PGC NEWS

Planet of Lana, a highly anticipated indie title, has finally arrived after five years of development. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed puzzle-platformers like INSIDE and LIMBO, it promises a captivating sci-fi chronicle on an alien world. But does developer Wishfully Games deliver on this ambitious vision? Let’s delve into the vibrant landscapes and intricate challenges of Planet of Lana to uncover the truth.

Lana, a young girl living in a peaceful seaside village, experiences a sudden upheaval when mysterious machines descend from the sky, abducting her friend and transforming her world into a hostile landscape. The game wastes no time immersing players in Lana’s desperate journey to rescue her friend and understand the invading force. Within the first hour, Planet of Lana masterfully establishes its narrative, effortlessly drawing players into its captivating world.

alt: Lana and her friend standing on a cliff overlooking a serene landscape.

The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, balancing emotional depth with suspenseful intrigue. Questions surrounding the origin of the machines, the planet’s hidden secrets, and the unique nature of its inhabitants keep players engaged throughout the experience. Each puzzle solved and obstacle overcome reveals a precious piece of the story, culminating in deeply moving and heartfelt moments.

alt: Lana observing the mechanical invaders from a hidden vantage point.

Enhancing the narrative is the game’s stunning visual and auditory presentation. The watercolor aesthetic creates a world of breathtaking beauty, rich with detail and vibrant color. From swaying grass and rippling sand dunes to sun-kissed beaches and shadowy caves, every environment exudes a sense of wonder and tranquility. This striking visual style fosters a deep connection with Lana’s planet, fueling the desire to uncover its mysteries and restore its former peace.

alt: Lana navigating a lush forest environment.

While Planet of Lana excels in storytelling and aesthetics, its gameplay unfortunately falls short of its lofty inspirations. The puzzles, while revolving around environmental manipulation, often feel disjointed and out of place. Unlike other puzzle-platformers that seamlessly integrate challenges into the environment, Planet of Lana’s puzzles feel forced and detract from the overall experience.

alt: A complex mechanical puzzle in Planet of Lana.

This disconnect is exemplified by instances where the purpose of certain mechanics remains unclear, leaving players to resort to trial and error. Later puzzles, while more complex, exacerbate this issue, interrupting the otherwise engaging exploration with frustrating roadblocks.

alt: Lana standing before a puzzling mechanical device.

alt: Lana and her companion attempting to solve a puzzle involving a series of levers.

Unlike its genre counterparts, Planet of Lana’s puzzles don’t contribute meaningfully to the narrative. They feel more like an afterthought, a clunky attempt to add gameplay depth rather than a cohesive element of the storytelling.

alt: A close-up view of a puzzle element in Planet of Lana.

In conclusion, Planet of Lana offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey. However, its flawed puzzle design ultimately hinders the overall experience. While the game’s heart lies in its captivating narrative and breathtaking world, the jarring puzzles prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspirations.