Amazon’s New Gaming Platform: Luna

Amazon rolled out a new cloud-based gaming platform in late 2020, I requested early access twice and was finally granted the early enrollment opportunity late this month.

Day 1: Let’s get started

I agreed to start the 7 days free trial for luna+ which consists of;

• Unlimited hours of play (kinda a given but yay!)
• An ever-growing game library (I hope so)
• Up to 1080p/60fps (with the possibility of 4K coming soon)
• Stream on up to 2 devices simultaneously
• Play on PC, Mac, Fire TV (haven't tried it since I saw all the terrible reviews), Apple Devices, and of course Android Phones

I did not have the Luna controller yet but I did order it ($49.99) once granted access. My first gaming venture was playing GRID, a racing game. It crashed with not even 10 minutes of gameplay under my belt. The crash was due to “Network Errors”

Already being frustrated by a crash on the first game I spent some time looking at their gaming library. Luna offers a Ubisoft+ ‘channel’ you can subscribe to which grants you access to games like Assassins Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 5, and Watch Dogs Legion. The luna+ channel I am subscribed to offers games such as ABZU, Metro Exodus, and Resident Evil Biohazard.

Finding a game that piqued my interest I tried to play Obduction and had no issues! Considering I have a Mac, it is not often I am able to play ‘PC’ games. So having the ability to defeat my FOMO and try out a new platform was great.

Day 2: The Controller Arrives

The controller arrived literally overnight and it improved the gaming experience in more ways than one.

My first impressions right out of the box. It was a heavier controller, I am used to a lightweight PS4 controller, this was a nice change. the grip where your palms and fingers rest is texturized and it kept the controller from slipping out of my hands during gameplay rage (yes it happens more than I would like to admit).

The setup was easy, download an app on your phone, click the center holme button on the controller, and boom you are ready to go. Connecting it to my Mac was just as easy. You open the settings, hop into devices and connect. Since the controller is already connected to your account it is a simple and fast setup.

Using the controller took this platform to the next level, like I stated earlier I am not typically a PC gamer. I stick to PS4 and sometimes Apple Arcade games. My only major adjustment would be where the left and right ‘sticks’ are placed. Playing ABZU with the controller was was easier than using my keyboard.

If you end up using Luna I highly recommend purchasing the controller.

Day 3: Let’s Keep Playing

I am on day three using this cloud-based gaming platform so let’s go over some pros and cons

Pros:

• Massive gaming library
• Games I actually want/like to play
• Great controller
• Low budget subscriptions
• Easy setup and downloads
• Twitch Streaming is integrated

Cons:

• 1/5 Times I play I receive a “Network Error” notification
• Laggy even with high internet speeds
• I would like to see dual controller capabilities
• Needs more games

I will continue to play for another month and then write an updated review