Planet of Lana II Surprises With March Release Date and Steam Demo
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is launching on March 5, backed by a surprise Steam demo that showcases expanded puzzles, new companion mechanics, and the same gorgeous hand-painted art style.
The puzzle platformer landscape is about to get a major visual and mechanical upgrade. Developer Wishfully is following up its critically acclaimed original game with Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, and the rollout is happening much faster than expected. According to reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun, the studio dropped a double announcement revealing a March 5 release date alongside a playable Steam demo arriving immediately. The demo gives players a solid taste of the adventure and will remain accessible through the upcoming Steam Next Fest.
For those who fell in love with the hand-painted aesthetic and cinematic atmosphere of the first outing, the sequel leans heavily into what made the original special while expanding the scope. Players once again control Lana alongside her trusty alien companion Mui, but the dynamic between the two has evolved significantly. Mui is now bold enough to venture further away from Lana, and its upgraded hypnosis abilities allow for direct control over local wildlife. These new mechanics shine in expanded puzzle sequences, including an intense underwater section that requires careful navigation around dangerous aquatic beasts.
While the expanded scale and tougher puzzle design are exciting for anyone looking for a proper brain teaser, there is a healthy balance to maintain. The original game found a sweet spot with its difficulty curve, and maintaining that momentum without leading to frustrating dead ends is crucial for the sequel. Fortunately, players will not have to wait long to see how the final product shapes up. With the full multi-platform launch arriving in early March, the community is just weeks away from diving back into one of the most striking indie universes of recent years.
Original reporting and early demo impressions can be found at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Planet of Lana II, PC Gaming, Indie Games, Puzzle Platformer, Steam Next Fest
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun