Planet of Lana II Review

If you love a game that stares into your soul and makes you weep, then Planet of Lana II will be right up your street. This spectacular sequel builds on the incredible foundations of its predecessor. However, if you haven’t played the original, you can enjoy this without any prior knowledge. Although there is a sense of familiarity, the developer has pushed the puzzles, exploration, and story to a whole new level.

Wishfully has developed this awe-inspiring puzzle platform adventure experience. It is a single-player game where you must control multiple characters at once. This can be a little testing, but everything is nicely balanced as you use your grey matter to overcome countless mind-bending problems. Additionally, there are some pleasant environmental elements that add depth to the exceptional core mechanics.

Planet of Lana II is a tale of evolution and love.

Set 2 years after the original, Planet of Lana II explores the idea of mechanical evolution, greed, and loss. Furthermore, where there is advancement, there is danger. Sadly, Lana and her companion Mui are taken on a roller-coaster journey of emotions as they brave new enemies, help Lana’s niece, and try to assist the locals in any way they can.

I don’t want to spoil the story as it is brilliant in every aspect. The pace, the unusual storytelling, and the setting are all breathtaking. There are no recognisable words, but the use of tone, body language, and sound delivers a story that is crystal clear. You are free to interpret the plot and relationships as you wish, and this was a captivating approach that drew me in immediately.

7 chapters that are filled to the brim.

Planet of Lana II has a relatively short playtime. 6 to 8 hours across 7 chapters doesn’t sound like a lot. However, I’m not sure my heart and soul could take much more. Every chapter is brimming with emotional elements that will make you bite your lip. I’m not ashamed to say that I welled up on multiple occasions as you pray that Lana and Mui are successful on their quest.

Whether it is Mui’s electrical powers or Lana’s ability to push blocks or hide in the shadows, the pair must work together to overcome every obstacle. Mui’s special abilities will short-circuit switches, take down robots, or encourage the local creatures to come to your aid. The latter was truly special as furry animals helped to create new paths and bugs shot water to help plants grow.

As the action evolves, the puzzles become more complex. Here, there is an element of trial and error as you try different approaches to each obstacle you face. This may seem like you are guessing, but it is unbelievably fun and rewarding as you experiment and observe your efforts come to fruition.

Planet of Lana II looks phenomenal.

I adore the story, the pacing, and the amazing puzzles. Yet, it is the visuals that blew me away! The use of colours and lighting creates an atmospheric and memorable game that will stick with me for a lifetime. Furthermore, the exceptional layers of lore and in-game history build a backstory that adds to the emotion. The audio supports this with its blend of drama and sombre moments. The soundtrack delivers inspirational music that can be interpreted in several ways. Moreover, the dialogue feels familiar and alien in equal measure. The result is a game that has you hooked from beginning to end.

Playing the role of 2 heroes should be confusing. However, Planet of Lana II gets this just right. With clear instructions for each protagonist, you cannot get it wrong. Yes, there are moments where you must perfect your timing, but a little practice ensures that you are rarely out of sync. The short playtime may disappoint some gamers. Yet, every core element is fantastic, and I can’t see many people complaining.

Planet of Lana II is a breath of fresh air!

I played the original and didn’t know how they could better it. Amazingly, Planet of Lana II goes one step further. The lore, characters, settings, and puzzles are fascinating, interesting, and a joy to experience. Moreover, the pacing is brilliant, and the core mechanics never outstay their welcome. Accordingly, it is a breath of fresh air, and you must get a copy from the Xbox store!