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Shall we play a game?With Netflix open to all subscribers on Xbox 360 this weekend, regardless of account type, now seems like a good time to highlight some Netflix streaming videogame films well worth watching. Be sure to add your own picks below! eXistenZ (1999) "Leading virtual-reality game designer Allegra Geller is testing a new prototype when an assassin wielding a daunting organic weapon attacks her. She survives the assault but must "portal" into her own game to get to the bottom of the intrigue." Why watch? Just as director David Cronenberg's Videodrome explored televisions subversive effect on our unconscious, eXistenZ does the same for videogames. Also, WILLEM DAFOE!!! The Thirteenth Floor (1999) "Two scientists have created a virtual reality 1930s Los Angeles so true-to-life that the occupants don't know they exist only in a computer chip -- until a homicide connects the parallel worlds of the simulated and the creators." Why watch? Overshadowed by The Matrix, The Thirteenth Floor quickly left theaters without even developing a cult following -- it certainly deserves one, as it's one of those great mind-benders that makes you ask the big questions about reality. Special When Lit: A Pinball Documentary (2009) "Special When Lit rediscovers the lure of a lost pop icon: pinball. This award-winning documentary joins fans, collectors, designers and champion players from around the globe who share the story of a phenomenon that once swept the world." Why watch? Though I prefer Tilt, a similar documentary, this one also does a good job of documented a scene and era that few know today. Before Call of Duty and Doom were the bane of politicians, pinball was. Strange, no? Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade (2007) "At the unassuming Twin Galaxies arcade in Ottumwa, Iowa, early gamers fought for bragging rights at the 1982 Video Game World Championships. See how competitive gaming started, and meet arcade owner Walter Day, who still oversees scoring." Why watch? It's a shame that King of Kong isn't on Netflix streaming right now, but, in all honestly, Chasing Ghosts is a much better film on the same subject. This humorous, feel good documentary takes a broader view at hi-score chasers without applying bias. Indie Game: The Movie (2012) "This captivating documentary follows several independent game designers as they painstakingly develop their games and hope for breakthrough success. It also explores the quirky sensibility these personalities bring to their art form." Why watch? A gorgeously shot time capsule of indie game development in the early-2010's. Read my full review on Flixist. Video Game High School (2012) "In a world where professional video gaming is the biggest sport on Earth, hapless young gamer Brian D gets the chance of a lifetime: to sharpen his skills with the best of the best by enrolling in the most elite private gaming academy in the world." Why watch? Originally a $600,000 web series, but it works just as well as a movie. If you want to zone out and see some mildly funny videogame references, it will do the trick.
Postal (2007) "Clearly inspired by the provoking humor of "South Park," this dark, cheeky satire loosely based on a video game of the same name centers on jobless trailer-park resident Dude (Zack Ward) and his ethically challenged Uncle Dave (Dave Foley), who are desperate for cash. The men cook up a scheme to pinch a shipment of Krotchy dolls and sell them on eBay. Unfortunately, Al-Qaeda has the same idea ... but plans to lace the toys with avian flu." Why watch? Because you can't beat Verne Troyer getting molested by an angry horde of monkies.
Double Dragon (1994) "In earthquake-ravaged "New Angeles," an evil tycoon holds half of the "Double Dragon," a medallion that -- when whole -- will give him mystical powers. But two teen brothers possess the other half -- and aren't about to give it up without a fight." Why watch? There is no arguing whether it's great or not -- I mean, it's God-awful. But, pair it with the Podtoid commentary and some beer and you have yourself a good time. Avalon (2001) "Set in futuristic Europe, Avalon follows the contestants of a virtual-reality war game played for money and points. The game, however, is illegal, and players quickly become addicted -- but one can only leave the game by winning. The primary action of this technology-saturated sci-fi thriller focuses on the elimination of a player whose soul has become trapped in the game. Mamoru Oshii directs this Japanese-Polish film." Why watch? This live action, MMO-influenced film by the director of Ghost in the Shell isn't nearly as embarrassing as you may suspect. It's actually pretty darn neat! WarGames (1983) "After unwittingly hacking into a supercomputer at North American Aerospace Defense Command, David moves his piece in a seemingly innocent video game -- and tells the computer to start preparing a real nuclear strike." Why watch? WarGames may have the most dated technology on this list, but it is the most timeless film. This one deserves all the praise it gets, from the tense-as-all-hell opening to the cathartic finale. ------------------------------------------- Looking for more films to watch? Explore our movies tag or visit our sister site Flixist! Did you know? You can now get daily or weekly email notifications when humans reply to your comments.
