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{{short description|2023 puzzle-platform game}}
{{Orphan|date=May 2023}}
{{use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}

{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Planet of Lana
| title = Planet of Lana
| image = File:Planet of Lana cover art.jpg
| image = Planet of Lana cover art.jpg
| developer = Wishfully Studios
| developer = Wishfully Studios
| publisher = [[Thunderful Publishing]]
| publisher = [[Thunderful Publishing]]
| director = Adam Stjarnljus<br/>Klas Martin Eriksson
| director = Adam Stjärnljus<br/>Klas Martin Eriksson
| designer = Adam Stjarnljus
| designer = Adam Stjärnljus
| programmer = Mattias Wargren<br/>Mats Söderlund<br/>Edvard Rutström<br/>Nicklas Johansson<br/>Mattias Ivarsson<br/>Axel Savage<br/>Jonas Sandstedt<br/>Daniel Olsson
| programmer = Mattias Wargren
| composer = [[Takeshi Furukawa]]
| composer = [[Takeshi Furukawa]]
| engine = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.unity.com/news/made-with-unity-monthly-april-2023-roundup|title=Made with Unity Monthly: April 2023 roundup|work=[[Unity Technologies]]|accessdate=August 3, 2023}}</ref>
| writer = Klas Martin Eriksson
| writer = Klas Martin Eriksson
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]||[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}}
| released = {{Unbulleted list|'''Windows''', '''Xbox One''', '''Xbox Series X/S'''|May 23, 2023|'''Nintendo Switch''', '''PlayStation 4''', '''PlayStation 5'''|April 16, 2024}}
| released = May 23, 2023
| genre = [[Puzzle-platform game|Puzzle-platformer]]
| genre = [[Puzzle-platform game|Puzzle-platformer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
}}


'''''Planet of Lana''''' is a 2023 [[puzzle-platform game]] developed by Wishfully Studios and published by [[Thunderful Publishing]] for [[Windows PC]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S]]. In the game, the player assumes control of teenage girl Lana and her cat-like companion Mui, as they explore a fictional planet invaded by hostile alien machines. The game was inspired by [[cinematic platformer]]s such as ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'', while its visuals were inspired by films from [[Studio Ghibli]]. Announced in June 2021, the game received generally positive reviews upon release.
'''''Planet of Lana''''' is a 2023 [[puzzle-platform game]] developed by Wishfully Studios and published by [[Thunderful Publishing]] for [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]]. In the game, the player assumes control of teenage girl Lana and her cat companion Mui, as they explore a fictional planet invaded by hostile alien machines. The game was inspired by [[cinematic platformer]]s such as ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'', while its visuals were inspired by films from [[Studio Ghibli]].

''Planet of Lana'' received generally positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game's art direction, storytelling, music, and sound design, though some criticism was aimed towards the lack of innovation in its puzzles and short length.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:Planet of Lana screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Both Lana and Mui lack any combat abilities, and must avoid being detected by any enemy.]]
[[File:Planet of Lana screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Both Lana and Mui lack any combat abilities, and must avoid being detected by any enemy.]]
''Planet of Lana'' is a [[puzzle-platform]]ing game with a [[side-scrolling]] perspective. In the game, the player assumes control of Lana, a young girl, as she explores a planet which has been invaded by hostile alien machines in order to rescue her sister who has been abducted. Throughout her adventure, she is accompanied by a cat-like creature named Mui. Both of them must work together in order to transverse in the game's world and solve various puzzles. Lana can swim, direct her cat-like companion Mui to locations and issue commands to it, while Mui, which is smaller and much more agile, can access out-of-reach and open up new pathways for Lana.<ref name="GRadarRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/planet-of-lana-review/|title=Planet of Lana review: "A beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm"|first=Heather|last=Wald|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Mui can also hynotize some hostile creatures, taming them.<ref name="Mui"/>
''Planet of Lana'' is a [[puzzle-platform]]ing game with a [[side-scrolling]] perspective. In the game, the player assumes control of Lana, a young girl, as she explores a planet which has been invaded by hostile alien machines in order to rescue her sister who has been abducted. Throughout her adventure, she is accompanied by a cat-like creature named Mui. Both of them must work together in order to transverse in the game's world and solve various puzzles. Lana can swim, direct her cat-like companion Mui to locations and issue commands to it, while Mui, which is smaller and much more agile, can access out-of-reach places and open up new pathways for Lana.<ref name="GRadar"/> Mui can also hypnotize some hostile creatures, taming them.<ref name="Mui"/>


