NS2 Frequently Asked Questions
Sirot
Join Date: 2006-12-03 Member: 58851Members
Join Date: 2006-12-03 Member: 58851Members
<div class="IPBDescription">Ask a question, possibly get an answer.</div>Post any questions you have here and I (or someone else from the community) will try to answer them. Every question answered will be neatly compiled in this post. Questions without current answers will be recorded in the second post of this thread. Alternatively, if you know an answer to a question that a lot of people ask already; you can post the question with the answer immediately.
=================================
<b>Purchasing Questions:</b>
Q: Wait...I have to purchase this? Make it free, more people will play it!
A: NS2 is a standalone commercial product that is beyond the scope of a modification for a game. It won't have a singleplayer upon release.
Q: Whats the difference between the Standard and Special editions?
A: Standard gives access to beta, game and tools required to modify it. The Special edition gives access to alpha, a special black marine armor when you play online and everything that the standard edition includes. The Standard edition costs 20USD and the Special edition is 40USD. Latest information pegs that 95% of all pre-orders were for the Special edition even though it comparatively provides very little for how much it costs. Most of the Special edition pre-orders are thanks for the free half-life modification Natural Selection 1 and to support the independent developers of NS2. You can buy it here: <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/" target="_blank">http://www.naturalselection2.com/</a>
Q: Something's wrong with my pre-order! How can I get my key resent/change my email?
A: Key resend here <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/retrieve" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/retrieve</a> and email change here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/change" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/change</a>. If you're still having problems contact charlie@unknownworlds.com.
Q: I want to pre-order NS2, but I want to play it through Steam. Can I do that?
A: There is only one version of NS2 and it's a steamworks version. It does not matter if you buy it through steam or their store, you'll be getting the same product. More information here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=106616&st=0&p=1711512&#entry1711512" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1711512</a>.
<b>Technical/Logistical Questions:</b>
Q: Is NS2 using the Source engine? How is UWE affiliated with Valve?
A: NS2 is not using Source engine, even though it did start on Source. During the development of the game, it was found that Source was not suitable to NS2's needs and they started working on their own engine. That engine from all reports seems very complete and will come with a very extensive toolset. The developers are still affiliated with Valve in the sense that they will be utilizing Steam as one way to publish their game and Steam Works to integrate it. Unknown Worlds Entertainment is independently owned and Valve has no stake in it at all.
Q: Will there be a Unix/Mac/360 client version?
A: No development is currently being done for these platforms. UWE has stated their desire to port to these platforms after the Windows PC version is out, resources permitting.
Q: No development for PS3?
A: While this my unofficial opinion, I don't think NS2 will be getting PS3 treatment or if it does, it will be the last one in line. The PS3 has an infrastructure completely from a normal PC and porting it over would be a huge effort that will strain resources. It takes 4 people to port a PC game onto the 360, while it takes a considerable amount of people to do the same for the PS3.
Q: I just payed 20/40$ for this game, why aren't I seeing more progress?
A: UWE is a very small development team. They are getting things done, but they don't have time to tell us about everything. The teasers and blog posts take up a lot of time that could better be spent working on the game. If you are interested in the work that has been done there are many status updates in the twitter.
Q: When is Alpha starting?
A: The game is slotted to be released in Fall 2009, so the Alpha should be starting soon.
Q: How can the game release that soon? All the models are not yet done (as of july 26, 2009) and dynamic infestation is not yet in?!?
A: The NS2 core team is very small, made up for 5 people. They are also contract most of their art asset creation out. That said, NS2 is going to be a very streamlined game because of the minimalist attitude they are taking to minimize cost and the amount of time every feature requires to be implemented. Unlike a normal game that has many, many assets to be functional, NS2 needs very few and each additional one is a large step for the development of the game.
Q: So, who is exactly helping make Natural Selection 2?
A: Official response here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=107028&st=480&p=1720135&#entry1720135" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1720135</a>.
Q: I want to help? Where can I apply?
A: All the information you would want about that would be found here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/jobs" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/jobs</a>
Q: That teaser was awesome! Does the game actually look like that?
A: The teaser was entirely done using the in-game engine. Only the vents vibrating as the door is being smashed in and the Onos ducking under the door uses animations that won’t be present in the game (knockback from the door was also cinematic). The door being smashed in and the Onos roaring like that will be in the playable game. [Stolen from PsuedoKnight: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=106378&st=120&p=1708880&#entry1708880" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1708880</a>]
Q: That was in-game!? My machine won't run this!
A: The NS2 engine is designed to be extremely scalable to accommodate the widest range of machines possible. The minimum specs are 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, a DirectX 9 level graphics card, Windows Vista/2000/XP, mouse, keyboard and of course, an internet connection.
Q: NS1 was a free game with maps made for free by the community. If I make a map for NS2, will I get reimbursed?
