
2. Loot and Combat: Players must collect resources while battling other players and NPCs, with gameplay involving both Trampler-based combat and on-foot shootouts.
3. Community Feedback: The demo released in October 2024 received mixed reactions, with praise for its concept but criticism for performance issues like disconnections and FPS drops.
4. Development Team: SAND is developed by TowerHaus and Hologryph, published by tinyBuild, known for popular games like Hello Neighbor.
5. Release Information: The game is set to enter Early Access on April 3, with pricing yet to be announced, and players can add it to their Steam wishlist for updates.
SAND is an open-world PvPvE extraction shooter that takes place in a large, procedurally generated environment filled with decaying cities and dangerous threats. Rather than using polished, high-tech equipment, the game focuses on gritty mechanics, towering metal giants, and roaring engines that race across the desert, delivering a real dieselpunk vibe. Central to the gameplay are the Tramplers, which are enormous mechanical walkers that serve as mobile bases, transportation, and powerful war machines all rolled into one.
Loot and Combat Mechanics
As in any extraction shooter, loot is key in SAND. Players must collect precious resources while battling against competing scavengers, as well as defending themselves from NPC dangers, which include not only enemy factions but also the undead remnants from a long-gone civilization. To thrive in the harsh desert, players need to gather resources to improve their Trampler, boosting its engines, weaponry, defenses, and storage space. Combat isn’t confined to these gigantic machines; players can also partake in high-stakes shootouts on foot.
Community Reactions to the Demo
In October 2024, SAND was briefly released as a demo, generating mixed feedback within the Reddit community. Many players applauded the idea of an extraction shooter integrated with massive machines and a distinctive dieselpunk backdrop, describing the battles as both thrilling and strategic. However, there were concerns regarding performance issues. Demo testers frequently faced disconnections, experienced lengthy loading times, and noted poor optimization that led to FPS drops on even high-end gaming systems. There’s hope that the developers will fix these issues prior to the game’s full launch.
Development and Release Information
SAND is being crafted by TowerHaus and Hologryph in collaboration with the publisher tinyBuild, who is recognized for hit games such as Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, and SpeedRunners. The game is set to enter Early Access on April 3, although its pricing is still not disclosed. Meanwhile, players can add it to their Steam wishlist and stay tuned for updates.
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