Lana and Mui cannot directly attack the alien machines or other hostile creatures, and must rely on [[stealth technology|stealth]] tactics to avoid being detected, or use the environment to their advantage to get past any potential threat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/planet-of-lana-feels-like-a-playdead-game-that-doesnt-hate-you-hands-on-preview|title=Planet of Lana Feels Like a Playdead Game That Doesn’t Hate You|first=Joe|last=Skrebels|website=[[IGN]]|date=August 24, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/planet-of-lana-wishfully-studios-interview/|title=Planet of Lana Is a Cinematic Puzzle Adventure with Incredible Handcrafted Art|first=Nick|last=Calandra|website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=December 13, 2019|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> As players progress in the game, they will get the ability to temporarily tame creatures and hack into machines.<ref name="GIRev"/>
Lana and Mui cannot directly attack the alien machines or other hostile creatures, and must rely on [[stealth technology|stealth]] tactics to avoid being detected, or use the environment to their advantage to get past any potential threat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/planet-of-lana-feels-like-a-playdead-game-that-doesnt-hate-you-hands-on-preview|title=Planet of Lana Feels Like a Playdead Game That Doesn't Hate You|first=Joe|last=Skrebels|website=[[IGN]]|date=August 24, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/planet-of-lana-wishfully-studios-interview/|title=Planet of Lana Is a Cinematic Puzzle Adventure with Incredible Handcrafted Art|first=Nick|last=Calandra|website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=December 13, 2019|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> As players progress in the game, they will get the ability to temporarily tame creatures and hack into machines.


==Development==
==Development==
The game's development originated from a picture that the game's director Adam Stjarnljus drew in 2017. The picture, which sees a girl gazing at a large robot creature, subsequently became the foundations of the game. An adjusted version of the picture was subsequently chosen to be the game's key art. Stjarnljus founded Wishfully Studios in August 2018 with his wife Maria Brunsson to work on the game. The title was inspired by [[cinematic platformer]]s such as ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'' and ''[[Limbo (video game)|Limbo]]'', and older adventure video games such as ''[[Another World (video game)|Another World]]'' and ''[[Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee]]''. Stjarnljus wanted to create a game that features a colorful sci-fi universe, as opposed to the dark and gloomy backdrops found in other games.<ref name="gd art and animation"/> Films produced by [[Studio Ghibli]], such as ''[[Spirited Away]]'' and ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]'', and ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' video games such as ''[[Wind Waker]]'' and ''[[Breath of the Wild]]'', influenced the game's visual style.<ref name="Mui">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/studio-ghiblis-spirited-away-has-been-a-guiding-star-for-gorgeous-platformer-planet-of-lana|title=Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away has been a "guiding star" for gorgeous platformer Planet Of Lana|first=Katherine|last=Castle|date=February 6, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]}}</ref> While the team initially planned to have the world and characters in [[2D computer graphics|2D]] only, it received "harsh" feedback from publishers, prompting the team to switch to a more [[2.5D]] look.<ref name="gd art and animation">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/exploring-the-art-and-animation-behind-hand-painted-odyssey-i-planet-of-lana-i-|title=Exploring the art and animation behind hand-painted odyssey Planet of Lana|first=Chris|last=Kerr|magazine=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]|date=July 14, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
''Planet of Lana'' is the debut project of indie developer Wishfully Studios. The game's development originated from a picture that the game's director Adam Stjärnljus drew in 2017. The picture, which sees a girl gazing at a large robot creature, subsequently became the foundations of the game. An adjusted version of the picture was subsequently chosen to be the game's key art. Stjärnljus founded Wishfully Studios in August 2018 with his wife Maria Brunsson to work on the game. The title was inspired by [[cinematic platformer]]s such as ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'' and ''[[Limbo (video game)|Limbo]]'', and older adventure video games such as ''[[Another World (video game)|Another World]]'' and ''[[Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee]]''. Stjärnljus wanted to create a game that features a colorful sci-fi universe, as opposed to the dark and gloomy backdrops found in other games.<ref name="gd art and animation"/> Films produced by [[Studio Ghibli]], such as ''[[Spirited Away]]'' and ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]'', and ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' video games such as ''[[Wind Waker]]'' and ''[[Breath of the Wild]]'', influenced the game's visual style.<ref name="Mui">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/studio-ghiblis-spirited-away-has-been-a-guiding-star-for-gorgeous-platformer-planet-of-lana|title=Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away has been a "guiding star" for gorgeous platformer Planet Of Lana|first=Katherine|last=Castle|date=February 6, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]}}</ref> While the team initially planned to have the world and characters in [[2D computer graphics|2D]] only, it received "harsh" feedback from publishers, prompting the team to switch to a more [[2.5D]] look.<ref name="gd art and animation">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/exploring-the-art-and-animation-behind-hand-painted-odyssey-i-planet-of-lana-i-|title=Exploring the art and animation behind hand-painted odyssey Planet of Lana|first=Chris|last=Kerr|magazine=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]|date=July 14, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>


