I'm not one to dump on the Luna Standard included with Prime (this has nothing to do with that), but when it comes to the Luna Premium... I can throw out a critique or two, especially with the 3rd party platforms being pulled. It's done, Ubisoft, EA, and GOG are gone in that capacity (either they go through Luna without being an add-on fee or nothing). That's whatever, but... now what, Amazon?
You have Amazon Game Studios, and just like Microsoft has games coming out exclusively on the Xbox, along with PlayStation tightening up on exclusivity... where does that leave Luna? It's not a horrible tier, but if they want more people to subscribe to the Premium side for $9.99/month... they should make more Amazon games for the premium as well. That increases the incentive to dive in at an additional cost beyond what's included with prime. And anyone reading this who has met me in person... knows that I've mentioned Luna at least once to get you gaming again, they just have to get premium together is all.
By the way (as you see above), for Prime users who used the standard platform, check your email to see if you were offered 3-months of Luna Premium for free (offer expires September 8, 2026). Might as well enjoy it, because you will get access to games like Borderlands 3, Madden 26, and more. If nothing grabs your attention beyond what's included with prime, that should tell Amazon that they need to release some new first party heat on that end.
While you're in premium... there are plenty of games to play, especially when compared to Xbox Game Pass at it's lowest tier, but where are the premium experiences compliments of Amazon?
While you're in premium... there are plenty of games to play, especially when compared to Xbox Game Pass at it's lowest tier, but where are the premium experiences compliments of Amazon?
You see what I'm saying? Now... Amazon Game Studios is making exclusive games for Amazon Luna, and having those free options like the new Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite is great... but they should have gems that make premium worth it too.
Amazon x Indie Exclusives
This could be a door that Amazon can open to indie devs interested in releasing titles on the platform, which can be exclusive for a limited time even. Indie devs will have solid games but lack the capital to cross the finish line... more often than some may realize, so platforms like Luna could be a viable move.
That would sweeten the pot, and it doesn't have to be online games. (Not every game has to be multiplayer.) I think those single player experiences would prevent a clock from being placed on a title the way it does with multiplayer games, because the newness wears off with a number of games before members of the player base look for something new. It would have to be a game that motivates them to stick and stay... which is why Fortnite games are on Luna standard and have been on the platform for quite some time.
Off the top of my head, a title I would consider for... Luna Premium would be Sega's Renegade Ops, (released in 2011) which is a twin stick vehicle based shooter (developed by Avalanche Studios).
It was a very fluid top-down adventure that delivered an awesome single player experience as well as couch co-op action (+ 4-player online fun). The game can be remastered (at minimum) or (preferably) we can get a full-blown remake with multiple campaigns they can drop season after season. This would make the most sense and would keep premium subscribers coming back to buckle up for more.
Speaking of Sega and vehicle based games... Crazy Taxi World Tour would also work by giving those without a console or PC access to the cross-platform action. It's not an experience where it's a one off... you're racking up scores to best the competition. The original Crazy Taxi on the Dreamcast was through the roof, and there would be no difference on Luna Premium. It would be up to Amazon to get more active and actually fight for gems while creating their own.
There are those games out there that Amazon could consider, but single player experiences will fit a limited time exclusive much better when it comes to new releases. Again, if its multiplayer... make sure it's cross platform friendly and I think that would be a great approach. By the way, not calling this a gem but... why isn't Invisible VS on Luna?! The show is an Amazon Original... so why not add the game to the party or... deliver some sort of Invincible platformer... or something?
Going back to Amazon Game Studios, they're also working on new Tomb Raider games. Would I argue if they're on the standard Luna? Of course not, but if they're not available during the initial release date... it would make sense (for Luna standard). That said, if they're not on Luna premium during a reasonable window... that would be a real head scratcher. They're heading to PS5, Xbox, and PC with Legacy Of Atlantis coming in FEB 2027... so yeah, don't neglect your own "Premium" platform, pal!
Tomb Raider Catalyst will be coming at some point in 2027, but there's no specific release date. Could be planned for late 2027 in Q3 or Q4 to give LoA some breathing room. Speaking of Tomb Raider, Gamers(!), you can play the previous trilogy on Luna right now... absolutely free! So that's some good news to round things out.
This will allow you to play anywhere on your PC, TV, Phone or Tablet! If you don't have a Fire TV, just grab an Amazon Fire TV stick!
