Overview
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is the follow-up to Wishfully's acclaimed debut, developed once again under the Thunderful publishing banner. The game returns to the world of Novo, a visually distinctive planet where lush environments and lurking dangers coexist in striking contrast. At its center is the relationship between Lana and Mui, a bond the narrative actively tests as new threats emerge from the planet's unexplored depths. Both returning fans and first-time players find an entry point here, with the story designed to welcome newcomers while rewarding those who experienced the original.
The sequel leans into the cinematic puzzle-platformer format that defined the first game, blending side-scrolling traversal with environmental puzzles that demand careful observation rather than brute force. Progression feels organic, guided by the world itself rather than intrusive tutorials or hand-holding mechanics. Each challenge is woven into the fabric of the environment, asking players to read their surroundings and think laterally.
What Kind of Puzzle-Platformer Is Children of the Leaf?
Planet of Lana II is a story-driven, single-player puzzle-platformer where environmental problem-solving and narrative momentum carry equal weight. The game does not rely on combat as a primary mechanic; instead, tension builds through evasion, timing, and the clever use of Lana's bond with Mui. This companion dynamic is central to how puzzles are constructed, many solutions require coordinating both characters, making their relationship feel functional as well as emotional.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf
Key mechanics and features include:
- Environmental puzzle design rooted in observation
- Dual-character coordination between Lana and Mui
- Cinematic side-scrolling traversal across Novo
- A narrative built around ancient mystery and personal stakes
- Cross-platform availability on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf
World & Setting: The Hidden Depths of Novo
Novo is not a passive backdrop, it is a world with secrets embedded in its architecture and ecosystems. Children of the Leaf ventures beneath the surface, into areas described as "hidden depths" that carry an ancient mystery at their core. This descent into the unknown shifts the tone from the broader, open vistas of the original toward something more claustrophobic and intimate, amplifying the sense of danger that surrounds Lana and Mui.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf
The encroaching shadows referenced in the game's narrative function both literally and thematically. As Lana confronts her destiny, the world around her reflects that internal reckoning, a design approach that aligns environmental storytelling with character development in a way that feels deliberate and cohesive.
Visual & Audio Design
Wishfully established a distinctive visual identity with the first Planet of Lana, drawing comparisons to hand-painted animation with its layered backgrounds and expressive character work. Children of the Leaf continues in that tradition, presenting a world that feels crafted rather than generated. The color palette and environmental design carry significant narrative weight, communicating mood and danger without relying on explicit exposition.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf
The game's cinematic framing, wide establishing shots, deliberate pacing, carefully composed set pieces, suggests a development team that treats visual storytelling as inseparable from gameplay design. Sound design in this genre often goes underappreciated, but atmospheric audio cues play a critical role in signaling environmental shifts and emotional beats.
Conclusion
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf represents a focused, purposeful continuation of one of indie gaming's most visually arresting puzzle-platformer series. By centering its design around the Lana-Mui bond and grounding its challenges in environmental logic rather than mechanical complexity, Wishfully crafts an adventure that prioritizes meaningful moments over spectacle. Available across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC, it positions itself as an accessible yet emotionally resonant cinematic platformer for a broad audience.