Writer and co-director Klas Martin Eriksson added that the team initially wanted the game to have no dialogue, with emotions communicated through body language alone. The team subsequently decided that the story needed more "emotional expression", and prompted the team to create a fictional language.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/using-narrative-limitations-to-find-an-emotional-core-in-planet-of-lana|title=The benefits of narrative limitations in heartfelt adventure Planet of Lana|first=Chris|last=Kerr|magazine=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]|date=August 24, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Composer [[Takeshi Furukawa]], who previously worked on ''[[The Last Guardian]]'', reached out to Wishfully and offered to work on the game's soundtracks after looking at its artwork. Ericksson added that the game's music will play a "pretty integral part of the story"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-last-guardian-composer-took-one-look-at-planet-of-lana-and-reached-out-on-the-spot/|title=The Last Guardian composer took one look at Planet of Lana and reached out on the spot|first=Joe|last=Donnelly|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
Writer and co-director Klas Martin Eriksson added that the team initially wanted the game to have no dialogue, with emotions communicated through body language alone. The team subsequently decided that the story needed more "emotional expression", and prompted the team to create a fictional language.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/using-narrative-limitations-to-find-an-emotional-core-in-planet-of-lana|title=The benefits of narrative limitations in heartfelt adventure Planet of Lana|first=Chris|last=Kerr|magazine=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]|date=August 24, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Composer [[Takeshi Furukawa]], who previously worked on ''[[The Last Guardian]]'', reached out to Wishfully and offered to work on the game's soundtracks after looking at its artwork. Ericksson added that the game's music will play a "pretty integral part of the story".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-last-guardian-composer-took-one-look-at-planet-of-lana-and-reached-out-on-the-spot/|title=The Last Guardian composer took one look at Planet of Lana and reached out on the spot|first=Joe|last=Donnelly|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>


Wishfully and publisher [[Thunderful Publishing]] officially announced the game in June 2021 during the [[Summer Game Fest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/gaming-news/planet-of-lana-receives-first-trailer-and-release-date-2966686|title=‘Planet Of Lana’ receives first trailer and release date|first=Andy|last=Brown|website=[[NME]]|date=June 10, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Initially set to be released in 2022, the game was delayed to early 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/17/planet-of-lana-delayed-to-spring-2023|title=Planet Of Lana Delayed To Spring 2023|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|website=[[Game Informer]]|date=August 17, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> The game was released for [[Windows PC]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S]] on May 23, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/planet-of-lana-launches-may-23|title=Planet of Lana launches May 23|first=Sal|last=Romano|work=Gematsu|date=May 3, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
Wishfully and publisher [[Thunderful Publishing]] officially announced the game in June 2021 during the [[Summer Game Fest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/gaming-news/planet-of-lana-receives-first-trailer-and-release-date-2966686|title='Planet Of Lana' receives first trailer and release date|first=Andy|last=Brown|website=[[NME]]|date=June 10, 2021|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Initially set to be released in 2022, the game was delayed to early 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/17/planet-of-lana-delayed-to-spring-2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817160717/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/17/planet-of-lana-delayed-to-spring-2023|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 17, 2022|title=Planet Of Lana Delayed To Spring 2023|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=August 17, 2022|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> The game was released for [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on May 23, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/planet-of-lana-launches-may-23|title=Planet of Lana launches May 23|first=Sal|last=Romano|work=Gematsu|date=May 3, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{video game reviews
{{video game reviews
|MC = (PC) 82/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/planet-of-lana/critic-reviews|title=Planet of Lana for PC reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref><br/>(XSX) 80/100<ref name="MCXSX">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/planet-of-lana/critic-reviews|title=Planet of Lana for Xbox Series X reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
| MC = (PC) 80/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/planet-of-lana/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Planet of Lana for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref><br>(XSXS) 80/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/planet-of-lana/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Planet of Lana for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
|EZA = 8/10<ref name="EZARev>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mydrYoOmomc |title=Planet of Lana - Easy Allies Review |date=2023-05-22 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=[[YouTube]] |last=Bloodworth |first=Daniel |url-status=live |publisher=[[Easy Allies]]}}</ref>
| DT = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=May 22, 2023 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/planet-of-lana-review-xbox-series-x/ |title=Planet of Lana review: gentle indie adventure is a fitting Zelda companion |website=[[Digital Trends]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
| EZA = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bloodworth |first=Daniel |date=May 22, 2023 |url=https://easyallies.com/#!/review/planet-of-lana |title=Review: Planet of Lana |website=[[Easy Allies]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
|GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GRadarRev"/>
| GI = 7.75/10<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |date=May 22, 2023 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/planet-of-lana/chasing-potential |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522162728/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/planet-of-lana/chasing-potential |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |title=Planet of Lana Review - Chasing Potential |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
|GI = 7.75/10<ref name="GIRev"/>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GRadar">{{cite web |last=Wald |first=Heather |date=May 22, 2023 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/planet-of-lana-review/|title=Planet of Lana review: "A beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm" |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
|HG = 7/10<ref name="HGRev"/>
|GSpot = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/planet-of-lana-review-mutual-dependency/1900-6418069/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f|title=Planet of Lana review: Mutual Dependency|first=Richard|last=Wakeling|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=May 24, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
| HCG = 3.5/5<ref name="HCG">{{cite web |last=Helms |first=Jordan |date=May 22, 2023 |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-planet-of-lana/444276/ |title=Review: Planet of Lana |website=Hardcore Gamer |accessdate=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
}}
}}
⚫
''Planet of Lana'' received generally positive reviews upon release, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCXSX"/>


⚫
''Planet of Lana'' received "generally favourable" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCXSXS"/>
⚫
Writing for ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', Heather Wald described the game as "a beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm". She praised the game's story and enjoyed the variety of the puzzles featured in the game, though she remarked that the controls for Mui are unrefined at times.<ref name="GRadarRev"/> Ravi Sinha from GamingBolt praised the game's presentation and the game's handpainted visual style, calling it "gorgeous". He compared the game favourably to ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'', as the game was "tautly paced with well-executed puzzles but also carried by an undercurrent of mystery".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/planet-of-lana-review-spirited-away|title=Planet of Lana Review – Spirited Away|first=Ravi|last=Sinha|work=GamingBolt|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Rachel Watts from ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' described the story as an "epic odyssey", "one that recalls the scope and drama of ''[[Lord Of The Rings]]'', but in a setting that feels closer to ''[[Star Wars]]''". Despite her praise for the game, in particularly its opening and final act, she wrote that the middle act was "mediocre".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/planet-of-lana-review|title=Planet Of Lana review: a gorgeous sci-fi tale that shoots for the stars|first=Rachel|last=Watts|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>

⚫
Writing for ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', Heather Wald described the game as "a beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm". She praised the game's story and enjoyed the variety of the puzzles featured in the game, though she remarked that the controls for Mui are unrefined at times.<ref name="GRadar"/> Ravi Sinha from ''GamingBolt'' praised the game's presentation and the game's handpainted visual style, calling it "gorgeous". He compared the game favourably to ''[[Inside (video game)|Inside]]'', as the game was "tautly paced with well-executed puzzles but also carried by an undercurrent of mystery".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/planet-of-lana-review-spirited-away|title=Planet of Lana Review – Spirited Away|first=Ravi|last=Sinha|work=GamingBolt|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Rachel Watts from ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' described the story as an "epic odyssey", "one that recalls the scope and drama of ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'', but in a setting that feels closer to ''[[Star Wars]]''". Despite her praise for the game, in particularly its opening and final act, she wrote that the middle act was "mediocre".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/planet-of-lana-review|title=Planet Of Lana review: a gorgeous sci-fi tale that shoots for the stars|first=Rachel|last=Watts|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>

⚫
Marcus Stewart from ''[[Game Informer]]'' strongly praised the game's visuals and music, calling it one of the best in the year, though he was disappointed by the game's puzzles design for not offering new challenges despite player's progression.<ref name="GI"/> Jordan Helms from ''Hardcore Gamer'', while impressed by the game's visuals and music, wrote that the game was "far from the most inventive or unique take on the puzzle-platformer formula".<ref name="HCG"/>

During the [[27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]], ''Planet of Lana'' received a nomination for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition|Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/27th_dice_awards_finalists.asp |title=27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalist |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=11 January 2024}}</ref>


{{clear}}
⚫
Marcus Stewart from ''[[Game Informer]]'' strongly praised the game's visuals and music, calling it one of the best in the year, though he was disappointed by the game's puzzles design for not offering new challenges despite player's progression.<ref name="GIRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/planet-of-lana/chasing-potential|title=Planet of Lana Review|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref> Jordan Helms from ''Hardcore Gamer'', while impressed by the game's visuals and music, wrote that the game was "far from the most inventive or unique take on the puzzle-platformer formula".<ref name="HGRev">{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-planet-of-lana/444276/|title=Review: Planet of Lana|first=Jordan|last=Helms|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 23, 2023|accessdate=May 26, 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 51: Line 59:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|https://wishfullystudios.com/}}
* {{official website|https://planetoflana.com/}}


[[Category:2023 video games]]
[[Category:2023 video games]]
[[Category:Cinematic platform games]]
[[Category:Video games about alien abduction]]
[[Category:Puzzle-platform games]]
[[Category:Cinematic platformers]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling platform games]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Puzzle-platformers]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling platformers]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Thunderful games]]
[[Category:Thunderful games]]
[[Category:Video games about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
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[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]

Latest revision as of 22:55, 10 November 2024

Planet of Lana
Developer(s)Wishfully Studios
Publisher(s)Thunderful Publishing
Director(s)Adam Stjärnljus
Klas Martin Eriksson
Designer(s)Adam Stjärnljus
Programmer(s)Mattias Wargren
Mats Söderlund
Edvard Rutström
Nicklas Johansson
Mattias Ivarsson
Axel Savage
Jonas Sandstedt
Daniel Olsson
Writer(s)Klas Martin Eriksson
Composer(s)Takeshi Furukawa
EngineUnity[1]
Platform(s)
Release
  • Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
  • May 23, 2023
  • Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
  • April 16, 2024
Genre(s)Puzzle-platformer
Mode(s)Single-player

Planet of Lana is a 2023 puzzle-platform game developed by Wishfully Studios and published by Thunderful Publishing for Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. In the game, the player assumes control of teenage girl Lana and her cat companion Mui, as they explore a fictional planet invaded by hostile alien machines. The game was inspired by cinematic platformers such as Inside, while its visuals were inspired by films from Studio Ghibli.

Planet of Lana received generally positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game's art direction, storytelling, music, and sound design, though some criticism was aimed towards the lack of innovation in its puzzles and short length.

Gameplay

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Both Lana and Mui lack any combat abilities, and must avoid being detected by any enemy.

Planet of Lana is a puzzle-platforming game with a side-scrolling perspective. In the game, the player assumes control of Lana, a young girl, as she explores a planet which has been invaded by hostile alien machines in order to rescue her sister who has been abducted. Throughout her adventure, she is accompanied by a cat-like creature named Mui. Both of them must work together in order to transverse in the game's world and solve various puzzles. Lana can swim, direct her cat-like companion Mui to locations and issue commands to it, while Mui, which is smaller and much more agile, can access out-of-reach places and open up new pathways for Lana.[2] Mui can also hypnotize some hostile creatures, taming them.[3]

Lana and Mui cannot directly attack the alien machines or other hostile creatures, and must rely on stealth tactics to avoid being detected, or use the environment to their advantage to get past any potential threat.[4][5] As players progress in the game, they will get the ability to temporarily tame creatures and hack into machines.

Development

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Planet of Lana is the debut project of indie developer Wishfully Studios. The game's development originated from a picture that the game's director Adam Stjärnljus drew in 2017. The picture, which sees a girl gazing at a large robot creature, subsequently became the foundations of the game. An adjusted version of the picture was subsequently chosen to be the game's key art. Stjärnljus founded Wishfully Studios in August 2018 with his wife Maria Brunsson to work on the game. The title was inspired by cinematic platformers such as Inside and Limbo, and older adventure video games such as Another World and Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Stjärnljus wanted to create a game that features a colorful sci-fi universe, as opposed to the dark and gloomy backdrops found in other games.[6] Films produced by Studio Ghibli, such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, and The Legend of Zelda video games such as Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild, influenced the game's visual style.[3] While the team initially planned to have the world and characters in 2D only, it received "harsh" feedback from publishers, prompting the team to switch to a more 2.5D look.[6]