A: Depends, it seems like the NS2 team will feature and buy the best maps outright from map makers. Do a good job, earn extra monies. "With Natural Selection, we included the best community maps as "official" and part of the game and we'll be doing the same for Natural Selection 2. Because we are selling NS2 though, that means we'll be buying maps from you guys outright."
Q: How hard will it be to mod NS2?
A: It will be very easy to modify NS2. The tools used to create the game will be available when the game is released. Also, all the the game code (non-engine) is written in the scripting language LUA and modifications require no installations. This is because all the game code is kept in text files that can be easily modified, this allows you to join a server that is running for all intensive purposes a different game that only requires a small download from the client.
Q: Because it is easily modifiable, will this make cheating easier?
A: No. The game is still based on a client-server relationship. NS2 will not be any more or less "hackable" than any other game. Also, normal servers will be separate from servers with modifications to the game. You won't be able to tricked into joining a server with cheats or exploits built into it by accident.
<b>Gameplay Questions:</b>
Q: Are all the alien classes returning?
A: Yes, the Skulk, Gorge, Lerk, Fade and Onos are all returning. In addition, the aliens now have a commander that will have its own style of play different from the marine commander.
Q: What the hell? Alien Commander? You are already ruining Natural Selection!
A: The aliens received a commander as an effort to have a unified resource models for both sides. This in addition to having individual marines being able to buy their own equipment from the armory. Essentially, the resource models for both sides have been merged. This was done to allow the game to be balanced with any number of players. In NS1, large games favored marines (marine global upgrades) and small games favored aliens (each alien player had a huge allotment of the resource pie).
Q: Hey, is there a place where all the information about Natural Selection 2 is compiled?
A: Yes, yes there is! The fan-site Australia Natural Selection 2 has been kind enough to do it. That information can be found here: <a href="http://www.ausns2.com/articles/ns2-what-we-know-mmmmegalist" target="_blank">http://www.ausns2.com/articles/ns2-what-we-know-mmmmegalist</a>
=================================
=================================
<b>Purchasing Questions:</b>
Q: Wait...I have to purchase this? Make it free, more people will play it!
A: NS2 is a standalone commercial product that is beyond the scope of a modification for a game. It won't have a singleplayer upon release.
Q: Whats the difference between the Standard and Special editions?
A: Standard gives access to beta, game and tools required to modify it. The Special edition gives access to alpha, a special black marine armor when you play online and everything that the standard edition includes. The Standard edition costs 20USD and the Special edition is 40USD. Latest information pegs that 95% of all pre-orders were for the Special edition even though it comparatively provides very little for how much it costs. Most of the Special edition pre-orders are thanks for the free half-life modification Natural Selection 1 and to support the independent developers of NS2. You can buy it here: <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/" target="_blank">http://www.naturalselection2.com/</a>
Q: Something's wrong with my pre-order! How can I get my key resent/change my email?
A: Key resend here <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/retrieve" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/retrieve</a> and email change here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/change" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/change</a>. If you're still having problems contact charlie@unknownworlds.com.
Q: I want to pre-order NS2, but I want to play it through Steam. Can I do that?
A: There is only one version of NS2 and it's a steamworks version. It does not matter if you buy it through steam or their store, you'll be getting the same product. More information here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=106616&st=0&p=1711512&#entry1711512" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1711512</a>.
<b>Technical/Logistical Questions:</b>
Q: Is NS2 using the Source engine? How is UWE affiliated with Valve?
A: NS2 is not using Source engine, even though it did start on Source. During the development of the game, it was found that Source was not suitable to NS2's needs and they started working on their own engine. That engine from all reports seems very complete and will come with a very extensive toolset. The developers are still affiliated with Valve in the sense that they will be utilizing Steam as one way to publish their game and Steam Works to integrate it. Unknown Worlds Entertainment is independently owned and Valve has no stake in it at all.
Q: Will there be a Unix/Mac/360 client version?
A: No development is currently being done for these platforms. UWE has stated their desire to port to these platforms after the Windows PC version is out, resources permitting.
Q: No development for PS3?
A: While this my unofficial opinion, I don't think NS2 will be getting PS3 treatment or if it does, it will be the last one in line. The PS3 has an infrastructure completely from a normal PC and porting it over would be a huge effort that will strain resources. It takes 4 people to port a PC game onto the 360, while it takes a considerable amount of people to do the same for the PS3.
Q: I just payed 20/40$ for this game, why aren't I seeing more progress?
A: UWE is a very small development team. They are getting things done, but they don't have time to tell us about everything. The teasers and blog posts take up a lot of time that could better be spent working on the game. If you are interested in the work that has been done there are many status updates in the twitter.
Q: When is Alpha starting?
A: The game is slotted to be released in Fall 2009, so the Alpha should be starting soon.
Q: How can the game release that soon? All the models are not yet done (as of july 26, 2009) and dynamic infestation is not yet in?!?
A: The NS2 core team is very small, made up for 5 people. They are also contract most of their art asset creation out. That said, NS2 is going to be a very streamlined game because of the minimalist attitude they are taking to minimize cost and the amount of time every feature requires to be implemented. Unlike a normal game that has many, many assets to be functional, NS2 needs very few and each additional one is a large step for the development of the game.
