[img]http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5968/fpns2.png[/img]
[release]
[release][b]Facepunch NS2 Division[/b]
[url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FPNS2]Official Facepunch NS2 steam group[/url][/release]
[b]Name - In-game nick[/b]
Whiplash~ - Whiplash
TurbisV2 - Turbis
Bionicchick - Bionic
Profanwolf - Profanwolf
thrawn2787 - Space Pope III
Ding$0n - FemoMadness!
MrJazzy - Mr. Jazzy
Nathax
Kouji_San
ForgottenKane
Kryzech
Thechuz1337 - Thechuz
Angus - Angus
GammaFive
Ghost101
Grizz - Caprica
horsedrowner - horsedrowner
imasillypiggy - imasillypiggy
MAspiderface - Spiderface
Crazy_Farmer - CrazyFarmer
Aristides
Mooman
[/release]
[release][h2]The current Beta build: 179[/h2]
:siren: [b][u]16.6.2011[/u][/b] | Build 179 has been released! Mostly bug and balance fixes. Full change log [url=http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/news/2011/6/ns2_build_179]here[/url]. :siren:
B178 Teaser Trailer by [b]NS2HD[/b]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toO5hQMdPxg[/media]
Official NS2 Build 178 change video
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r70iikApVnE&feature=player_embedded[/media]
B178 Gameplay by [b]NS2HD[/b]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DhNPZNF-G8&feature=channel_video_title[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u98S9o1ml4&feature=channel_video_title[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxJycX-DuS4&feature=channel_video_title[/media]
[h2]New map: ns_summit[/h2]
[img]http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9402/abq5v.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5284/ct34f.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/Ggn0a.jpg[/img]
ns_summit is a community map made by pSyk0mAn, which got such overwhelmingly positive feedback
from players that the developers decided to include it in the new build and is now officially part of NS2!
Since the build 178 launch, ns_summit has been the most played map of the game and has been set
as the default map for most of the servers. Gongratulations to pSyk0mAn!
178 is probably the biggest NS2 patch to date and there's just a ton of features. Full change log can be found [url=http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/news/2011/6/ns2_build_178_ns2_summit_bloom_blink_etc]here[/url].[/release]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/TytQD.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/456/unled1sbl.png[/img]
Natural Selection 2 is a highly ambitious indie sci-fi FPS/RTS game that's been in development since 2006 by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, a small ~6 person team from San Francisco.
The game is a stand alone sequel to the popular Half-Life modification released in 2002 and it's currently in closed beta available for pre-orderers.
It was originally being developed on the Source engine, but the team quickly realized that they wouldn't be able to build their game around it, so they made a completely new engine from scratch called the [b]Spark[/b] engine.
[b][u]Gameplay[/u][/b]
Natural Selection 2 is a strategic team-based multiplayer game which emphasizes heavily on teamwork. The game consists of two unique sides, the Frontiersmen and Kharaa (commonly referred to as Marines and Aliens) who fight for map control.
The main goal of the game is to wipe out the opposing team, but in order to do it more effectively, your team must gather Team Resources [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/thumb/c/ce/Icon_team_resource_neutral.gif/18px-Icon_team_resource_neutral.gif[/img] which are needed in order to upgrade your structures, weapons and armor.
The resources can be collected by placing Extractors / Harvesters (resource towers) to certain places in the map.
[img]http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/8112/restower.png[/img][img]http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/9763/180pxharvesterscreensho.jpg[/img]
Apart from Team Resources, the players also collect individual Personal Resources [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/b/b3/Icon_personal_resource_neutral.gif[/img] which can be used to buy weapons or evolve into different classes as Aliens, respectively.
The Marine Commander can also use his Personal Resources to support his teammates with Ammo [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/a/a2/Mini_ammo_pack.png[/img] and Medpacks [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/a/a0/Mini_med_pack.png[/img]
Note that some robotic units like MACs also require Personal Resources to be built.
At it's core, NS2 is a first-person shooter, but what really sets it apart from all the other FPS games is the RTS "Commander mode". At the start of the game, one of the players from each team enters the Command Center
and becomes the team's Commander, who gets a bird's-eye view of the map and controls everything from placing the resource towers, upgrading the team's assets and constructing all the buildings and defenses.
However, once you become the Commander, you're not bound in that role for the rest of the game, but instead, you can hop in and out anytime and go into the field while someone takes over.
There can even be multiple Commanders at once, depending how many Hives or Command Centers your team has.
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/screenshot_lerks.jpg[/img]
[release][h2]TSA Frontiersmen (Marines)[/h2]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/Marine_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660920446[/img][img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/SpecialArmor_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660937446[/img]
The Frontiersmen are the technologically advanced Space Marines who have a simple response to the Alien threat; raw firepower.
Their basic weapons arsenal include a melee Switch-ax, a Pistol and an Assault rifle. However, once the Armory is upgraded by the commander, they also unlock shotguns, flamethrowers and grenade launchers.
[quote][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/a/a3/Mini_axe.png[/img][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/3/35/Mini_pistol.png[/img][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/0/0a/Mini_rifle.png[/img][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/4/44/Mini_shootgun.png[/img][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/1/1a/Mini_flamethrower.png[/img][img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/1/13/Mini_gl.png[/img][/quote]
As a Marine, your responsibility is to assist your commander to build the structures he spawns around the map, (i.e. resource towers) but also to scout the map for possible Alien expansions
Always keep in touch with your teammates and remember that teamwork is key. You should always move around the map as a group and never go out alone, unless it's really necessary.
[b][u]Important Marine structures/units: [/u][/b]
[img]http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/998/imagemac.png[/img]
The Mobile Automated Constructor [b](MAC)[/b] is the Marine Commander controllable NPC. It is built from the Robotics Factory and may assist in building construction and repair (including Power Nodes).
[img]http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8780/armoryxcopy.png[/img]
[b]The Armory[/b] is used for buying new weapons and replenishing your health and ammo.
A smart Commander can spawn one near his Marines while they're making a push so that they can recover faster instead of running all the way back to the base.
[img]http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5280/46326338copy.png[/img]
[b]The Infantry Portal[/b] is used to respawn dead Marines. That's why it's a good idea to build two of them, because if a sneaky enemy can destroy your only IP, your team is in alot of trouble until it's rebuilt.
[img]http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/5148/150pxsentry.png[/img]
[b]Sentries[/b] are automated turrets that fire upon enemies within a 160 degree arc. They are placed on the ground by the marine commander and can be constructed by either Marines or MACs.
[img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/2/24/Arc_deploy_close.gif[/img]
[b]The Arc Cannon[/b] is a mobile robotic cannon, which fires powerful sonic waves that can go through solid matter. The ARC is used to push into the Alien Hive, accompanied with several Marines.[/release]
[release][h2]The Kharaa (Aliens)[/h2]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/h6Qrk.jpg[/img]
Despite the fact that Aliens have similar goals in the game, they play dramatically different.
From the get-go, you'll notice that you're not using different weapons, but instead, you have 4 classes to choose from. (3 of which are researched by the commander as the game progresses)
[h2]The Classes[/h2]
[b]Skulk[/b]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/Skulk_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660954800[/img]
Skulk is the basic class which Aliens start with. It's a very agile and fast predator, which is able to walk on walls, (like in AVP, but much better) leap great distances and bite enemies.
They also have an ability called "Parasite" which allows them to shoot and tag a marine, allowing the Aliens to track his movement.
[b]Health:[/b] 70 [b]Armor:[/b] 10
[b]Bite[/b] Damage: 70 | Energy Cost: 3
[b]Parasite[/b] Damage: 10 | Energy Cost: 30
[b]Gorge[/b]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/Gorge_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660968873[/img]
Gorge is the Alien healing class. It's primary attack is a ranged projectile, but the secondary attack is a area-of-effect healing spray which can easily turn the tide of battle.
Gorge also has a second ability which allows him to plant hydras (alien turrets) around the map. The hydras can only be planted on-top of infested floor, but fortunately, Gorge can
also plant small amount of infestations on the ground with his healing spray, where he can then plant his hydras. However, if his infestation isn't linked into the main hive, it will
disappear shortly.
As of build 179, the Bile Bomb ability for the Gorge was also introduced. It is a siege attack that lobs a bile sac in an arc and deals powerful area damage against structures (but none against players).
Note: By holding shift, Gorge can also slide across the ground with his belly, making for a quick escape, or a fun game of Gorge pinball! :3:
[b]Health:[/b] 150 [b]Armor:[/b] 50
[b]Spit[/b] Damage: 25 | Energy Cost: 7
[b]Heal Spray[/b] Damage: 13 | Energy Cost: 15
Evolve Cost: 10 [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/b/b3/Icon_personal_resource_neutral.gif[/img] Personal Resources
[b]Lerk[/b]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/Lerk_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660982525[/img]
Lerk is the support class. They can fly around the map, shoot spikes at their enemies and fire deadly spore clouds which do damage over time. The spike weapon also
has a secondary attack, which fires a "sniper-shot" like spike and does massive damage on impact. Lerk is a good harassment class, because they can fly into air ducts,
shoot the marines from a distance and fire spores to cover their escape when they're spotted.
[b]Health:[/b] 125 [b]Armor:[/b] 50
Evolve Cost: 30 [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/b/b3/Icon_personal_resource_neutral.gif[/img] Personal Resources
[b]Fade[/b]
[img]http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1446/nimetnkq.png[/img]
Fade is the deadliest of all Aliens. They're highly armored and dangerous bipedal creatures which are able to blink and mutilate their enemies with their huge claws.
The Fade can easily defeat a group of 3 or even 4 marines if they're not careful.
Fade also has a second ability, which is a slow melee attack that allows him to stab his enemies with both claws and can kill lightly-armored enemies with one hit.
[b]Health:[/b] 300 [b]Armor:[/b] 50
[b]Swipe[/b] Damage: 80 | Energy Cost: 6
[b]Stab[/b] Damage: 160 | Energy Cost: 20
Evolve Cost: 50 [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/b/b3/Icon_personal_resource_neutral.gif[/img] Personal Resources
Prerequisite: 2 Hives
[b]Onos[/b]
[img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/Onos_184x184.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279660997814[/img]
Onos is a huge mammoth-like creature, which will be the devastating endgame class that is able to break down doors and cause total havoc.
But unfortunately, it hasn't been implemented yet. [b]:([/b]
[i]Alien Classes 'Buy' menu:[/i]
[img]http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/4253/dnjkj.jpg[/img]
[b][u]Some Alien units/structures[/u][/b]
[b]Crag[/b]
[img]http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/9529/crag.png[/img]
Crag is a sponge-like creature that periodically heals a maximum of 3 targets with a huge healing cloud. It's usually placed next to your hive, but it's also useful to
spawn one near some hydras when you're pushing for Marine territory.
It also has a triggerable ability called "Umbra", which when activated by the commander, creates a particulate cloud of gaseous smoke which pours from the holes in its shell, and fills up the surrounding area.
This temporary cloud intercepts and disintegrates bullets, allowing through only half of the shots fired by Marine ballistic weapons (doesn't affect flamethrowers, grenades, or ARCs).
[b]Whip[/b]
[img]http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5643/whip.png[/img]
Whip is an offensive structure that resembles a giant tentacle. It whips everyone who enters its vicinity and is usually spawned next to and around the Hive.
It also provides the team with commander researched, player purchaseable upgrades which increase the amount of damage aliens can inflict upon marine players.
[b]Upgrades:[/b]
[b]Frenzy[/b]
On kill, get health back equal to extra damage done; health comes back over time. Extra damage upgrades and group tactics can increase the benefits.
[b]Swarm[/b]
Deals +25 increased damage on a target that a teammate recently hit (within 3 seconds). Swarm promotes coordinated/clustered alien group tactics, especially useful for a pack of Skulks.
[b]Bile Bomb[/b]
Unlocks Bile Bomb lifeform upgrade for Gorge, lobs bile sac in an arc and deals area structural damage (non-player damage).
[b]Melee upgrades 1/2/3[/b]
Increases base attack damage by 10%/20%/30%
Cost: 15/25/35 [img]http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/thumb/c/ce/Icon_team_resource_neutral.gif/18px-Icon_team_resource_neutral.gif[/img] Team Resources.
[b]Hydra[/b]
[img]http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1900/hydralnip.png[/img]
Gorge's best friend. These are the turret-like structures that Gorges vomit on the ground. They fire spikes at you. What else is there to know?
[b]Spikes[/b] Damage: 20
[h2]The Dynamic Infestation[/h2]
Probably the most experimental feature of the game is the aforementioned Dynamic Infestation. It's the organic matter that spreads from the Alien Hive and it's structures.
Alien Commander's duty is to spread infestation wherever he wants to expand, as the Aliens are unable to build on any surface that hasn't been yet infested. Once the
ground has been infested, it start to [i]dynamically[/i] spread further around the map, giving Aliens more room to maneuver and build defenses. Similarly, the Marines are
also unable to build on any ground that has infestation on it, for example, resource tower nodes.
The Marines can counter the infestation by burning it with flamethrowers.
[i]Before and after shot of an infested corridor[/i]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/L9oJV.jpg[/img]
[b]Currently, infestation is just a simple 2d-texture prototype, but this early video from 2006 showcases what it will be like in the final game:[/b]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnaJLk8MhL4[/media][/release]
[release][h2]FAQ[/h2]
[b][u]- The game runs badly! Sloppy framerate, lag etc. WTF?[/u][/b]
Always remember that the game is still just a [b]beta[/b]. The current development phase of the game is usually only seen and tested by the developers internally and it doesn't reflect the final product in anyway.
Everything seen here is still subject to change when the game reaches it's final stages of development and release. There's still countless performance, balance and bug fixes that the team is working on.
[b][u]- Where can I get this game and how is it distributed? [/u][/b]
You can pre-order the game [url=http://www.naturalselection2.com/buy]here[/url]. Once you've pre-ordered, you can download the game via Steam.
[b][u]- The original NS was a free mod, why does this cost money? [/u][/b]
Natural Selection 2 is a stand-alone game and since the team is now using their own engine instead of Source, they're in no way affiliated with Valve or Half-Life.[/release]
[release][h2]Important links:[/h2]
[url=http://www.naturalselection2.com/]Official Natural Selection 2 website[/url]
The game's official website.
[url=http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/]Official Natural Selection 2 Community site[/url]
Includes the blog, development progress page and forums.
[url=http://www.youtube.com/user/NaturalSelection2HD]NS2HD's Youtube Channel[/url]
The number one source for Natural Selection 2 videos. Includes gameplay, developer interviews and more. New videos posted almost daily.
[url=http://www.youtube.com/user/unknownworlds]unknownworlds Youtube Channel[/url]
The official Youtube channel of Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Used mainly for uploading new build change videos.
[url]http://www.play4dead.com/ns2/[/url]
NS2 Development tracker. Also has a link to all available servers and their playercounts.
[url=http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/progress]Official NS2 Development Progress page[/url][/release]
In a nutshell, Natural Selection 2 is just an amazing game and it's a great example of how small-time developers passionate about their project are taking the hard road and coming up with something new and innovative.
The developers are very active with the community and there's new updates every two or so weeks, so if you have 35 $ to spare, please support these guys and come enjoy the beta.
[b][u]Credit where credit is due:[/u][/b]
Thanks to [b]peregrinus[/b] and [b]Kouji_San[/b] from NS2 forums for screenshots and links!
If I had the money, I'd get this. I heard the Spark engine is superior to the Source engine as well.
i spent so many hours on Natural Selection, it was without a doubt the best HL1 mod ever and this one is looking to be really good as well
it seems like they really managed to keep the original atmosphere and gameplay while making it better
[editline]9th June 2011[/editline]
it'd be cool if they could get support from Valve
[QUOTE=Rubs10;30355314]If I had the money, I'd get this. I heard the Spark engine is superior to the Source engine as well.[/QUOTE]
I've read that the tools are excellent, but I wouldn't know myself since I'm not a mapper.
What I do know is that the lighting and shadows are some of the best I've seen.
Aw fuck yeah I never got around to finishing my mega thread.
About how many people are playing this at any given time? Are there many full servers?
I've got the special edition. It's great having access to the Beta. Except I'm on a 2k4 pc that is now 7 years old and cannot run it correctly.
I preordered this before the beta. The first beta release was so buggy I figured I'd wait awhile to play again
Haven't played since but I saw that trailer for build 178 a few days ago and reinstalled. Haven't played yet though. I'll go look at the server population really quick for you guys.
I've had the beta for ages but I haven't even tried it.
I played the first Natural Selection at a LAN-party once and got hooked so bad.
[img]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/thrawn2787/ns22011-06-0918-35-07-03.png[/img]
Not many games. Also bad pings.
[editline]9th June 2011[/editline]
Joined a game and it was pretty hard. Tried playing as aliens but your mouth closes when you attack so its hard to fucking see. Seems like marines have the advantage.
