Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of Planet of Lana - The Ultimate Indie Game
Planet of Lana stuns with its breathtaking hand-painted visuals This cinematic puzzle game delivers an immersive experience that captivates players from start to finish Praised by critics and gamers alike, it's no wonder it's included in Xbox Game Pass
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Indie developer Wishfully Studio's latest release, Planet of Lana, offers players a stunning cinematic adventure that has captivated the indie community since its debut on May 23. Praised for its breathtaking visuals and engaging gameplay, Planet of Lana is also included in the Xbox Game Pass, allowing players to experience the game without additional cost.
Initially slated for a 2022 release, the game's developers announced in August that it would be delayed until the following spring. While some fans were disappointed by the news, the delay proved worthwhile, as the immersive atmosphere, captivating soundtrack, and cinematic sequences make the game's short runtime of five to six hours feel negligible.
Planet of Lana is a Visual Triumph
The hand-painted concept art of Planet of Lana is the foundation for the game's impressive art style. Lead Game Designer, Adam Stjarnljus, shared in a Game Developer interview that the studio made it a priority to maintain the hand-crafted watercolor look throughout the development process. The team successfully achieved this by balancing 3D assets and sprites on top of their beautiful backgrounds.
The game revolves around a young girl named Lana, who embarks on a sci-fi adventure to rescue her sister from robots. The game's stunning visuals and captivating story have been compared to the works of HG Wells and Studio Ghibli films. The intuitive puzzle design of Planet of Lana is both thought-provoking and satisfying, making it a strong contender for the best puzzle platformers list. Traditional puzzle platforming elements such as moving objects and avoiding enemies are present, but the game also features a second controllable player in the form of Lana's feline companion, Mui, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
The lush greenery of the first Secret Shrine and The Highlands are where Planet of Lana's stunning landscapes truly shine. These scenes are reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's signature style and offer a peaceful respite from the more intense moments, such as Chapter Twelve's "The End of the Road". These harrowing sections serve as a reminder of the vastness of the foreign planet and the protagonist Lana's relative insignificance. Exploring this fallen world that once reflected the harmony between humans and nature may even teach players a valuable lesson.
Despite the many highly anticipated game releases this year, such as Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Wishfully Studio's latest story-rich game has firmly secured its place as a top contender for best visuals. With a Top Critic Average of 82%, Planet of Lana may very well be a nominee to watch out for at The Game Awards 2023, set to take place in December. In the meantime, players can continue to navigate the ever-changing terrain of this foreign planet, testing their wits against the strange and dangerous creatures and robots that call it home.
