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SAND Console Release Announced: Exciting News for Survival Shooter Fans
- Image of SAND, courtesy of Hologryph, TowerHaus.

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, SAND stands out as a unique blend of dieselpunk aesthetics, mech combat, and high-stakes PvP and PvE gameplay. Developed by Ukrainian studios Hologryph and TowerHaus, and published by tinyBuild, SAND immerses players in an alternate-history universe where the Austro-Hungarian Empire leads space colonization in the 19th century. The game is set on the planet Sophie, a world devastated by an ecological disaster that transformed its once-thriving ecosystems into vast deserts.

SAND: A Diesel-Punk Extraction Shooter Coming to Consoles

Image of SAND, courtesy of Hologryph, TowerHaus.

Gameplay and Features

At the heart of SAND is the Trampler, a massive walking mech that serves as both a mobile base and a formidable combat unit. Players can customize their Tramplers, upgrading armor, weapons, and internal systems to suit their play style. These mechs are essential for traversing the harsh desert landscape, engaging in combat, and extracting valuable resources. The game’s PvPvE mechanics introduce a dynamic where players must contend with both hostile AI creatures and other players, leading to intense firefights and strategic encounters. The semi-procedurally generated world ensures that no two sessions are alike, offering fresh challenges and opportunities with each playthrough.

Console Release Announcement

While SAND has been available on PC, the upcoming console release marks a significant expansion of its player base. The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, bringing its unique gameplay to a broader audience. This move aligns with the industry’s growing trend of cross-platform play, allowing console and PC players to engage in shared experiences. The console version is expected to feature optimized controls, enhanced graphics, and additional content to fully leverage the capabilities of the new hardware.

Development and Cultural Significance

SAND is not just a game; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of its developers. Created by a team based in Lviv and Kyiv, Ukraine, the game reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. The dieselpunk aesthetic, inspired by the early 20th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire, is evident in the game’s architecture, machinery, and overall design. Despite the challenges faced by the development team, their dedication has resulted in a game that resonates with players worldwide.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

The developers of SAND have shown a strong commitment to community engagement. Through platforms like Steam and Discord, they actively gather feedback from players to refine and enhance the game. This collaborative approach has led to regular updates, bug fixes, and the introduction of new features based on player input. Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the game’s universe with additional content, including new mechs, environments, and gameplay modes, ensuring that SAND remains a dynamic and evolving experience for its community.

It’s Not Dirt, It’s Sand!

SAND offers a fresh take on the extraction shooter genre, combining elements of strategy, combat, and exploration within a richly crafted dieselpunk world. With its upcoming console release, the game is poised to reach a wider audience, allowing more players to experience its unique blend of gameplay and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of mech combat, open-world exploration, or intense PvP and PvE encounters, SAND promises to deliver an engaging and memorable experience.

For more information and to stay updated on the game’s development, visit the official SAND website and follow the developers on Twitter.

Remember to visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news and content, and be sure to always keep those fingers moving.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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