Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf Expands the Puzzle Mechanics and World of the Original
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf brings back its signature Ghibli-inspired warmth while significantly leveling up its puzzle design and stealth mechanics, with a March 5 release date and upcoming demo on the way.
Developer Wishfully is returning to the lush, hand-painted landscapes of Novo with Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf, aiming to build on the emotional resonance of the 2023 original while significantly stepping up the gameplay complexity. In a recent preview reported by Eurogamer, Victoria Phillips Kennedy detailed how the upcoming sequel introduces sharper puzzle design and expanded mechanics. The studio has locked in a release date of March 5, alongside a playable demo arriving on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation starting February 11.
The sequel catches up with an older, more agile Lana and her versatile companion Mui, who now boasts upgraded abilities like machine overriding and creature hypnosis. These expanded powers form the backbone of a more demanding challenge, moving beyond the simpler traversal of the first game into intricate stealth sections and multi-layered environmental puzzles. New additions include fully realized underwater exploration, complete with aquatic labyrinths and mechanical hazards that require precise coordination between the two protagonists.
For players who treat narrative platformers as essential interactive art, this sequel looks to deliver a worthy follow-up that respects the atmospheric storytelling of the original while feeding our appetite for genuine mechanical depth. You can read the full preview over at Eurogamer to get a complete breakdown of the hands-on impressions and developer insights.
Tags: Planet of Lana 2, Wishfully, Platformer, Indie Games, Eurogamer
Original article: Eurogamer