Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf Reviews
Planet of Lana II takes everything that worked best in the first game, introduces several new ideas, and allows us to learn much more not only about the planet itself, but also about our companion Mui.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Planet of Lana 2 is one of those sequels that does not simply add more content, but genuinely tries to justify its own existence. While the first game focused heavily on mystery, atmosphere, and the relationship between Lana and Mui, this sequel chooses to grow alongside its characters: it expands the world, deepens its conflicts, and finally provides answers that the first game intentionally left unresolved. I’ll leave the ending spoiler-free: you’ll decide for yourselves whether it delivers. The influence of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli is not merely aesthetic, but also ethical and philosophical. The relationship between Lana and Mui also evolves very effectively. Mui is no longer simply an ally found by chance; it now has its own story and reason for existing. And it is precisely when narrative and gameplay mechanics intertwine that Planet of Lana 2 truly shines. Planet of Lana 2 is not a perfect game. The opening section is too slow, and for several hours I genuinely feared I was facing little more than “more of the same.” Some environmental puzzles are more cumbersome than truly clever, and the stiffness of movement and jumping remains a limitation, especially during the more intense sequences. Still, overall, Planet of Lana 2 feels like a strong sequel with something meaningful to say and a real desire to expand its narrative universe. Anyone who loved the first game should absolutely play it, especially because they will finally find the answers they were looking for.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a new all-time favourite of mine. It’s a near-perfect package, offering a moving and captivating adventure infused with solid platforming and smart, varied puzzle design. Its cliffhanger ending may have us all holding our breaths for yet another instalment, but returning players won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer here. Reuniting with Lana and Mui is a treat, and I hope we all get the chance to do it again.
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf proves that you don’t need a hundred hours of filler to create a masterpiece because it delivers pure handcrafted magic instead. It takes everything that worked in the first game, like the Ghibli-style art and that deep, silent storytelling and dials it up to eleven with smarter puzzles and a much more reactive orchestral score.
I think this game was fine. I think my expectations were too high, and that maybe I should have played the first game because I was hearing so many good things, which might have heightened my thoughts on what a sequel would have been. I feel like I got a decent amount of satisfaction out of the game. In terms of recommending it to someone, I think they would need to be more invested in the storytelling compared to wanting a great platforming or puzzle experience.
Planet of Lana 2 builds on the foundation of the original with expanded ideas, but not all of them land as effectively. While new mechanics like controlling critters and additional movement options add some welcome variety, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The narrative also lacks the same emotional weight that made the first game so memorable. That said, the visual design continues to impress, with beautifully crafted biomes that elevate the overall experience. In the end, Planet of Lana 2 is a solid and enjoyable sequel for returning fans, even if it doesn’t push the series forward as much as it could have.
Wishfully takes us back to a world of breathtaking beauty where silence speaks louder than words, on a journey that is grand yet never loses its heartbeat. It is a visual poem about growing up and the courage it takes to leave home behind to fight for a noble cause. The bond between Lana and Mui reminds us that we can always find light in the darkest corners if we’re guided by the right hand.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a sequel that fully understands its core and evolves with care. Without reinventing the formula, it delivers a cohesive, emotional, and artistically striking experience. Minor flaws exist, but the overall package is remarkably strong. It’s a quiet game, one that lingers long after it ends. A short, yet unforgettable journey.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Planet of Lana II stands out as a touching and visually stunning adventure, driven by remarkable art direction and a soundscape that envelops every moment. The world of Novo gains new depth, the bond between Lana and Mui is stronger than ever, and the narrative approach—which eschews spoken dialogue—works with surprising effectiveness.
Review in French | Read full review
Planet of Lana II is a beautiful, emotional evolution of the foundation laid by its predecessor. It is not a radical departure from the formula, but rather a confident refinement. The expanded traversal mechanics, improved puzzle density, and the introduction of new biomes make it a joy to play. While the disjointed cutscene transitions and the abrupt, cliffhanger ending hold it back slightly, the sheer artistry on display is worth the price of admission. It is a heartfelt reminder of why the cinematic puzzle-platformer genre is so beloved. If the surprise tease at the end of the credits is any indication, we eagerly await the conclusion of Lana and Mui's trilogy. – ColdMoon
Planet of Lana 2 continues to build on what was good about part one, has made the necessary improvements and ultimately offers exactly what we expected from a sequel.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Building on its predecessor, Planet of Lana II continues to showcase great puzzles, fun platforming and a deep narrative without saying a word. With art and music even better than before and some quality of life improvements, this little indie sequel is a must for all those who enjoyed the first entry.
Despite the significant technical evolution, it's extremely evident that Planet of Lana II is more of a step on a staircase than a floor in a building. After finishing the game, I have no doubt that, at the end of the trilogy, the current title will be seen more as a "Two Towers" than as an "Empire Strikes Back".
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Planet of Lana 2 delivers a beautiful sequel that further deepens the journey of Lana and Mui. The game features enchanting environments, engaging challenges, and new mechanics that enrich the experience. If you're looking for an immersive adventure with a strong narrative that feels rewarding from start to finish, you'll find exactly that here
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf does an excellent job of expanding its universe through a charming narrative that leaves you wanting more adventures. Sometimes the story focuses too much on the protagonist duo, making other characters irrelevant very quickly, but there are still twists and discoveries that make the journey worthwhile. The puzzles are much more interesting and manage to be more complex without being too long or demanding. They integrate better with the environment, both visually and mechanically, improving the experience of exploring a planet that neither the player nor the protagonist yet fully knows.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Planet of Lana 2 does a fantastic job of blending cinematic moments with thoughtful puzzle design. I went in expecting something closer to other cinematic platformers like Flashback, where success depends on quick, precise inputs. Instead, the game leans into strategic, companion-based puzzles built around Mui, giving me the space to think through each solution rather than react in the moment. As satisfying as the gameplay is, the real strength lies in its storytelling. The emotions conveyed through the art are powerful, and the decision to present the narrative through an alien language makes the world feel more immersive and unique. Even without understanding a single word, I always knew what was happening, thanks to the game’s visual direction and presentation.
Planet of Lana 2 is a rare kind of sequel, one that trades mechanical depth for emotional weight. It doesn’t always stick the landing on the gameplay front, but what it delivers instead is a beautifully crafted, quietly devastating journey that lingers long after the credits roll.
Lana and Mui return in Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf for a welcome reunion in a sequel as safe as the ideas and challenges its predecessor brought us. And that alone is great.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ultimately, Planet of Lana II is a sequel that pays homage to its predecessor and thoughtfully expands upon it...
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Planet of Lana II refines the formula of the original to deliver an emotional and memorable adventure. Wishfully once again tugs at the heartstrings, especially regarding Lana's family history and Mui's flashbacks.
Review in Spanish | Read full review