Planet of Lana Review (Quibbly)
A Heavenly Planet: Experiencing the Planet of Lana
Having just put down my controller after completing the first chapter of Planet of Lana, I felt immediately compelled to share my experience with this masterful piece of art.
From the moment I plunged into this enchanting odyssey, I was bewitched. The game, steeped in emotion and intricately layered with profound storytelling, is a deep dive into the intersection of art and gaming, much like its spiritual predecessor, Limbo. But in Lana, we find a sharper edge of sentiment and soul that adds depth to the entire experience.
Planet of Lana tells its story through gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, arresting backdrops, and a wonderfully ambient soundtrack that pulls you into its heart. It's not just a game; it's a lovingly crafted world you get to inhabit and explore, painted with such exquisite care and detail that you feel its breath, pulse, and ebbs and flow.
Indeed, where Limbo often leaned into its atmospheric gloom, Planet of Lana chooses to embellish its poignant narrative with vibrant and contrasting colors, imbuing a sense of hope and determination in the face of adversity. The characters are fleshed out not through text or dialogue but through expressive animations, leading to a rare empathetic connection in most games.
The puzzles in the first chapter are wonderfully designed, cleverly woven into the narrative, and never feel obtrusive or out of place. They challenge the intellect without leaving you in utter despair, allowing for a gratifying sense of accomplishment after each solution.
Yet, what truly sets Planet of Lana apart is its emotional undercurrent. This is where the game raises the bar, transcending from being a mere atmospheric puzzle platformer to something profoundly human. Every interaction, every obstacle, and every quiet moment of reflection resonates with raw emotion and touches the heart.
Never before have I felt such a gamut of emotions in the first chapter of a game: excitement, tension, joy, fear, and an overwhelming sense of empathy and connection. The way Lana and her pet interact and communicate evokes strong emotions, making their journey profoundly personal and their triumphs and setbacks ours.
In conclusion, Planet of Lana stands on the shoulders of the giant that is Limbo and reaches for the stars. Its captivating narrative, unique gameplay, and mesmerizing aesthetic make it a game that demands to be experienced. It's an emotional tour de force that is as heart-rending as beautiful. If the first chapter indicates what's to come, I can confidently say that Planet of Lana is on its way to being a modern masterpiece.