Demo code provided, thanks to Plan of Attack.
In Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, we once again follow Lana and her cat-like companion, Mui. Together, the duo must rely on cooperation to overcome environmental puzzles and challenges as they journey through a world caught between survival and the fight to save their planet.
If you haven’t played the first game yet, you’re in luck. Kalina previously reviewed Planet of Lana I, and I’d highly recommend checking it out before diving into this sequel. This demo offers a glimpse of the full experience, featuring sections drawn from the game’s five chapters.
The look and feel of Planet of Lana II, Children of the Leaf
Visually, Planet of Lana II is an absolute treat. The environmental art is stunning, and the demo alone lets you experience several of the biomes that will appear in the full game. Each area feels distinct and more immersive than the last.
The attention to detail, combined with subtle environmental animations, gives the whole experience the feel of an animated film rather than a traditional video game. At times, it even reminded me of Azur and Asmar, if that reference speaks to you, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
The sound design is just as carefully crafted. Everything feels understated yet perfectly intertwined with the world itself, which is always a good sign. Ambient sounds are deeply immersive (my lo-fi-loving heart was especially happy in the tropical biome, with its soothing oceanic soundscape), and the music consistently supports the emotional tone of each scene.
One particular stealth sequence stood out to me: as you’re forced to avoid enemies and move carefully through the environment, the music subtly shifts into a more tension-driven rhythm. It’s an effective touch that significantly raises the intensity of the moment.
The Pros of Planet Of Lana II, Children of the Leaf
Right from the start, the demo does a good job of communicating important information to the player. A trigger warning is clearly displayed for light-sensitive players, specifically regarding flashing lights and color effects.
The developers also recommend playing with a controller, and I fully agree. While the game is playable with a keyboard, it feels far more comfortable and intuitive when played with a controller. The saving system remains unchanged from the first game: it’s automatic and frequent enough that frustration is kept to a minimum, even when experimentation is required.
Lastly, the variety of biomes in the demo adds a layer of visual and mechanical diversity. Each environment introduces new obstacles, soundscapes, and interactive elements, keeping the experience fresh and giving a real taste of the care put into level design.
The Cons of Planet Of Lana II, Children of the Leaf
Planet of Lana II jumps straight into the action with very little narrative introduction. For players who haven’t experienced the first game, this can feel a bit abrupt. That said, it doesn’t prevent you from progressing or enjoying the gameplay itself.
Another point that may divide players is the lack of guidance when facing obstacles. The game rarely tells you what to do, instead pushing you to experiment repeatedly until you discover the correct solution. I occasionally found this frustrating, especially when I spent close to twenty minutes stuck on a single puzzle. However, I’m fully aware that this trial-and-error approach will be a plus for players who enjoy a more hands-off puzzle design. And the generous autosave system certainly helps.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this demo was a pleasant experience and a real feast for the eyes. While I didn’t get a deep dive into the game’s lore, if the development team gives the narrative the same level of care they’ve shown in the gameplay and presentation, it should be well worth the journey. Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf feels like a thoughtful continuation of the first game, appealing to fans of puzzle-platformers, atmospheric adventures, and beautifully crafted worlds. I’m genuinely curious to see how the full game expands on the environments, story, and character interactions introduced here.
If you’ve tried the demo yourself, feel free to share your thoughts, and enjoy your time with Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf.
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