One of the best platformers in years arrives soon on Game Pass

The sequel, Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf, presents a dark mirror to that moment. Here, Lana is driven not by the hope of salvation, but by the cold fire of retribution. The triumphant orchestral score is replaced by a somber, heavy choral arrangement evocative of the iconic Halo soundtrack. Visually and thematically, the tone has shifted; Lana and Mui streak across a twilight-blue sky on a volatile, sputtering craft that eventually plunges toward the earth as the perspective widens.

While the original title dealt with the existential threat of an entire village’s abduction, Planet of Lana 2 feels significantly more intimate and visceral, boasting more intricate puzzles than its predecessor. The result is a cohesive, evocative experience that stands as one of the most impressive 2D platformers released this year.

Image: Wishfully Studios

Set two years after the liberation of her sister, Elo, the sequel finds Lana’s village in a state of technological synthesis. The once-terrifying robotic invaders have been domesticated, serving as mechanical steeds for the locals. Lana has matured into a protective, elder-sister figure, a role emphasized in an opening sequence where she pursues a young child through the skeletal remains of a starship. However, the domestic peace is shattered when the child falls victim to a mysterious, localized contagion. This immediate crisis drives Lana and Mui back into the wild to secure three rare ingredients required for a life-saving antidote.

The narrative of Planet of Lana 2 thrives on a certain level of ambiguity. Beyond a brief prologue recapping the previous events, the story is conveyed entirely through a fictional dialect, inviting player interpretation. Much like the cryptic lore-building found in FromSoftware titles, the broader strokes of the narrative are clear, even if specific flashbacks and plot points remain hauntingly enigmatic long after the credits have finished rolling.

In the absence of spoken dialogue, Wishfully relies on subtle animation, evocative soundscapes, and an impeccable musical score to drive the emotional arc. The team demonstrates a mastery far beyond their tenure as a relatively new studio. Even without understanding the character’s utterances, their feelings are palpable through expressive body language and fluid animation. Mui, in particular, remains a masterclass in non-verbal characterization—a simple, amorphous creature who radiates personality through every scurry and inquisitive chirp.

While the sequel explores the intimate connection between its leads, it is equally preoccupied with their impact on the natural world. Critics often cite Studio Ghibli when discussing the game’s aesthetic, but the thematic parallels are just as striking. One encounter with a majestic, cervine beast feels like a direct homage to the Forest Spirit in Princess Mononoke. Echoing that film’s environmental concerns, Planet of Lana 2 examines the scorched earth humanity can leave in its wake. When industrial machinery ravages a pristine forest and claims an innocent life, Lana and Mui’s response is one of impulsive vengeance—a choice that forces Lana to grapple with the cascading consequences of her actions on the world around her.

Image: Wishfully/Thunderful Publishing

The mechanical depth of the game has evolved alongside its narrative. While environmental manipulation and stealth remain the core tenets, the protagonists have expanded their repertoire. Mui can now exert hypnotic influence over other organisms—such as a creature that leaves a silken trail used to bridge gaps or ignite obstacles.

Lana’s new swimming mechanics introduce a verticality that redefines the game’s puzzles, taking her through submerged ruins, forest pools, and caverns. Many of these challenges are expansive, requiring the duo to navigate separate paths while working in perfect synchronicity. While rarely punishingly difficult, the solutions aren’t always telegraphed, occasionally requiring trial-and-error to determine which environmental elements are interactive. This led to a few unfortunate demises during my playthrough, but the satisfaction of unravelling these intricate scenarios remains high.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf is a masterful continuation of a journey I have become deeply invested in. It doesn’t just expand the world; it deepens our understanding of these characters and the stakes they face. Though the year has only just begun, this is unquestionably the most profound gaming experience I’ve had in 2026.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf launches March 5 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X. The game was reviewed on Steam Deck with a pre-release code provided by Thunderful Publishing. For more on Polygon’s review standards, see our ethics policy.

Source: Polygon