Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf Review | A Stunning, Emotional Sequel Masterpiece

How do you decide what game to play? Often, it’s a mood, a feeling - the setting perhaps draws your eye to the imagery displayed before you. This is what happened to me with Planet of Lana, the first game. The art style was simple, yet visually stunning, and once I began playing, I knew this was going to be special. So, I had rather high expectations for its sequel. But would it live up to those expectations and hold my attention in the same manner as the first?

What a Sequel Should Be

It’s simple in theory, though it often falls short: create the first game, then learn and iterate upon it for the sequel - expanding on what made the original special and improving the elements fans loved. Often, this includes adding ideas and features the team wasn’t able to fulfill the first time around for a variety of reasons. Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf does exactly what it needs to do, pushing the storytelling, visuals, and puzzle mechanics to new heights that far exceeded my expectations.

The story of Lana continues, though not a word is spoken. Instead, it is revealed through world-building, accompanied by an unknown language created solely for the game’s universe - similar to Animal Crossing and the occasional shout of “Lana” here and there. It’s less about spoken language and more about understanding body language and visual storytelling, along with having a keen eye for clues that help flesh out the world around Lana.

This time, the game feels more puzzle-oriented than the previous title. It’s less about robotic entities trying to harm us and more about overcoming obstacles blocking our path. While enemies are certainly present, they felt less like the main focus and more like pacing tools to break up the flow of the game. Each encounter felt purposeful, further immersing me into the world with every puzzle.

Lana’s Return

Lana once again returns as our main protagonist. If you didn’t play the first game, there’s no need to worry - the prologue scenes help fill in the missing story and bring you up to speed before continuing Lana’s journey. During her exploration, one of Lana’s companions - the Children of the Leaf - falls ill. It’s up to Lana to search for the proper ingredients to help save her little friend.

The landscapes throughout the journey are stunning and visually beautiful, ranging from snow-topped mountains to lush, jungle-like environments. The art style remains a standout element, instantly recognizable as a Planet of Lana game. Its distinct, simple scenes are full of detail that naturally catch the eye - you immediately know what game is being played.

Joining Lana once more is her cat-like companion, Mui. I found Mui far more useful this time around, playing a more integral role in puzzle-solving. Using Mui to override powered objects or mechanical robots felt methodical, with each new puzzle and encounter offering variation from the last. Solving these puzzles was magical - challenging yet rewarding, with satisfying light-bulb moments when everything finally clicked.

I was pleasantly surprised by how each new puzzle felt distinct from the previous one. While many games fall into repetitive puzzle design, Planet of Lana II does a great job of building upon earlier mechanics without feeling repetitive. Each puzzle evolves naturally, maintaining a fresh experience throughout.

Going Back in Time

In the first game, there wasn’t a clear understanding of where Lana’s journey began. Without spoiling anything, Planet of Lana II fills in these gaps through memories that reveal more about Lana’s people, Mui, and the mechanical visitors that stand before us. These moments expand the world through small gameplay sequences and helped answer lingering questions I had after completing the first game - who Lana is, where Mui came from, and what truly happened.

While Wishfully Studio could have skipped these moments entirely, it’s the small details that help build a much larger picture. In a game with no spoken dialogue, these scenes tell a story worth experiencing. I’m continually amazed at how Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf conveys such an emotional journey without words - relying instead on visual cues, gestures, and subtle interactions. Through its stylized vision and stunning art direction, the meaning behind the game becomes beautifully clear.

Watch Your Step

The game came very close to perfection for me, though there were a few minor technical issues. At times, Lana would get tangled in a rope, struggle to move through water, or attempt to climb down a ledge only to fall to her death. These moments were minor and infrequent, and nearly forgettable when compared to the overall quality of the experience.

I tested the game on my Steam Deck, where it ran incredibly smoothly and looked outstanding. Being able to continue my save on the go and return to a larger screen later was a welcome bonus for Steam Deck users.

Can You Understand?

One of today’s growing concerns is subtly reflected throughout Planet of Lana II. After my six-and-a-half-hour playtime, I found the game struck a perfect balance in length. We often hear complaints about games being too long, but Planet of Lana II felt rewarding without overstaying its welcome.

I’m still thinking about the ending. Did I fully understand it? Did the developers clearly convey the message I envisioned during my time with the game, or was it intentionally left open to interpretation? This is something I look forward to discussing with others upon the game’s release.

Endings are often the hardest part to get right. When the journey has been so emotionally engaging, the conclusion needs to resonate. Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf delivers a beautiful, emotional experience that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. I love that lingering sense of mystery - those unanswered questions that spark reflection and discussion. While this can sometimes be frustrating, here it left me in awe.

The ending may feel clear to some and ambiguous to others, but for me, it reinforced how much I loved my time with the game. I’m still thinking about the story, the puzzles, and the challenges I faced. Where will Wishfully Studio take Lana next? I can’t wait to find out!