4:00 AM on 05.22.2013 The horrible secret behind EA Sports' Ignite EngineI'll admit, when EA Sports' Andrew Wilson took to the stage during Microsoft's Xbox One reveal, I tuned out. If memory serves, I used the opportunity to take a much needed trip to the bathroom because I was certain there would be nothing there to hold my interest. I was wrong. Hopefully, it's not too late for us.
6:30 PM on 05.21.2013 Team Fortress 2sday: Yes, this is still a thingI have a confession to make: I'm terrible. Here in the Dtoid offices I have two jobs. One of those is driving wheelbarrows full of money down the aisles. The other is TF2sday posts. Sadly(!) we have waaaaaaay too many wheelba...
4:00 PM on 05.21.2013 Comparing the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 revealsThe highly anticipated reveal of the next Xbox, Xbox One, has just come to a close, and I find myself sitting here thinking back a few months to Sony's own reveal of the PlayStation 4. The two shows couldn't be more different...
1:30 PM on 05.21.2013 Xbox One reveal: What are your thoughts?All day long we've been bringing you hard-hitting news from Microsoft's Xbox One reveal event. Now that you've seen the new console and some of its games and features, it's time to weigh in with your thoughts on the whole ord...
2:30 AM on 05.21.2013 To the depths and back in Fallout: Brotherhood of SteelJordan and I are pushing further in our play of the tragically existent Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. The mayor of Carbon, Texas is sending us down to the bottom of a crater where he swears the people we're looking for...
4:30 PM on 05.20.2013 Should publishers try to profit from user-created videos?Last week, it came to light that Nintendo has started making content claims for popular videos on YouTube which feature their products, including "Let's Play" and other forms of walkthrough content, taking the ad revenue whi...
2:00 PM on 05.19.2013 Communitoid 013, featuring special guest JJ McCallum!In this extra British episode of Communitoid, we're joined by special British guest JJ McCallum! JJ recalls the time he fiddled with Conor's no-no place, Jo gets all hot and bothered by JJ's accent, Aaron is the worst host ev...
1:30 PM on 05.19.2013 Sup Holmes burns bright with Jasper Byrne[Update: Full re-run of this episode here.] The last time we had Jasper Byrne on Sup Holmes, he had just released his critically acclaimed survival horror title Lone Survivor. Like his Silent Hill 2 remake Soundless Mountain...
10:30 AM on 05.18.2013 Cart Life dev reveals new game, is humble and lovableI'd like to pay Richard Hofmeier to talk to me about videogames. During last week's Sup Holmes (now on iTunes), he told me about so many great things, like the free online "game" Geoguessr, surrealist interactive text auteur...
9:30 PM on 05.17.2013 New Sonic, EA Vs. Wii U, The Last Of Us & BatmanHere's today's formerly-live Destructoid Show, on which I wear a bad shirt again. Nintendo had one of their little Nintendo Direct press conference thingies this morning, and a bunch of news came out of that. They're also d...
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The highly anticipated reveal of the next Xbox, Xbox One, has just come to a close, and I find myself sitting here thinking back a few months to Sony's own reveal of the PlayStation 4. The two shows couldn't be more different...more
All day long we've been bringing you hard-hitting news from Microsoft's Xbox One reveal event. Now that you've seen the new console and some of its games and features, it's time to weigh in with your thoughts on the whole ord...more
Jordan and I are pushing further in our play of the tragically existent Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. The mayor of Carbon, Texas is sending us down to the bottom of a crater where he swears the people we're looking for...more View all Destructoid Originals |


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