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The underrated and completely gorgeous 2023 puzzle-platformer, Planet of Lana, is ready to return in Q1 2026, and with it, Lana and Mui’s story continues past a easy combat in opposition to a technological risk.
A demo divided into segments—a glimpse into 5 chapters—this demo offers a have a look at Planet of Lana 2‘s new platforming and stealth mechanics, and intriguing options to its difficult puzzles. Leisure and satisfaction are assured, however what precisely can we count on from this sequel?
Listed below are our first impressions of Planet of Lana 2: Youngsters of the Leaf.
The unknown power has returned to civilization and now dangers being positioned within the improper fingers
In Youngsters of the Leaf, the singular risk of invasion from a mechanical enemy has shifted into corruption and energy dynamics between the Novo tribes. The demo offers little details about the sequel’s story apart from the piqued curiosity in Mui’s talents, and the superior know-how of some tribes who’re far nearer to us than Lana’s neighborhood from the primary sport.
Surveillance cameras scan for movement, and robots seem for use for industrial functions similar to mining and fishing. Civilization is clearly advancing quickly within the sequel, and it exhibits not solely within the atmosphere but in addition within the added risk of people and up to date stealth mechanics.
Planet of Lana is now not about how Lana will overcome her obstacles, however how the pair will work collectively to attain their frequent aim
Transferring round Novo isn’t as flat as earlier than, when it resembled old-school platformers the likes of Rayman or Oddworld with its formulaic platforming and stealth components. The gameplay has clearly expanded past putting Mui in a spot and clicking on a button whilst you watch for an enemy to move by. This exhibits the sequel is modernized and desires to enhance upon the primary sport as our loveable duo now have their very own robust talents to maintain themselves alive, and the sport feels contemporary.
Now you can switch management over to different lifeforms inside Novo, the place Mui’s consciousness seemingly strikes over to different animals. Mui can now take away blockades, shoot ink to blind aquatic threats, or bathe rain from a beetle-like creature to make vegetation develop. This variation is each enjoyable and positively alters the pacing of the puzzle-platforming sections by including unpredictability, a studying curve to each new mechanic, and invitations new methods of problem-solving.
It’s additionally a welcoming change to see Lana capable of climb and hop partitions, demonstrating that she’s grown for the reason that first sport and that she learnt loads since we final noticed her. She clearly is aware of what she’s doing on this installment, and this improvement—although easy—is refined and efficient storytelling.
The puzzles are streamlined, balanced completely with Mui and Lana’s new talents, and are extra superior than the unique. The problem to resolve the puzzles is as satisfying as ever, aiming to maintain the collection feeling cozy and thrilling to play.
The artwork type is simply as attractive and dynamic as the primary sport
The surroundings now not looks like simply one thing to gawk at when a cinematic cutscene performs, however environments now really feel like a residing, respiratory factor. Assume The Wild Robotic or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Youngsters of the Leaf appears to reference the legendary Princess Mononoke with their very own Forest Spirit, including a layer of thriller and cosmic intervention to Novo’s fauna.
We solely bought a glimpse of the soundtrack, however it’s simply as pretty as the unique and offers a chilled ambiance, which naturally lessens the stress of determining an ongoing puzzle.
What sort of journey is Lana on?
My one qualm with this demo is that it’s very a lot a showcase of the brand new mechanics and gameplay on provide for the sequel. There is no such thing as a clarification or context given for what Lana and Mui are as much as this time round. We’ve nothing to go off exterior of different people researching Mui’s mysterious powers. Our feline-like companion appears to take heart stage, however it’s unsure what prompted Lana to depart her dwelling once more.
I’d have cherished to see how the sequel begins, what the primary battle is, and the inciting incident that pushes Lana onto her subsequent journey. The selection to indicate segments from 5 chapters is an fascinating one, and whereas followers of the primary sport know {that a} gorgeous expertise with upgrades and considerate puzzles is coming, it doesn’t maintain a lot weight for newcomers.
Planet of Lana 2 will launch on March 5, 2026 on Steam, Xbox Sequence X/S, Xbox Recreation Move, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Swap, and Nintendo Swap 2.
