As someone who fell for Planet of Lana’s lush visuals and quietly moving story, I perked up the moment Thunderful and Wishfully Studios dropped news of Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf. The original was a standout in the crowded indie puzzle space-more than just a “Limbo-like,” it brought a warmth and cinematic style that’s rare outside the big-budget scene. The promise of a sequel isn’t just more of the same, either: these devs are expanding their vision into deeper waters, with new gameplay mechanics, a wider platform reach, and-critically-a story that sounds more ambitious and personal.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Thunderful |
| Release Date | 2026 |
| Genres | Cinematic Puzzle Adventure, Platformer |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch |
The first Planet of Lana won over critics and players with its painterly sci-fi world, simple but smart puzzles, and non-verbal storytelling. It was a game you could recommend to both your artsy friend and your puzzle-obsessed sibling. So, what’s new this time? According to the reveal, Children of the Leaf is pushing the boundaries aesthetically (new underwater chapters), narratively (a story about Lana confronting her own demons), and mechanically (more action, more agility, and smarter AI companion controls).
This isn’t just “more levels and a new setting”—it’s Wishfully Studios flexing what they learned with the first game and aiming for something richer. They’re promising greater diversity in puzzle design, including controlling hybrid robots and even hypnotizing wildlife. That last bit caught my attention: the original had you manipulating the environment in clever, wordless ways, but the sequel sounds like it’ll require more creative thinking. The action side is getting a bump, too—with wall jumps, run-slides, and faster movement, it seems they took feedback about pacing to heart.
But let’s get real about sequels: they’re tough. As much as I loved the first game, there’s always a risk of losing that magic in the name of “more.” Wishfully’s comments suggest they want to expand without bloating. I’m cautiously optimistic, especially because smaller studios sometimes get caught chasing feature lists rather than refining what worked. The good news is, composer Takeshi Furukawa is back, and his music was a big reason the first game felt so emotionally potent. If anything, the audio side should stay top-notch.
One major win is the platform expansion. The original launched exclusively on Xbox and PC, which left a lot of potential fans out. In 2026, PlayStation and Switch players are invited to the party from day one. That’s a smart move—endearing indies like Planet of Lana thrive on word-of-mouth and wide access, and this release will get it in more hands than ever before. Plus, keeping it on Game Pass ensures Xbox still has a stake, but no more platform FOMO for everyone else.
There are still questions. Will the AI companion mechanics really feel more meaningful, or is it marketing speak for “slightly better puzzles”? Can they hit the right balance between puzzle complexity and the emotional, cinematic pacing that made the original feel special? I’m hoping they’ve learned from some of the criticisms about repetition and slow burn in the first game—a tighter, more varied experience could push this sequel into true indie classic territory.
If you care about indie gaming, Planet of Lana II is a litmus test for how studios can expand an acclaimed formula without losing their soul. The industry is full of sequels that go bigger and lose focus, but Wishfully seems intent on growing their world in ways that matter: more platforms, deeper mechanics, and a story that pushes the characters, not just the setting. As a player, the idea of returning to Novo with new tools and threats, and possibly seeing Lana and Mui’s relationship tested in more complex ways, is genuinely exciting.
Even if you skipped the first game, this sequel sounds like it’ll be accessible and welcoming to newcomers. And for returning fans, the combination of new mechanics, a bolder story, and top-tier music sets the stage for one of 2026’s most promising indies. If Wishfully can stick the landing, this could be a rare sequel that outshines the original.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf isn’t just a victory lap for Wishfully Studios—it’s a gamble to deepen every part of what made the original memorable. If you crave cinematic platformers with heart, evolving mechanics, and indie spirit, this is definitely one to put on your 2026 radar. Personally, I’m rooting hard for it—and keeping my fingers crossed the sequel magic holds up.