Planet of Lana II

First Impressions: A Silent Symphony of Pixels and Soul

Planet of Lana II for Windows isn't just another puzzle-platformer. It's a hand-painted journey where you guide a young girl and her alien cat-like companion through a world of mechanical threats and breathtaking landscapes. Developed by Wishfully and published by Thunderful Publishing AB, this sequel builds on the original's eerie charm while introducing fresh mechanics that feel both familiar and surprising. If you loved the quiet tension of *Inside* or the emotional bond of *The Last Guardian*, this game is your next obsession.

Who Should Play This?

This is for anyone who craves thoughtful puzzles over twitch reflexes. Target users include: puzzle-solving enthusiasts, fans of atmospheric platformers (like *Limbo* or *Gris*), and players who appreciate a narrative told without a single word of dialogue. If you have a soft spot for hand-drawn art and a story that tugs at your heartstrings, you've found your match.

Core Features That Steal the Show

1. The Dynamic Duo: Lana and Her Alien Pal Mui

The single standout feature here is the relationship between Lana and Mui, the adorable little creature you can control separately. Unlike many games where a companion is just a fetch bot, Mui is a second brain. You can send Mui through small passages, activate switches, or distract enemies while Lana sneaks by. For example, in one early section, you must lure a giant robotic spider away from a generator by having Mui chirp at it—then quickly switch back to Lana to dash across. The synergy feels like a dance, where timing and trust are everything. This dual-character control isn't just a gimmick; it's the core of every puzzle, and it never gets old.

2. Silent Storytelling Through a Living World

There's no tutorial pop-up or voiceover telling you what to do. Instead, the environment teaches you. Coloured vines signal climbable surfaces; subtle glowing patterns hint at where Mui needs to go. The world itself evolves from serene forests to clanking industrial zones, each area telling its own story through visual cues alone. The game respects your intelligence—if you miss a clue, it's never frustrating, just a quiet invitation to look closer. This is storytelling at its purest, and it's something most games forget to do well.

User Experience: Butter-Smooth Controls, Zero Handholding

Interface and Visual Design

The interface is nearly invisible. No HUD clutter. No health bars. Just a tiny icon showing which character you're controlling. The hand-drawn backgrounds are so lush you'll want to pause just to admire the water reflections and drifting pollen. Performance on Windows is solid—I tested on a mid-range laptop (i5, 16GB RAM, integrated graphics) and it ran at a steady 60fps with no stuttering. The learning curve is gentle but deliberate. You'll grasp the basics within 10 minutes, but later puzzles will still make you sit back and think. The only minor gripe? Occasionally the camera angle makes a hidden path a bit too obscure, but it's rare enough not to spoil the flow.

What Sets It Apart from Other Platformers?

Most platformers throw enemies at you and demand quick jumps. Planet of Lana II does something smarter: it slows down the pace. There are no lives, no game-overs, no combat. Instead, you solve each room like a lock-picking session—patient, methodical, and immensely satisfying. Compare it to *Ori and the Blind Forest*? Sure, Ori has more acrobatics. But this game offers a quieter, more cerebral kind of beauty. Its closest competitor might be *The Last Guardian*, but without the clunky controls. The bond between Lana and Mui feels more immediate, more tactile, because you control both directly. It's like playing chess with a cat—unpredictable but heartwarming.

Final Verdict: Should You Download It?

Recommendation: Yes, and with confidence. If you have $19.99 burning a hole in your wallet and you appreciate a game that values atmosphere over adrenaline, this is a no-brainer. Perfect for a rainy afternoon curled up with a controller. One caveat: it's on the shorter side (around 5–6 hours for a first playthrough), but those hours are densely packed with memorable moments. Wait for a sale if you're budget-conscious, but don't skip it.

Pro tip: Play with headphones. The ambient soundtrack and the chirps of Mui are half the magic. Avoid rushing—this is a game to savour like a slow-cooked meal.

FAQ

Do I need to play the first Planet of Lana to understand Planet of Lana II?

No, Planet of Lana II is a standalone experience. New players can enjoy the story without prior knowledge, while returning fans will find deeper connections to the original game's lore.

How long does it take to complete the game?

The main adventure takes about 6 to 8 hours. Pace and exploration may extend your playtime slightly, but the story is designed to be a focused, cinematic journey.

Can I change the language or enable subtitles?

Yes, you can select text language and subtitle options from the main menu. Go to Options > Language to choose your preferred language for UI and subtitles.

What kind of puzzles can I expect in the game?

Puzzles focus on observation, timing, and cooperation between Lana and Mui. They are woven naturally into the environment, rewarding awareness rather than complex logic.

How do I control Lana and interact with Mui?

Use the left stick or D-pad to move Lana. Press A to jump, B to call Mui, and hold X to interact. Mui follows commands and helps with puzzles. Full controls are shown in Options > Controls.

What role does Mui play in the game?

Mui is your loyal companion. You can call, direct, and cooperate with Mui to solve puzzles, reach new areas, and overcome obstacles. Their bond is central to the story and gameplay.