Planet of Lana (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): May 23, 2023
- Release Date (EU): May 23, 2023
- Publisher: Thunderful
- Developer: Wishfully
- Genres: Puzzle adventure
- Also For: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
On what seemed like a day like any other, Lana was out playing with her sister when her home planet was unexpectedly invaded by an army of robots. Not only was her quaint village destroyed, but its inhabitants were kidnapped, including Lana’s sister, by the mechanical invaders.
Despite being overpowered, Lana sets out to rescue her sister from the robotic clutches of her kidnappers. Accompanying her is the cat-like animal Mui which Lana helps shortly after the invasion. Together, they embark on a journey through the planet’s various landscapes that is not without perilous encounters.
A stunning alien world
Planet of Lana immediately strikes with its stunning environments. It is what initially drew me to the game and it doesn’t disappoint. As you guide Lana through her journey, you’ll encounter a number of landscapes from lush forested areas to underground caves to arid deserts. These are vibrantly depicted while packing a minimalist appeal that makes every scene worthy of a wallpaper. This is accompanied by a chilled soundtrack which fits the charming presentation.
While Planet of Lana might look like a cosy game, it packs its fair share of tense moments when Lana and Mui have to hide from those deadly robots or menacing endemic fauna. Indeed, in addition to the gorgeously-depicted flora, you’ll also encounter a number of alien fauna which have unique responses when encountered; some less friendly than others. Combined this makes for an intriguing universe that calls to the inner explorer in the player.
Teaming up with an alien cat for a rescue mission
While packing an attractive modern look, Planet of Lana plays out as a traditional 2D-platformer. In addition to taking in the gorgeous hand-painted art style, you’ll help Lana solve puzzles, sneak past hostile robots and undertake platforming sequences.
The twist that developer Wishfully introduce to the genre is Planet of Lana’s companion mechanic. Shortly after the opening sequence, Lana is joined by Mui - which is the equivalent of a cat on this alien planet - and they help each other progress ahead. Lana can command her companion to perform certain tasks such as to follow, stay put, move to a specific location and perform certain actions.
For example, the nimble Mui can be instructed to jump to heights inaccessible by Lana where the feline creature can activate levers or cut down ropes to unlock a path for Lana. For its part, Mui isn't a fan of water, so Lana, who can swim, needs to occasionally find a raft and help her companion cross. This symbiotic relationship evolves into a deeper one between the two characters as the story progresses.
As an underpowered protagonist, Lana will rely heavily on stealth to progress past enemies and hostile fauna. And with Mui by her side, she will also need to make sure that her companion is also granted safe passage; because once either are found, it is game over.
This adds some tense moments to the game as well as a layer of challenge to puzzle-solving as those stealth sequences can also be considered as puzzles to be solved. And having Mui can help Lana find a path forward such as by distracting or even damaging enemies.
Puzzles are original, especially as Planet of Lana makes use of its intriguing new universe to solve these. You can dupe giant hermit crab-like creatures into following Mui which can in turn help create a surface for Lana to cross on. As you progress further, Lana gains new abilities that enables further interaction with the planet's fauna or even control some robots which can lead to interesting ways to solve puzzles.
Making use of its own unique universe in such a way makes Planet of Lana a captivating game. In many ways, it rekindled the fun feeling of platformers of yesteryear like Heart of Darkness but with a modern look and a new mechanic.
A missed co-op opportunity
However, as with several puzzle games, Planet of Lana often requires trial and error in order to figure out the appropriate solution. This aspect isn't my favourite in puzzle games and is a recurring personal downside. But this has been remediated in new titles like Lost in Play which provides useful hints without spoiling the puzzle-solving process.
In addition to the repeated replays in trial-and-error sessions, there are some repetition involved in the puzzle solving mechanics themselves. While the first encounter of a certain mechanic can feel fresh, they often recur.
Moreover, given its focus on the companion mechanic, it feels like a missed opportunity for not including a co-op mode for this game. Having this mode would feel right at home by having one player control Lana and the other Mui. That said, the companion mechanic works well in single player as it is.
On a more technical aspect, certain areas of the game were particularly too dark, making it actually hard to see. While this depends on the area, it does make progression difficult and there is no option to adjust the contrast in the menu.
An endearing indie puzzle adventure
All things considered, Planet of Lana is a captivating experience with its original puzzles, intriguing universe and charming presentation. It does rehash some downsides of puzzle games but the overall package make these downsides easy to overlook.
Planet of Lana | Release Date Reveal Trailer
Verdict
- Charming presentation
- Puzzle-solving integrated in its intriguing universe
- Original companion mechanic
- Trial-and-error required for some puzzles
- Could have benefited from co-op mode
- Some dark areas that make progress visually difficult
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