The hauntingly beautiful world of Planet of Lana has returned, expanding its narrative and mechanical scope while retaining the atmospheric puzzle-platforming that defined the original. Planet of Lana II, developed by Wishfully, is a direct continuation that assumes the player is familiar with the revelations of the first game, weaving a new tale of societal tension and personal discovery from the ashes of the previous conflict. It is a sequel that builds deliberately on established foundations, offering a richer, if occasionally more methodical, experience.
A World Transformed by Revealed Truths
The central premise of Planet of Lana II is a direct consequence of the first game’s climax. The planet’s human inhabitants, now aware they are descendants of a crashed colony ship and that the ‘invading’ robots were merely following their original programming, live in an uneasy new reality. Advanced technology, once alien and terrifying, is now integrated into daily life. However, this integration is not seamless or universally peaceful. The game introduces a core societal conflict: the misuse of this newfound power is creating fractures and dangers, setting a compelling stage for Lana’s new journey.
Lana’s New Motivations and the Lingering Mysteries
Driven by a desire to uncover more truths about her people’s past—fueled by discoveries aboard derelict ships—Lana embarks on a quest for deeper understanding. Her companion, the cat-like creature Mui, remains by her side, with the sequel promising to explore more of its own enigmatic background. Adding immediate urgency to this archaeological drive is a more personal stake: Lana must find a cure for an ailing child. This dual motivation—the macro of historical truth and the micro of a life to save—propels the narrative forward with a clear and empathetic purpose.
Artistic Mastery and Narrative Ambition
Visually, Planet of Lana II is a stunning achievement. Wishfully has taken the already gorgeous painterly style of the original and enhanced it with improved lighting, more detailed environments, and fluid animations. Reports indicate it performs exceptionally well on newer hardware like the Switch 2, where its vivid color palette and atmospheric effects truly shine. The artistic direction extends beyond mere aesthetics into the narrative itself through a bold design choice: the use of an original, fictional language.
Storytelling Through Action and Environment
Dialogue and lore are primarily conveyed in this constructed language, with only occasional subtitles to anchor key plot points. This decision forces a reliance on environmental storytelling and character expression, a technique Wishfully executes masterfully. The intent and emotion of every interaction remain crystal clear, immersing the player in the world without the crutch of explicit translation. This approach is complemented by new “Mui’s Journey” segments, where players briefly control the companion character. These sections provide invaluable insight into Mui’s perspective and experiences, deepening the bond between the two protagonists without a single word of exposition.
Evolved Gameplay: Thought Over Twitch
The core gameplay loop remains firmly in the realm of thoughtful puzzle-solving over skill-based platforming or combat. Planet of Lana II is an action-adventure game where patience and observation are the primary tools. Lana possesses no traditional attack abilities; instead, players must navigate threats using stealth, cunning, and the unique abilities of Mui.
New Abilities and Familiar Mechanics
Lana’s own mobility has been expanded with new moves like wall-jumping and sliding, allowing access to more complex environmental puzzles. The companion mechanics with Mui are further developed, requiring the player to manage both characters to solve obstacles. Puzzles can involve manipulating the environment—pulling boxes, flipping switches—or orchestrating interactions between Mui, other creatures, and the now-ubiquitous robots. Former ‘boss fight’ scenarios are reimagined as intricate, multi-stage puzzles where direct confrontation is impossible, demanding creative problem-solving to neutralize or bypass threats.
The Learning Curve and Pacing
This methodical pace defines the experience, but it also introduces a specific learning curve. The controls are smooth and responsive, yet understanding the precise boundaries of hitboxes for hazards or the effectiveness of cover can take time to internalize. The early chapters serve as an extended tutorial for this spatial awareness. With a total runtime of approximately five hours, the game gradually escalates its challenges. The most demanding puzzles are typically reserved for the later chapters, by which point players are fully accustomed to the game’s logic and controls.
A Sequel That Justifies Its Existence
Planet of Lana II succeeds as a sequel by enhancing every aspect of its predecessor without losing the original’s soul. The world is more detailed, the story grapples with the complex aftermath of revelation, and the puzzles offer a satisfying evolution of familiar concepts. Wishfully demonstrates remarkable confidence in its storytelling, trusting the player to interpret meaning from visual and environmental cues. While the deliberate pace may require an adjustment period, the journey is consistently engaging, culminating in a cliffhanger that promises more to explore in this captivating universe. The game is available across all major platforms, including Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, ensuring its beautiful, puzzling world is accessible to a wide audience.
The legacy of Planet of Lana was one of survival against a misunderstood threat. Planet of Lana II shifts the paradigm to survival amidst the consequences of truth, exploring how societies and individuals rebuild when foundational myths are shattered. It is a quieter, more introspective conflict, but one rendered with such artistic conviction and clever design that it proves equally compelling. The game doesn’t just continue a story; it meaningfully evolves the conversation, leaving players to ponder not just where Lana and Mui go next, but what peace truly looks like in a world forever changed by knowledge.