Writer and co-director Klas Martin Eriksson added that the team initially wanted the game to have no dialogue, with emotions communicated through body language alone. The team subsequently decided that the story needed more "emotional expression", and prompted the team to create a fictional language.[7] Composer Takeshi Furukawa, who previously worked on The Last Guardian, reached out to Wishfully and offered to work on the game's soundtracks after looking at its artwork. Ericksson added that the game's music will play a "pretty integral part of the story".[8]

Wishfully and publisher Thunderful Publishing officially announced the game in June 2021 during the Summer Game Fest.[9] Initially set to be released in 2022, the game was delayed to early 2023.[10] The game was released for Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on May 23, 2023.[11]

Reception

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Planet of Lana received "generally favourable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[12][13]

Writing for GamesRadar+, Heather Wald described the game as "a beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm". She praised the game's story and enjoyed the variety of the puzzles featured in the game, though she remarked that the controls for Mui are unrefined at times.[2] Ravi Sinha from GamingBolt praised the game's presentation and the game's handpainted visual style, calling it "gorgeous". He compared the game favourably to Inside, as the game was "tautly paced with well-executed puzzles but also carried by an undercurrent of mystery".[18] Rachel Watts from Rock, Paper, Shotgun described the story as an "epic odyssey", "one that recalls the scope and drama of Lord of the Rings, but in a setting that feels closer to Star Wars". Despite her praise for the game, in particularly its opening and final act, she wrote that the middle act was "mediocre".[19]

Marcus Stewart from Game Informer strongly praised the game's visuals and music, calling it one of the best in the year, though he was disappointed by the game's puzzles design for not offering new challenges despite player's progression.[16] Jordan Helms from Hardcore Gamer, while impressed by the game's visuals and music, wrote that the game was "far from the most inventive or unique take on the puzzle-platformer formula".[17]

During the 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, Planet of Lana received a nomination for "Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition".[20]

References

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  1. ^ "Made with Unity Monthly: April 2023 roundup". Unity Technologies. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Wald, Heather (May 22, 2023). "Planet of Lana review: "A beautiful adventure full of mystery, suspense, and charm"". GamesRadar+. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Castle, Katherine (February 6, 2023). "Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away has been a "guiding star" for gorgeous platformer Planet Of Lana". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  4. ^ Skrebels, Joe (August 24, 2022). "Planet of Lana Feels Like a Playdead Game That Doesn't Hate You". IGN. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  5. ^ Calandra, Nick (December 13, 2019). "Planet of Lana Is a Cinematic Puzzle Adventure with Incredible Handcrafted Art". The Escapist. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Kerr, Chris (July 14, 2021). "Exploring the art and animation behind hand-painted odyssey Planet of Lana". Game Developer. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Kerr, Chris (August 24, 2021). "The benefits of narrative limitations in heartfelt adventure Planet of Lana". Game Developer. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  8. ^ Donnelly, Joe (September 13, 2022). "The Last Guardian composer took one look at Planet of Lana and reached out on the spot". GamesRadar+. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  9. ^ Brown, Andy (June 10, 2021). "'Planet Of Lana' receives first trailer and release date". NME. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  10. ^ Stewart, Marcus (August 17, 2022). "Planet Of Lana Delayed To Spring 2023". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  11. ^ Romano, Sal (May 3, 2023). "Planet of Lana launches May 23". Gematsu. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  12. ^ a b "Planet of Lana for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Planet of Lana for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  14. ^ Colantonio, Giovanni (May 22, 2023). "Planet of Lana review: gentle indie adventure is a fitting Zelda companion". Digital Trends. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  15. ^ Bloodworth, Daniel (May 22, 2023). "Review: Planet of Lana". Easy Allies. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Stewart, Marcus (May 22, 2023). "Planet of Lana Review - Chasing Potential". Game Informer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Helms, Jordan (May 22, 2023). "Review: Planet of Lana". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  18. ^ Sinha, Ravi (May 22, 2023). "Planet of Lana Review – Spirited Away". GamingBolt. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  19. ^ Watts, Rachel (May 22, 2023). "Planet Of Lana review: a gorgeous sci-fi tale that shoots for the stars". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  20. ^ "27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalist". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
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