**Planet of Lana 2 Review**
*Developer:* Wishfully
*Publisher:* Thunderful Publishing
*Release Date:* March 5th, 2026
*Platform:* Windows
*Availability:* [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3050900/ROMEO_IS_A_DEAD_MAN/)
*Price:* TBC
*Reviewed on:* Intel Core i9-10900K, 32GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3090, Windows 10; Steam Deck OLED
The original *Planet of Lana* introduced players to a captivating sci-fi fantasy world, blending exploration with a heartwarming dynamic between its protagonist, Lana, and her feline companion, Mui. *Planet of Lana 2* expands upon this foundation, delivering a puzzle-platformer that feels bigger, smarter, and visually more stunning than its predecessor.
While the sequel retains the lush, vibrant environments fans loved, it begins in a more utilitarian setting: a series of grey corridors. Here, players witness Lana’s evolution as she showcases her enhanced platforming skills—allowing her to sprint, slide, and wall-jump—creating a more dynamic flow to the game’s physical challenges.
Mui also receives a significant upgrade. This time, the alien companion can move beyond basic tasks, offering a broader range of abilities that include interacting with the environment and controlling various creatures. This expanded toolbox enriches the puzzle-solving experience, allowing for more complex interactions with the ecosystem.
The puzzles themselves are more intricate, often spanning multiple screens and requiring players to seamlessly switch between controlling Lana, Mui, and wildlife. This multi-faceted approach maintains the game’s engaging nature, preventing monotony and elevating the overall gameplay experience. The thoughtful design transforms these larger challenges into satisfying highlights, effectively balancing complexity without overwhelming players.
The deeper integration of wildlife into puzzles introduces a darker twist, as players occasionally guide lesser creatures to their demise for the sake of progression. Despite this, the narrative’s context reshapes these actions as necessary for the greater good, adding a layer of moral complexity that isn’t fully explored but hints at deeper themes.
The overarching storyline involves Lana’s quest to rescue her niece from pollution caused by nefarious cultists. While the premise initially feels lackluster, it serves as an effective framework to explore a range of beautifully crafted biomes, each illustrated in the series’ signature hand-painted style and underscored by a captivating soundtrack that amplifies the emotional resonance of the journey.
Flashbacks interspersed throughout the gameplay provide insight into Mui’s backstory, enriching the relationship between the characters and adding depth to their bond. These emotional moments contrast with the cult’s portrayal, which, while hinting at a wider environmental theme, falls short of exploring the subject matter in depth—revealing the game’s occasional struggle with underdeveloped ideas.
Though *Planet of Lana 2* is not without its flaws, it succeeds more often than it wavers. The game improves upon its predecessor in fundamental ways, offering complex puzzles without veering into frustrating difficulty. Overall, it is a visually striking experience that continues to captivate with its unique characters and enchanting world. Players can look forward to another adventure alongside a cat who remarkably follows commands, ensuring that the charm of the original remains intact.