Also everyone was yelling at our commander guy. [I]Great [/I]community
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1055427-Natural-Selection-Megathread-v1-quot-YOU-RE-squad-five!-quot[/url]
I made a megathread quite a while ago. It has a lot of information about the different teams and what not.
Might be worth putting in the OP
[QUOTE=thrawn2787;30358510][img]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/thrawn2787/ns22011-06-0918-35-07-03.png[/img]
Not many games. Also bad pings.
[editline]9th June 2011[/editline]
Joined a game and it was pretty hard. Tried playing as aliens but your mouth closes when you attack so its hard to fucking see. Seems like marines have the advantage.
Also everyone was yelling at our commander guy. [I]Great [/I]community[/QUOTE]
I think they said something about having connection (ping) issues that would be ironed out soon.
[QUOTE=Atlascore;30358076]Well that's disappointing, they showed off 3D dynamic infestation but it ended up just being a 2D texture that covers parts of the map.
Still want to play this though, the original mod was amazing.[/QUOTE]
pretty sure they said that was just a placeholder while they get the 3D version working properly
Got this with the Overgrowth bundle. Seriously, this and Overgrowth will be the greatest indie games of all time
Did they fix the massive lag problems?
The last time I tried the alpha/beta/whatever version on Steam, I spawned in some room, unable to move or do pretty much anything.
I think it's not quite like that anymore, correct?
Wasn't this supposed to come out in 2009.
They're 2 years late.
[QUOTE=Uberman77883;30362110]Wasn't this supposed to come out in 2009.
They're 2 years late.[/QUOTE]
That was before they got a shit ton of money. They were going to take out so much because they didn't have the time for it. But now they do.
[QUOTE=Guided;30362079]Did they fix the massive lag problems?[/QUOTE]
As long as the server is fresh it won't lag for a bit but after a while it would lag alot.
Could play it for once or twice only , I think.
Lag everywhere
[QUOTE=thrawn2787;30358510]
Not many games. Also bad pings.
[editline]9th June 2011[/editline]
Joined a game and it was pretty hard. Tried playing as aliens but your mouth closes when you attack so its hard to fucking see. Seems like marines have the advantage.
Also everyone was yelling at our commander guy. [I]Great [/I]community[/QUOTE]
There's a few things that need to be made clear.
First of all, like explained in the OP, this game is still a beta, so if you're pre-ordering the game and expecting a polished product, you're going to be disappointed.
Secondly, the Skulk biting was just fixed in 178. In the previous build, the hit boxes had huge issues and it was [i]alot[/i] harder to hit anything. If you still think it's hard, you just don't know how to play the game.
Thirdly, the game has an outstanding community. You've just had bad luck while playing and if you read anything about the OP, you should get a clue of how important the Commander's role is in the game. If the Commander doesn't know what he's doing, the team is fucked.
Also, Marines do not have any advantage whatsoever. Aliens have much more of an upper hand in this build.
[QUOTE=Dragory;30362104]The last time I tried the alpha/beta/whatever version on Steam, I spawned in some room, unable to move or do pretty much anything.
I think it's not quite like that anymore, correct?[/QUOTE]
Not at all. The game is very much playable.
True Whip, they're trying to make it so that without a good comm you have a [i]slight[/i] chance however.
Sounds a lot like that phase of Team Fortress 2 where someone was a commander who commanded team mates and such
[QUOTE=IliekBoxes;30372299]Sounds a lot like that phase of Team Fortress 2 where someone was a commander who commanded team mates and such[/QUOTE]
:frog:
[QUOTE=Atlascore;30358076]Well that's disappointing, they showed off 3D dynamic infestation but it ended up just being a 2D texture that covers parts of the map.
Still want to play this though, the original mod was amazing.[/QUOTE]
The current dynamic infestation is just a prototype, like explained in the OP.
[quote][img]http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg[/img][/quote]
I don't know about you guys, but this looks absolutely great to me. Like DooM 3, but better.
Have barely played since Alpha, if anyone feels like playing I am up for a game
[QUOTE=IliekBoxes;30372299]Sounds a lot like that phase of Team Fortress 2 where someone was a commander who commanded team mates and such[/QUOTE]
:what:
OH SHIT 666th post
Is onos still not added to the game? O:
I really want to eat some marines
[editline]10th June 2011[/editline]
I hope onos has transparent bellies so that when you're eaten as marines you can look out from the sides and people can see you being digested
Looks amazing.
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