7.9/10
When Planet of Lana launched in 2023, it quietly became one of the most beloved indie adventures of the year. Players praised its emotional storytelling, cinematic visuals, relaxing atmosphere, and the touching bond between Lana and her companion Mui.
Now, Planet of Lana II returns with a much larger and more ambitious sequel.
Developed once again by Wishfully and published by Thunderful Publishing, the sequel expands nearly every aspect of the original experience. The world is larger, the movement system is faster, the puzzles are more complex, and the story is noticeably darker and more emotional.
Set two years after the first game, Planet of Lana II follows a more mature version of Lana as she once again journeys across the mysterious planet Novo alongside Mui.
But this time, the world feels more dangerous.
Civilizations have changed.
Technology has become weaponized.
And the peaceful beauty of Novo now hides deeper conflicts beneath the surface.
For players who love cinematic indie adventures like Inside, Limbo, Ori and the Blind Forest, or The Last Guardian, this sequel is shaping up to be one of 2026’s standout experiences.
Planet of Lana II – Official Launch Trailer
WHAT IS PLANET OF LANA II ABOUT?
The sequel takes place two years after the original game.
Lana is older, more experienced, and far more capable than before. Together with Mui, she explores the planet Novo while uncovering new mysteries involving technology, civilization, and conflict.
Unlike the first game, which focused heavily on isolation and survival, the sequel introduces:
- Settlements and civilizations
- Multiple factions
- New allies and enemies
- Larger environmental storytelling
- Darker themes about technology and exploitation
One of the main threats in the game is the Dijinghala faction, which aggressively weaponizes technology and exploits Novo’s natural resources.
At the same time, the emotional connection between Lana and Mui remains the heart of the experience.
Much like the first game, the story is told almost entirely through:
- Animation
- Music
- Body language
- Environmental storytelling
- Emotional visual direction
Characters speak in an unintelligible fictional language, allowing the emotions and atmosphere to carry the narrative naturally.
THE WORLD OF NOVO IS MUCH LARGER THIS TIME
One of the biggest improvements in Planet of Lana II is the scale of the world.
The developers described the sequel as significantly more ambitious than the original game, with nearly double the overall length.
Instead of relying primarily on quiet landscapes and isolated environments, the sequel introduces more diverse regions and societies.
New Features in the World Design:
- Distinct biomes with unique mechanics
- Settlements and populated areas
- More environmental variety
- Expanded lore and worldbuilding
- Larger narrative scope
The developers also explained that each biome introduces new gameplay ideas, preventing the experience from becoming repetitive.
That added variety appears to be one of the sequel’s biggest strengths.
GAMEPLAY IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW MECHANICS
Lana is much more agile and capable
In the original game, Lana’s movement was intentionally slower and more vulnerable.
In the sequel, she feels significantly more athletic and confident.
New Movement Abilities:
- Wall jumping
- Sliding
- Dashing
- Faster traversal
- Underwater exploration
This creates a more dynamic gameplay experience while still maintaining the slower cinematic atmosphere fans loved.
The developers specifically mentioned that Lana’s growth as a character allowed them to design more advanced puzzles and movement challenges.
MUI REMAINS THE HEART OF THE GAME
Mui gets expanded abilities
Mui, the adorable cat-like companion from the original game, once again plays a major role in both gameplay and storytelling.
But this time, Mui has more interactive mechanics.
Mui’s New Abilities Include:
- Hacking machines
- Telepathic control over creatures
- Puzzle interaction
- Environmental manipulation
The cooperative gameplay between Lana and Mui remains central to the experience.
Many puzzles require both characters to work together carefully, reinforcing the emotional bond players already loved in the first game.
THE STORY IS DARKER THAN THE ORIGINAL
While the first game had emotional and melancholic moments, Planet of Lana II appears to lean much more heavily into darker themes.
The developers explained that the sequel explores:
- Technological exploitation
- Environmental collapse
- Resource warfare
- Social division
- Moral conflict between factions
This gives the sequel a more mature tone while still preserving the emotional warmth between Lana and Mui.
