May 2023
Welcome to the whimsical world of 'Planet of Lana,' where a brave young girl named Lana and her feline friend Mui embark on a perilous adventure through a vibrant planet overrun by unfriendly machinery. With the backdrop of cinematic flair and delightful hand-painted visuals, this indie title warmly invites players to explore its lush landscapes and tackle puzzles that are as colorful as the game itself. But is it a journey worth taking, or more like a trip over your cat's tail? Let's dive in and find out!
Gameplay in 'Planet of Lana' hearkens back to classic puzzle-platforming with a modern twist. Players control the curious Lana as she navigates the side-scroll of this alien-infested world, working hand-in-paw with her furry companion, Mui. There's no shooting, no sword-swinging; instead, you'll employ stealth tactics and good ol' environmental manipulation. Players can direct Mui to do some fancy footwork, akin to your cat ignoring you while you hold its favorite toy, solving puzzles that require clever teamwork. At its core, the game emphasizes cooperation, with Lana swimming her way through obstacles while expertly guiding Mui to outsmart the lurking robots. The puzzles are cleverly crafted, even if they might not challenge your brain too much, but who doesn't love a little brain-tickle now and then? The absence of combat mechanics means that worrywarts can relax—no boss battles to stress about, just pure adventure. Still, keep an eye out for those machines; they can be as sneaky as a cat at dinner time!
'Planet of Lana's' visuals are nothing less than breathtaking. Inspired by Studio Ghibli's art style, the world pops with the lushness of nature and colorful terrains, making it feel like you've stepped right into a dreamy painting. Every frame offers a new splendor, ensuring you’ll pause every now and then—preferably not during a quick-time event—to soak it all in. The hand-painted aesthetic sends a nostalgic wave for those craving a break from gritty realism. It's almost as if the vibrant colors and whimsical designs were crafted specifically to give you happy feels while navigating this perplexing world. While we’re at it, let’s commend the talented team at Wishfully Studios for creating a visual feast fit for a narrative journey like this. Between the calming backdrops and animated character movements, 'Planet of Lana' has set a high bar for indie graphics that even other top-tier games should take notes from.
'Planet of Lana' is a heartfelt journey filled with wonder, mystery, and enough charm to fill a catnip-filled warehouse. With a compelling story, engaging puzzles, and stunning visuals, it ticks most boxes needed for an enjoyable experience. While the simplistic approach to its mechanics can feel somewhat limiting, especially for hardcore puzzle aficionados, the game's ability to envelop players in its beautifully-crafted world more than compensates for any shortcomings. Whether you’re a cat person, an indie gaming enthusiast, or simply seeking a delightful tale to embark upon, this game is a worthy addition to your library. So grab your controller, hop in with Lana and Mui, and prepare for an adventure that promises to warm your heart and tickle your imagination! And remember, if you see a machine lurking, just stealthily walk away—unless you want your adventure to take an unexpected turn, like, oh I don't know… finding out cats actually rule the universe!
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