Planet of Lana 2 Review: Storytelling Done Right | The Gamerheads Podcast

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

Also on: PC (Steam), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Price: $19.99

I went into Planet of Lana 2 a bit blind, having never played the first game. That’s something I’m definitely going to go back and fix. So you can imagine my surprise at just how beautiful this game is. But it’s more than the visuals that set it apart from other puzzle-platformers. The storytelling is masterfully done. It’s incredible how much emotion comes through using only visuals and an alien language, yet there were plenty of moments where I was genuinely taken aback by how moving the experience is. Right from the start, I knew I was in for something special.

Cinematic platformers usually aren’t my thing

Well, I went into Planet of Lana 2 with some prior knowledge. I knew about the original game and had heard good things, but I stayed away from it. Cinematic platformers usually aren’t my thing. I tend to get frustrated with games like Flashback, where everything comes down to hitting a button at the exact right moment. They’re not quite quick-time events, but the timing windows are so tight that if I miss it, my character dies.

Planet of Lana 2 approaches things differently. Its puzzles are more environmental, focused on interacting with the world rather than reacting in the moment. There are still moments that require precision, but I’m given the space to think and experiment instead of needing to nail a split-second input.

The puzzles are the core of the experience, and there’s a good variety throughout. Some lean into stealth, and while those were my least favorite since they require more precise timing, they’re still manageable. Most of the puzzles revolve around Lana’s companion, Mui.

Mui plays a huge role in how these challenges are solved. They can reach areas Lana can’t and have the ability to electrify objects, which becomes essential for powering doors, activating machinery, or interacting with certain creatures. Of course, Mui has limitations. They hate water, which leads to moments where I had to move or create platforms just to help them get across.

Each puzzle requires a bit of creativity, and solving them gave me that satisfying feeling of being smarter than I actually am..

Even without understanding the language, I understood exactly what was happening

What stood out most to me was the storytelling. There’s a larger external threat that makes everything feel larger than life, but there are also deeply personal stakes affecting Lana’s family.

I didn’t realize how connected I had become to these characters until Lana’s little sister fell ill after interacting with a poisonous object. I could feel Lana’s emotions at that moment. Even without understanding the language, I understood exactly what was happening.

The developers could have easily presented everything in English, but choosing an alien language makes the world feel more alive and distinct. If it hadn’t been handled well, it could have pulled me out of the experience. Instead, the art, music, and cinematic moments all come together beautifully, drawing me deeper into the emotions of the characters.

There were plenty of moments where I found myself stopping just to take in the scenery

The art is another standout aspect of the game. There were plenty of moments where I found myself stopping just to take in the scenery. The developers clearly put a lot of effort into making the world feel alive, with subtle animations happening in both the foreground and background.

When I first arrived at the village, I noticed a butcher in the foreground cutting what looked like pieces of fish, while kids played in the background. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much to the sense that this world exists beyond just Lana’s journey. The environment feels teeming with life, and while these touches aren’t necessary, they elevate the entire experience.

The score adds another layer to the game’s cinematic feel. It shifts seamlessly from calm, peaceful moments to something much more intense, often signaling that a tense sequence is about to unfold. I found this added to the overall experience, making these moments feel intentional and meaningful.

Final Grade: A

Planet of Lana 2 does a fantastic job of blending cinematic moments with thoughtful puzzle design. I went in expecting something closer to other cinematic platformers like Flashback, where success depends on quick, precise inputs. Instead, the game leans into strategic, companion-based puzzles built around Mui, giving me the space to think through each solution rather than react in the moment.

As satisfying as the gameplay is, the real strength lies in its storytelling. The emotions conveyed through the art are powerful, and the decision to present the narrative through an alien language makes the world feel more immersive and unique. Even without understanding a single word, I always knew what was happening, thanks to the game’s visual direction and presentation.

Review copy provided by Plan of Attack