netflix instant queue top picks

During my recent hiatus from the blog I (finally) found enough Netflix recommendations to warrant a post. I'm happy to see newer movies joining the Netflix arsenal sooner. However last year also brings the end to the Starz movies. Luckily that sad information has nothing to do with the movies I've selected for your viewing. Below you'll find my usual recommended dosage of monsters, jokes and even the occasional slayer sighting. Go, stream, now.

fara

PLATFORM: iPHONE

RELEASE DATE: 10/2011
PUBLISHER: Pixel and Texel
RATING: 12+
Progress: Halfway

This app is a witty, little role playing game (RPG) game I picked up during a promotional free download. Fara is just the kind of light-hearted easy to play game I was looking for on my iPhone. The story in this RPG doesn't require franchise knowledge and a deep imagination, in fact, it doesn't take itself too seriously at all and even jokes about the user; breaking that forth wall in some comedic ways.

excuses, excuses

It's the time of year that I usually gather the Gamedae contributors and urge them to add to my end-of-the-year "Best and Worst" post. Last year we praised our favorite games and ousted some shortfalls. We are all very busy this year; however, it is for a just and noble cause. I have to hang up the controller (not really but I should have controller hooks on the wall that would be great) and take the proverbial "plunge". That's right, yours truly is getting married this New Years Day.

spike video game awards 2011

 

PLATFORM: Cable TV
STATION: Spike

It is easy to bash the awkwardness of an award show. Frankly, I believe they are all somewhat awkward from the Oscars down to the Kids Choice Awards. The VGA 2011 is not immune to this same awkwardness. In addition, they have an unfair disadvantage of not having an easy form to art to display on live TV. This year marks the return of Spike's on-stage "augmented reality" that debuted last year. Was there ever a time of "good" award shows? When were they in their prime anyway; was it Howard Stern's Fart-Man from '92? Nevertheless the online complaints are as annual as the VGAs themselves.

A new host for 2011, Zachary Levi (TV's Chuck) does a very smooth and authentic commentary. Original music by Deadmau5 (from the upcoming game Sound Shapes for PS Vita). Zachary starts off his presentation flying over the audience and landing on the stage using his portal gun (of course). His monologue leads off with some interesting facts that might surprise you if you haven't been paying attention. This year is the first time the VGA was streamed live around the world and 42% of gamers today are women. Hit the jump for a quick recap and links to the world premiere trailers.

lara croft: tomb raider legend

PLATFORM: PSP

RELEASE DATE: 06/2006
PUBLISHER: Eidos
ESRB RATING: T for Teen
Progress: Halfway

Very few travel companions are quite as pretty as the legendary Lara Croft. I've been glued to my PSP the past few weeks during my morning and afternoon commutes. I've seem to have developed a good working relationship with Miss Croft, solving puzzles and discovering new uses for motorcycles. She was nice enough to join me in person this morning for a chat, let's see how it went: