Raycevick's Recommendations: December 2017

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Full warning, this isn't a list that'll make for a cheerful Christmas, as those who read this book in school probably know what I'm on about.

But unlike 1984 or The Hobbit, the writing and prose of Fahrenheit doesn't feel nearly as dated, and compliments its bleak dystopian world rather beautifully. It's dialogue is rather inorganic, but has a flow and consistency that becomes easier to swallow as the story progresses.

There's more readers than ever today, so Fahrenheit's concerns may seem useless to those who only look at it on the surface, but more than that, it's a tale that helps to explain the value and love of storytelling to begin with.

Tomorrow's Harvest by Boards of Canada

Admittedly, the band name is what caught my attention, but that quickly subsided upon listening to the record. I've talked about bands who've scored video-games, and were I in the position, I'd pitch to this group immediately.

Their multilayered science fiction ambiance covers a wide array emotionally, and paces itself accordingly. There won't be any head banging or lyrics to lip-sync. Instead, you'll have a unique atmosphere that's as mystical as it is alluring.

And seriously, these guys need to score a game, they're god damn perfect for it.

Holdfast: Nations at War

I'll save the asterisks for later, as there's more than a few.

War shooters have explored many locations, but for the amount of titles released, not many time periods. Likely out of a need to recycle core-designs that in certain wars, just won't work. But every once in a while, you get someone who's willing to adjust. That's the case with Holdfast.

Set during the early 1800's, the French and British battle it out with over a 100 players. Unlike so many large scale games before it though, those 100+ players feel necessary to the game's enjoyment.

Commanders organize lines of troops across open fields, large clouds of smoke form out of the dozens of ancient rifles fired, drummers inspire the soldiers to crush their enemies six feet under.

...And here they come.

*It's early access

*Only a handful of full servers

*French always win one mode

*British always win the other

*Mic-spammers

*Needs to be played with friends