Sequels are rarer than one might expect in games, and rarer still on the indie scene.

In our more profit-driven, risk-averse industry, you’ll find it very difficult to justify a sequel where the predecessor isn’t a massive IP or has made x millions of dollars, which makes it all the more impressive that we have a Planet of Lana 2. Especially from a publisher that has fallen on extremely hard times in recent years.

But between PoL 2 and the forthcoming REPLACED, another massive indie release this year, Thunderful is still hanging on in there in 2026, and the great news for them is they have another, mega-hit on their hands. With a sequel that, frankly, is much better than the first game.

Planet of Lana 2 picks up the story immediatley following its predecessor, with a short recap highlighting all the major beats, reminding us of the fringes of the beautiful world we previously explored. Then we dive right in on Planet of Lana 2, understanding a bit more of what’s happening but now able to see the wider world, come to understand more of its people and the real story behind the relationship between a boy and his pet Mui.

In fact, Mui’s role is greatly increased here. Both in terms of mechanically and narratively. And it’s as it should be honestly, as the adorable creature was the star of the show the first time out. This time, though, he can act more independently, be sent out ahead to save you from traps, climb through small spaces, but even produce some commands of his own, like guiding small white moth fluff balls to set fire to things.

This greatly increases the puzzling potential of Planet of Lana 2, giving you more to think about and prepare for in each scene as you progress through the game. It’s not just as simple as moving crates and making giant leaps, now you have to use other entities to fool dangerous enemies and keep them out of your way.

And then there’s swimming, which is a major new addition to the game and sees Lana dive deep to find hidden secrets and ways forward. The way the game handles swimming controls are elegant and smooth, as opposed to the rigid, slow and tedious grind they have been in other games. Plus, just as you’d expect from PoL, the way the water is depicted is simply beautiful.

But the thing I appreciated most about PoL 2 is that it essentially tells you its story is open to interpretation. No clear dialogue, just actions on screen and sound effects to compliment them. That’s brave! Bold. And extremely exciting and daring. I absolutely appreciate how Wishfully have gone about telling a story, but in so doing, opening that up to an interpretation that many will perceive how they choose to.

What’s so interesting about that … without venturing too deeply into spoilers, Planet of Lana 2 seems to be laying a groundwork for a third game. And the ending really does leave things open, while also potentially serving as a conclusion. Again, dependent on how you interpret things.

But so much is introduced, shown and hinted at, you feel like Wishfully could take this series even further if they wanted to. And I think after what they’ve put into PoL 2, they are owed the chance. This is a simply stunning piece of art, from beginning to end.

The way the environment goes out of its way to attack you, the tense moments of action as you move between set pieces, trying to survive while also contending against new and unexpected threats. And even the way characters interact without saying a word but you can almost always tell exactly what is being inferred or suggested at. Marvelous!

From the beautifully vibrant underwater culture and community that thrives to the mechanical, post-apocalyptic ships and even stunning, unexpected moments that completely touch your heart and soul in ways you couldn’t imagine, Planet of Lana 2 is the definition of a perfect sequel that manages to iterate and improve upon almost every conceivable element of its predecessor.

All while somehow being its own game and not resting too heavily on what’s come before or trying too hard to set the table for a third instalment down the line. You’ll feel intrigued but fulfilled by the time the credits roll, though just as it was before, you’ll certainly feel there’s room for more.

Planet of Lana 2 is just wonderful, though, and a stunning cinematic puzzler that simply must be played whether you played the first game or not. However, if the first wasn’t particularly your cup of tea, despite how adorable Mui is, he’s not going to convince you this time either.

Verdict

Planet of Lana 2 is the definition of a perfect sequel. A followup with more heart and soul than before, with an adventure that serves itself while maintaining a continuing story, provides stunning, heart wrenching and action-packed moments, one after the other, and leaving a narrative just enough open to interpretation that you can take whatever you need from it. Despite new underwater sequences and mechanics, though, this one won’t be quite enough to convince you if you weren’t onboard with the first. But for those that did love the first, you ain’t seen nothing yet! 

Pros

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Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf is out March 5th on PC, PS, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2

Reviewed on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2

Code Kindly Provided by Thunderful for review purposes