The Ghibli of Gaming Returns: Why Planet of Lana II Is Poised to Be the Next Indie Sensation

For a brief, shining moment in 2023, Wishfully Studios’ Planet of Lana was a beautiful, quiet secret. In a year dominated by sprawling open worlds and punishing “Soulslike” combat, this cinematic puzzle adventure was a calm and gorgeous antidote. Its hand-painted visuals, its stunning score from Takeshi Furukawa, and its core, emotional narrative about the bond between a young girl and her loyal, feline-like companion, Mui, made it a true, heartfelt masterpiece. Now, as the highly anticipated sequel, Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, prepares for its 2026 release on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC, and the new Nintendo Switch 2, the secret is out. This is not just a sequel; it is a full-blown expansion of an already brilliant world, a new epic that is a direct response to a massive audience that was left wanting more. Based on early previews from Gamescom and recent details from the Tokyo Game Show, Planet of Lana II is doubling down on its strengths, while also addressing the key criticisms of the first game, and it’s a clear sign that this indie gem is ready to take its place as a genre-defining sensation.

The original Planet of Lana, which has since surpassed 1 million players, was praised for its masterful art direction and its emotional storytelling, but it was also criticized for its short length and its relatively simple puzzles. Wishfully Studios has been listening. The new sequel, which the developers have stated is “double the size and scope” of the original, is a direct answer to these criticisms. The game’s narrative will be a much deeper, more profound sci-fi saga that delves into the history of the planet Novo and the new, nefarious threat that has emerged in the wake of the robot invasion. The core of the game will still be the bond between Lana and Mui, but their relationship and their abilities have evolved. This is a game that is not only a return to form; it is a new chapter that is both bigger, and more ambitious, in every conceivable way.

A Deeper World, A More Evolved Bond

The new sequel is a masterclass in how to evolve a core gameplay loop. It’s built on a foundation of brilliant new mechanics and a more mature, and more compelling, narrative. Here’s how Planet of Lana II is poised to be a massive success.

• Evolved Companion Gameplay: The most significant change in Planet of Lana II is the evolution of Mui’s abilities. In the first game, Mui was a beloved, but at times rigid, companion that could only be guided with a simple pointer. In the new game, Mui has a much wider range of motion and new, mind-bending abilities. Mui can now “hypnotize” certain creatures and even control robots, which opens up a new world of puzzle-solving possibilities. This is a brilliant way to add depth to the core gameplay loop, as it gives the player a new level of control over the world and a new set of tools to solve the game’s increasingly complex puzzles.
• New Environments and Challenges: The game will take players to a host of new and diverse environments, from a chilling, icy mountain range to a stunning, tropical underwater world. The game’s new underwater chapters are a direct answer to a fan request, and they are a brilliant way to add a new dimension to the game’s exploration. The game will also feature a new, more dangerous tribe of humans who have repurposed the alien technology for their own nefarious purposes, which adds a layer of moral complexity to a story that was, at its core, a simple fight against a robot invasion.
• A More Agile Lana: Lana, the game’s young protagonist, has also evolved. She is now more agile, with a new set of movement mechanics that are designed to make the platforming sections more fluid and more challenging. The game will feature new “wall jumps” and “run-slides” that will allow Lana to navigate the world with a new level of grace and speed. This is a welcome change for players who found the first game’s movement to be a bit too slow and deliberate. It’s a game that is still a puzzle platformer at its heart, but it is one that now has a new level of platforming challenge that will keep players on their toes.
• The Return of a Musical Masterpiece: Takeshi Furukawa, the acclaimed composer of the first game, is returning for the sequel, and that is a massive reason to be excited. The first game’s score was a masterpiece of emotional and cinematic music, and its return is a clear sign that the developers are committed to a high-quality, emotionally resonant experience. The music is a core part of the game’s identity, and its return is a powerful reminder that this game is a true “labor of love.”

A News and Business Perspective: A New Era for Indie Gaming

From a news and industry perspective, Planet of Lana II is a fascinating case study in a high-stakes bet. Wishfully Studios, a small, independent developer, is taking a huge risk by making a sequel to a game that was a critical, but not a commercial, juggernaut. The fact that the game has the backing of a major publisher like Thunderful, and that it will be a day-one Game Pass title, is a massive vote of confidence. The game’s success will be a case study for the industry, proving that a brilliant, well-executed indie game can not only find a massive audience, but can also grow into a full-fledged franchise. Planet of Lana II is a game that is a beautiful, ambitious, and compelling new chapter in a story that is only just beginning. For fans of the first game, this is a dream come true. For the wider gaming world, it is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most magical and memorable games are not the ones with the biggest budgets, but the ones with the biggest hearts.