Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most underrated sci-fi games before it departs from Xbox Game Pass.

On Tuesday, Xbox revealed the latest additions to Xbox Game Pass for May. Subscribers can look forward to diving into some exciting indie titles on their launch day, including Mixtape and Subnautica 2. However, with new games come departures, and one standout indie is set to leave the service soon. Make sure to experience Planet of Lana before it goes; you won’t want to miss it.

In Planet of Lana, you step into the shoes of a young girl who encounters a mysterious, cat-like creature named Mui. Their instant bond is central to the game, driving both the narrative and gameplay as they work together.

The adventure begins when alien machines capture Lana’s friends and neighbors, reminiscent of the menacing invaders from classic sci-fi. Determined to rescue her community, Lana and Mui embark on a quest filled with challenges. Along the way, Lana discovers more about Mui and herself, evolving into a brave character ready to confront threats, whether they be wild animals or robotic foes.

What sets Planet of Lana apart is its unique storytelling approach; the dialogue is delivered in a fictional language. While you might not grasp every word, the emotions and meanings come through powerfully, thanks to exceptional voice performances. The character animations are equally impressive, with body language conveying deep feelings.

As a puzzle-platformer, Planet of Lana requires stealth and strategy to navigate various challenges while avoiding monsters eager to snack on the duo. Mui often serves as a distraction, allowing Lana to slip past danger. The puzzles strike a balance between being fair and challenging, demanding sharp platforming skills to keep Lana safe.

Visually, Planet of Lana is stunning, featuring a painterly art style with soft colors that outshine the relentless pursuit of graphical fidelity. The vibrant greens and blues of the world beyond Lana’s village create a captivating backdrop, and the later levels are just as breathtaking. The game’s score beautifully enhances the emotional highs and lows of their journey.

The sequel, Planet of Lana 2, retains everything that made the original so special while expanding on world-building, narrative depth, and gameplay mechanics. I hailed it as one of my favorite games of the year upon its release, and that opinion remains strong even after a busy few months filled with notable titles.

Planet of Lana is a compact experience, taking around five hours to complete, depending on how tricky the puzzles prove to be. This makes it easy to finish before it exits Xbox Game Pass on May 15. If you enjoy the adventure of Lana and Mui, the sequel is also available on Game Pass.

There are even stranger creatures than Mui waiting to be discovered.