Should NS2 just be called NS?

WhiteZero

Since the game has evolved from just a MOD to a full fledged game with it's own engine. I think NS2 is going to get <b>a lot</b> more attention than the original NS MOD.
Many people will see the game for the first time and wonder "if this is NS2, where the heck is NS1?"

So in the end, won't it just be better for marketing just to consider this a "reboot" of the NS franchise and just call this game "Natural Selection". And call the original Half-Life MOD "Natural Selection Classic".

I think this would give the game wider appeal.

ChuckstarNL

I think it would be even more confusing then. Which game came first? Natural-Selection or Natural-Selection Classic?

What makes a large difference IMO is a simple user-interface and easy to understand gameplay mechanics. NS has always been a more difficult game to get in to. I wouldn't expect it to have some kind of broad appeal like CS or TF2. Of course, I hope it will get very popular since the devs deserve it.

I think a tutorial will help a lot too; think how many RTS games have a tutorial. (or a tutorial campaign) It's good to give new players some kind of basic training before they get on the battlefield. After that, more experienced players could give the new players some extra advice/tips.

Another idea I just made up is to have some built-in ranking system/community. This would be good for competitive play. Think guilds like WoW, it could be called squadrons even. Maybe someone will add this feature with LUA, that would be just fine with me.

In the end, it's the <b>game itself</b> that makes the difference. Sorry for derailing your topic a bit.

Wisp

From a marketing standpoint, I think having a '2' attached to the name helps it out. It says to potential buyers that the original was good enough to warrant a sequel.

Zek

It really doesn't matter whether or not people are familiar with the original. It's better that it's made clear that this is a brand new game rather than just another version of NS.

moultano

<!--quoteo(post=1690064:date=Oct 12 2008, 10:47 AM:name=Wisp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wisp @ Oct 12 2008, 10:47 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690064"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->From a marketing standpoint, I think having a '2' attached to the name helps it out. It says to potential buyers that the original was good enough to warrant a sequel.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I disagree to some extent. I have an instinctive reaction not to buy sequels if I haven't played the first for reasons of plot continuity. I'm sure there's hard data on this out there somewhere though.

matrim1985

Perhaps just calling it...

<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Natural Selection: Evolution<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

w0dk4

<!--quoteo(post=1690158:date=Oct 13 2008, 02:07 PM:name=matrim1985)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(matrim1985 @ Oct 13 2008, 02:07 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690158"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Perhaps just calling it...

<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Natural Selection: Evolution<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

That is actually a pretty nice idea.

gamakun

Well, it being called ns2 will show new comers that these people know what they are doing and had done this thing before (Experience). But I don't mind Natural Selection: Evolution XD.

t3hd3r3k

Natural Selection:Source
Natural Selection:Revolution
Natural Selection:PEWPEWEDITION

imho

Shockeh

Surely, the nod to the modification is a better idea?

One, you develop an instant emotional attachment to that first group of people who will buy - fans of Natural Selection. Secondly, as noted it can give 'weight' to the franchise. Three, people love 'Easter Eggs'. Minor though it may be, the possibility of 'discovering' Natural Selection appeals to a lot of mindsets.

Depending on the UWE / Valve interaction and level of friendliness (I'm sure [WHO]Them could chip in at this point) perhaps even a chance to try the original, with the mod included on the disc as a bonus would be worth a look?

Radix

He's right - NS2 sounds trite. NS:Evolution would stand out more.

locallyunscene

<!--quoteo(post=1690101:date=Oct 12 2008, 04:30 PM:name=Zek)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zek @ Oct 12 2008, 04:30 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690101"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->It really doesn't matter whether or not people are familiar with the original. It's better that it's made clear that this is a brand new game rather than just another version of NS.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Good point.
<!--quoteo(post=1690183:date=Oct 13 2008, 12:36 PM:name=Shockwave)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shockwave @ Oct 13 2008, 12:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690183"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Surely, the nod to the modification is a better idea?

One, you develop an instant emotional attachment to that first group of people who will buy - fans of Natural Selection. Secondly, as noted it can give 'weight' to the franchise. Three, people love 'Easter Eggs'. Minor though it may be, the possibility of 'discovering' Natural Selection appeals to a lot of mindsets.

Depending on the UWE / Valve interaction and level of friendliness (I'm sure [WHO]Them could chip in at this point) perhaps even a chance to try the original, with the mod included on the disc as a bonus would be worth a look?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I like that idea too.
<!--quoteo(post=1690186:date=Oct 13 2008, 12:46 PM:name=Radix)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Radix @ Oct 13 2008, 12:46 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690186"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->He's right - NS2 sounds trite. NS:Evolution would stand out more.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I also somewhat agree with that. On the other-other hand, TFC was somewhat of a niche game and TF2 did all right for itself. Goes to show the gameplay is more important than the name as long as the name isn't completely off putting.

Emanon

Guilty by association is always a problem; given that NS1 wasn’t a huge hit on the larger scheme, it may or may not turn away a lot of gamers.

Edited for my view, ties in the general theme the old game and the new engine. Although it may or may not make sense.
<!--quoteo(post=1690158:date=Oct 13 2008, 08:07 AM:name=matrim1985)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(matrim1985 @ Oct 13 2008, 08:07 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690158"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Perhaps just calling it...

<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Natural Evolution<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

ryknow69

no, there is a small tie, as there still is a backstory to each game(NS2 takes place 10 years after the events of NS1, that alone makes me not like it), i could never play NS2 if i havent played NS1, like that other guy, i have a hesitation to sequels
EX: My friend tried to get me onto halo 2, i wouldnt touch it, i knew it was good, but i wouldnt touch it till i played halo CE

NS:E would sound better personally.

I think the UWE should make a book for NS, then for NS:E, to show what happens, and how it happens. They can talk about offical maps, and maybe some MASSIVLY popular custom maps that have good backstory. This was done with Halo, to show how MC came to be MC, and what happend from H:CE to H2.

I'd be gitty to see a Natural Selection book.

tseepra

NS2 all the way, a tip of the hat to one of the few mods that will go on the spawn a whole new game.

Shockeh

From a pure "Made me chuckle" point of view:

It's worth noting that from those posters so far with Location information displayed, it's Europeans who support NS2, whilst the Americans support NS:E. This is only entertaining due to this sort of exact thing having happened in cinema many times before too. (Henry VIII springs to mind)

<bait> Our colonial cousins are wrong, of course. </bait> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />

ryknow69

No, you are!

NS:E name ftw! Down with NS2 name!

*Hangs NS2 Name* All bow to NS:E!

Prefix

I like NS2, I've grown attached to the name and think it suits the game well.

RustInPieces

<!--quoteo(post=1690110:date=Oct 12 2008, 05:38 PM:name=moultano)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(moultano @ Oct 12 2008, 05:38 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690110"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I disagree to some extent. I have an instinctive reaction not to buy sequels if I haven't played the first for reasons of plot continuity. I'm sure there's hard data on this out there somewhere though.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


<!--quoteo(post=1690312:date=Oct 14 2008, 06:28 PM:name=ryknow69)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ryknow69 @ Oct 14 2008, 06:28 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690312"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->no, there is a small tie, as there still is a backstory to each game(NS2 takes place 10 years after the events of NS1, that alone makes me not like it), i could never play NS2 if i havent played NS1, like that other guy, i have a hesitation to sequels


I think the UWE should make a book for NS, then for NS:E, to show what happens, and how it happens. They can talk about offical maps, and maybe some MASSIVLY popular custom maps that have good backstory. This was done with Halo, to show how MC came to be MC, and what happend from H:CE to H2.

I'd be gitty to see a Natural Selection book.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

All of Natural Selection's story is basically in the manual (available for viewing online anyways). They could include a recap of the story with NS2, as well as what has happened since NS in the NS2 manual. About the stories for the maps, how would they be able to do that? Wouldn't that depend on which team won a round? All they can really do is release the backstory for the maps.

NS2 should not be called Natural Selection. Fans of NS will not want to start calling it NS classic (besides, we already call the NS_* maps that). Since this is a new game, it should have a new name. NS2 is nice, it makes it obvious that this is the second NS game. NS:evolution sounds like a mod or an expansion, not a sequel.

Edit: I like the idea of a NS book, though. However, the devs write code, not books <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

princess

A multiplayer game called NS2 wouldn't put me off if I hadn't played the original. If it was a single player, story-based game then it might deter me but I would base my decision on whether the game itself appeals to me, recommendations, reviews and how awesome it looks.

Having said that, Natural Selection: Evolution is a pretty cool name <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

ryknow69

yea, so it should be called that =P

Im ok with either.

Just calling it Natural Selection though, bleh.

Crispy

<!--quoteo(post=1690356:date=Oct 15 2008, 11:01 AM:name=Shockwave)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shockwave @ Oct 15 2008, 11:01 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690356"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->From a pure "Made me chuckle" point of view:

It's worth noting that from those posters so far with Location information displayed, it's Europeans who support NS2, whilst the Americans support NS:E. This is only entertaining due to this sort of exact thing having happened in cinema many times before too. (Henry VIII springs to mind)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->What did they call that?

<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Henry: Revolution !!!<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" /> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

P.S. Prin, you turncoat!

princess

<!--quoteo(post=1690506:date=Oct 16 2008, 11:16 AM:name=Crispy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Crispy @ Oct 16 2008, 11:16 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1690506"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->P.S. Prin, you turncoat!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Viva la revolution!

TinCan

Actually it stands to reason that it should be called

<!--sizeo:6--><span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Natural Selection 4.0<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

Or perhaps <b>Natural Selection 420</b> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wow.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":0" border="0" alt="wow.gif" />

Kouji_San

NS also stands for Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch railroads), so if we get trains that hovar without flapping we should call it NS2 as well?

Also look at link listing for this very site regarding NS2

<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/</a> <-- there

It's settled as just changing the name would give the site a ######load of error 404 not found or 301 moved crap <img src="http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/style_images/1/folder_post_icons/icon5.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" />

locallyunscene

<!--quoteo(post=1691013:date=Oct 21 2008, 06:21 PM:name=TinCan)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TinCan @ Oct 21 2008, 06:21 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1691013"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Actually it stands to reason that it should be called

<!--sizeo:6--><span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Natural Selection 4.0<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

Or perhaps <b>Natural Selection 420</b> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wow.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":0" border="0" alt="wow.gif" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Wait you mean this isn't Natural Selection 2.1?

glimmerman

+1 for Natural Selection: Evolution <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

killkrazy

The moment I read the topic, I thought I'd open it up and suggest:

NS: Evolution...
someone beat me to it, but there's good debate here, marketing wise it is a double edged blade, but my personal feeling is that anything with '2' on it really does dissuade people who have no experience of the first.

good topic

invader Zim

im european im pro NS:E,

i dont like serialised names unless its parts of a story, which i suppose you could argue ns is (the next chapter in the conflict) but im going to contradict my self anyway and say i still prefer NS:E i think it sounds fresher and has a better ring than NS2