There are times, and this is increasingly common in modern society, when a title manages to cross the barrier of what is merely playable. Making the concept of video games as an artistic expression achieve another dimension. And if not, let them tell the acclaimed GREY from the friends of Nomada Studio. On this occasion, we come to talk to you about another example of this, Planet of Lana. A 2D platform adventure that uses a fine, beautiful artistic canvas to weave together mechanics and story. The debut of the Swedish developer Wishfully Studios arrived at the end of May 2023 on Microsoft devices, but platforms such as the hybrid one were left behind. Fortunately, the game is already available. available on Nintendo Switch and that is why we have decided to tell you what we thought of the port of the hybrid in our analysis.
The power of love
Planet of Lana It leads us to control, as its name suggests, Lana. A young woman who lives in peace on a beautiful planet until some strange mechanical monsters kidnap her sister Ilo, along with the rest of the village, and turn such a beautiful place upside down. A really emotional story which (spoiler-free text) has some interesting twists in the script.
Our mission? Find all our friends and family, free them and, along the way, Unravel the secrets hidden behind the mechanical invasion. And, fortunately, we will not have to undertake such an undertaking alone. Not in vain, we have the help of Mui. A kind of adorable feline pet that becomes our favorite company and an important ally when it comes to solving the different puzzles present throughout the adventure.
Platforms and MANY puzzles
Mechanically speaking we are faced with a title of 2D adventures (side scroll) in which to overcome the puzzles present in the different existing areas. Puzzles that revolve around our own ability to move and Mui’s invaluable help. An adorable being with different abilities and the ability to obey our orders.
Jump, move objects, climb or carry out tasks in sync with our pet. The gameplay of Planet of Lana It may seem simple and not too demanding. It is. However, each skill, action, move or QTE has been designed in perfect symbiosis with the elements present in the different areas. And the platform here appears inextricably linked to each of the puzzles that we encounter.
A game as emotional as it is fleeting
Given a mechanical background, no one expects a titanic challenge. The puzzles are not too complicated, except for some strange additions that can be somewhat infuriating. being able complete the adventure in 4 or 5 hours. And no, ignoring the 10 murals distributed throughout the game, we do not have any extras or collectibles that encourage replayability beyond the experiential component.
On the other hand, the movements of our protagonist are slow and somewhat clumsy. Although, fortunately, this does not detract one bit from the precision of the controls. The saving system is automatic and is done frequently. Something that guarantees that at no time do we have to travel long distances after dying. It is as if the adventure wanted us to enjoy everything that surrounds us without haste, but without pause.
Oil video game
We reach the high point of this text. And the time has come to address the artistic section of Planet of Lana. The title is presented to us as a colorful, and sensorial, 2D adventure that draws on the Ghibli style. And, beyond the recycling of elements, the truth is that the game looks very nice. Each corner, reflection, blade of straw or ray of light shines with its own light and color, managing to convey the narrative weight without needing to utter any words. The animations, although simple, are really beautiful and the technical performance of the game is more than correct. Without serious slowdowns and with tight loading times.
See also
Regarding the sound section, we highlight a emotional, bucolic and melancholic OST whose greatest virtue is none other than being able to tell us such a unique and emotional story, without using a single word for it. That is to say, the different instrumental compositions, although not too varied, adjust to our character’s own situation. On the other hand, the characters speak in a fictional language that, as with the OST, makes the adventure more immersive.
Planet of Lana – an evocative puzzle-platforming experience
Planet of Lana is much more than a video game. It is an emotional, beautiful, sensory and bucolic experience that uses almost all of our senses to convey a story that transcends verbal language. A whole form of artistic expression and a world full of colors, incredible beings and heartless machines.
On the other hand, and we are now entering mechanical territory, the puzzles and platforms, although simple, put the icing on the cake. proposal as original as, yes, simple and fleeting. In short, we are faced with a game that, without posing a challenge for the most experienced players, will dazzle lovers of the genre.
We have analyzed Planet of Lana thanks to a digital code provided by Thunderful. Version analyzed: 1.0.2.
An ode to love, beauty and companionship
Planet of Lana presents itself to us as a simple, and beautiful, 2D platform title that is as evocative as it is cinematic and precious.
PROS
Its artistic section is a true delight
An evocative proposal that manages to convey a lot without uttering any words.
Good, and accessible, level design and puzzles…
CONS
…although betting on accessibility makes it a fairly simple proposal
The pace of the story has ups and downs
It is quite short.
