Planet of Lana II continues the story of Lana while expanding on everything that made the first game stand out. With new biomes, a more refined approach to storytelling and design, and the return of composer Takeshi Furukawa, Wishfully’s sequel is shaping up to be more ambitious while staying true to its emotional core. Creative Director Adam Stjärnljus spoke with us about how the project has grown, what lessons the team brought into the sequel, and how passion drives the game’s development.
From Side Project to Sequel
Creative Director Adam Stjärnljus has a deeply personal connection to Planet of Lana II. What started as a small side project back in 2017 eventually grew into the original Planet of Lana and is now a full-fledged sequel. “To have seen it grow into the first game and now the second game has been nothing short of amazing,” Stjärnljus said. “The best thing is the people I get to work with in the studio. Everyone is extremely talented and we all do the work with heart, love and passion.”
Expanding Novo with New Biomes
The sequel takes Lana to far corners of Novo with fresh environments, including snowy mountains and underwater settings. Stjärnljus explained the reasoning behind these changes: “As the work with the story progressed, it was natural that Lana needed to go to far away corners of Novo. We wanted these environments to feel fresh and new, letting players see more sides of the planet and its wildlife.” This expansion signals a stronger emphasis on exploration and variety compared to the first game.
Lessons From the First Game
Feedback from fans and lessons learned during the first game’s development shaped the direction of Planet of Lana II. According to Stjärnljus, the entire team has matured across all disciplines. “We’ve learned so much from the development of the first game and the whole team has matured and just become so much better at everything; the art, game design, story, sound,” he said. “We’re really making the game we wanted to make with Planet of Lana 1. We’ve also listened to the feedback from players and have landed in a game that feels like a very natural progression.”
The Return of Takeshi Furukawa
Composer Takeshi Furukawa, who scored the first game, returns for the sequel. His work was widely praised for adding emotional depth, and Stjärnljus highlighted his importance to the series’ identity. “It felt unreal to have Takeshi score the first game and it still feels unreal to have him back. We’re so lucky that we get to work with him and he’s become an integral part of the Planet of Lana universe. Can’t wait for you to hear the fantastic score!”
Looking Ahead
With new environments, refined gameplay, and Furukawa’s score, Planet of Lana II aims to build on the foundation of its predecessor while offering a more mature and ambitious experience. The sequel promises to carry forward the same heart and passion that made the first game resonate with so many players.