The contrast between beauty and danger seems to be one of the game’s core themes.
THE MUSIC LOOKS INCREDIBLE AGAIN
Takeshi Furukawa returns
One of the original game’s greatest strengths was its soundtrack.
Composer Takeshi Furukawa, known for his work on The Last Guardian, returned for the sequel.
His music was a huge reason the first game felt so emotional and cinematic.
Fans can expect:
- Orchestral emotional themes
- Atmospheric ambient music
- Quiet reflective moments
- Cinematic tension during action sequences
The soundtrack once again appears designed to carry much of the emotional storytelling.
VISUALS AND ART STYLE
One of the most beautiful indie games of 2026
The hand-crafted visual style remains stunning.
The environments blend:
- Soft cinematic lighting
- Painterly backgrounds
- Science-fiction aesthetics
- Natural landscapes
- Emotional color design
The sequel also benefits from a much larger animation team led by animation director Olle Engstrom.
Character animation and emotional expression appear far more detailed than before.
That improvement matters because the series relies heavily on visual storytelling instead of traditional dialogue.
RELEASE DATE AND PLATFORMS
Planet of Lana II officially released on March 5, 2026.
Available Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Sony PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Windows PC
- Microsoft Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
The game was first announced in June 2025, and a gameplay demo followed in February 2026.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
The sequel has already received very strong reviews.
Aggregate Scores:
- Metacritic: 81–85 depending on platform
- OpenCritic: 88% recommended
Critics praised:
- Emotional storytelling
- Improved gameplay
- Puzzle design
- Music
- Art direction
- The bond between Lana and Mui
Many reviewers noted that the sequel successfully expands the original without losing its emotional identity.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE FIRST GAME?
The sequel keeps the emotional soul of the original while improving nearly every gameplay system.
Biggest Improvements:
- Larger scope
- Better movement
- More puzzle variety
- Darker story themes
- Expanded worldbuilding
- More dynamic environments
At the same time, it still preserves the quiet emotional tone that made the first game special.
That balance is likely why fans and critics have responded so positively.
IS PLANET OF LANA II WORTH PLAYING?
Absolutely—especially for players who enjoy atmospheric story-driven indie games.
This is not a fast-paced action blockbuster.
Instead, the game focuses on:
- Emotion
- Exploration
- Puzzle solving
- Cinematic immersion
- Character relationships
- Environmental storytelling
Players who appreciate slower, thoughtful adventures will likely love what the sequel offers.
WHY SHOULD YOU PLAY PLANET OF LANA II?
Because very few games combine emotional storytelling and gameplay atmosphere this effectively.
The game creates a world that feels:
- Beautiful
- Lonely
- Dangerous
- Hopeful
- Emotional
And the relationship between Lana and Mui once again gives the experience genuine heart.
Biggest Strengths:
- Gorgeous visual design
- Emotional soundtrack
- Strong puzzle gameplay
- Better movement systems
- Excellent atmosphere
- Memorable companion dynamic
FAQ
Do I need to play the first Planet of Lana before the sequel?
It is highly recommended because the sequel builds emotionally on Lana and Mui’s relationship.
Is Planet of Lana II a long game?
Yes. The developers confirmed the sequel is significantly larger than the original game.
What genre is Planet of Lana II?
It is a cinematic puzzle-platform adventure game.
Is the game story-heavy?
Yes, though it tells its story visually rather than through extensive dialogue.
Is Mui playable?
Mui is not directly playable in the traditional sense, but players interact with Mui constantly during puzzles and exploration.
CONCLUSION
Planet of Lana II looks like the rare sequel that truly understands why the original worked.
Instead of simply repeating the same formula, the developers expanded the world, deepened the mechanics, and introduced darker themes while preserving the emotional core that players connected with.
Lana’s growth as a character, the evolving relationship with Mui, and the larger world of Novo all make the sequel feel more ambitious without losing its identity.
For fans of emotional indie adventures, cinematic puzzle games, and atmospheric storytelling, Planet of Lana II is shaping up to be one of the most memorable releases of 2026.
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