Q: So, who is exactly helping make Natural Selection 2?
A: Official response here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=107028&st=480&p=1720135&#entry1720135" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1720135</a>.
Q: I want to help? Where can I apply?
A: All the information you would want about that would be found here: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/jobs" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/jobs</a>
Q: That teaser was awesome! Does the game actually look like that?
A: The teaser was entirely done using the in-game engine. Only the vents vibrating as the door is being smashed in and the Onos ducking under the door uses animations that won’t be present in the game (knockback from the door was also cinematic). The door being smashed in and the Onos roaring like that will be in the playable game. [Stolen from PsuedoKnight: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=106378&st=120&p=1708880&#entry1708880" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...p;#entry1708880</a>]
Q: That was in-game!? My machine won't run this!
A: The NS2 engine is designed to be extremely scalable to accommodate the widest range of machines possible. The minimum specs are 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, a DirectX 9 level graphics card, Windows Vista/2000/XP, mouse, keyboard and of course, an internet connection.
Q: NS1 was a free game with maps made for free by the community. If I make a map for NS2, will I get reimbursed?
A: Depends, it seems like the NS2 team will feature and buy the best maps outright from map makers. Do a good job, earn extra monies. "With Natural Selection, we included the best community maps as "official" and part of the game and we'll be doing the same for Natural Selection 2. Because we are selling NS2 though, that means we'll be buying maps from you guys outright."
Q: How hard will it be to mod NS2?
A: It will be very easy to modify NS2. The tools used to create the game will be available when the game is released. Also, all the the game code (non-engine) is written in the scripting language LUA and modifications require no installations. This is because all the game code is kept in text files that can be easily modified, this allows you to join a server that is running for all intensive purposes a different game that only requires a small download from the client.
Q: Because it is easily modifiable, will this make cheating easier?
A: No. The game is still based on a client-server relationship. NS2 will not be any more or less "hackable" than any other game. Also, normal servers will be separate from servers with modifications to the game. You won't be able to tricked into joining a server with cheats or exploits built into it by accident.
<b>Gameplay Questions:</b>
Q: Are all the alien classes returning?
A: Yes, the Skulk, Gorge, Lerk, Fade and Onos are all returning. In addition, the aliens now have a commander that will have its own style of play different from the marine commander.
Q: What the hell? Alien Commander? You are already ruining Natural Selection!
A: The aliens received a commander as an effort to have a unified resource models for both sides. This in addition to having individual marines being able to buy their own equipment from the armory. Essentially, the resource models for both sides have been merged. This was done to allow the game to be balanced with any number of players. In NS1, large games favored marines (marine global upgrades) and small games favored aliens (each alien player had a huge allotment of the resource pie).
Q: Hey, is there a place where all the information about Natural Selection 2 is compiled?
A: Yes, yes there is! The fan-site Australia Natural Selection 2 has been kind enough to do it. That information can be found here: <a href="http://www.ausns2.com/articles/ns2-what-we-know-mmmmegalist" target="_blank">http://www.ausns2.com/articles/ns2-what-we-know-mmmmegalist</a>
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Comments
=================================
1. HD support? by that i mean 1920x1080 (hdmi?)
2. How much of the "Special Edition" armor is black?
3. Easter eggs?
4: Cats? Do you like them?
=================================
1. HD support? by that i mean 1920x1080 (hdmi?)
2. How much of the "Special Edition" armor is black?
3. Easter eggs?
okie, only got em two atm. but well there mite be more in the future.
Ps: this feels litte to early for this kind of post, but then agin maybe not and we can collect the quests to be answered.
A: The world will never know. Stop asking.
Q: Whats the diffrence from Standard to Special Edition?
A: Standard gives: Access to beta and tools. Special gives: First access to alpha, beta and tools. All black marine armor when ever you play online. Both gives direct download on relase.
Source: <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/buy" target="_blank">http://www.naturalselection2.com/buy</a>
PS:
My first two questions in first replay should be in unanswered questions.
<i>Edit: Thanks, Sirot</i>
I really hope so. Too bad the people that ask these questions never actually check a FAQ thread before they start a rant about how the teaser was a bluff
"Most of the Special edition pre-orders are thanks for the free half-life modification Natural Selection 2 and to support the independent developers of NS2. You can buy it here:"
The mod was NS and not NS2 ;)
yeah, but HD is 1080p with HDMI or as in screen size 1920x1080.. (i use my monitor with my PS3 :P).
And it seem to be more common with HD now days too.
A.) NS2 is not using Source or any Valve made engine. NS2 did start on Source, but it is now being built on it's own engine. UWE is utilizing SteamWorks as one way to publish their game. UWE is independently owned and is not owned by/affiliated with Valve other than using their SteamWorks platform for distribution.
Q.) Will there be a Unix/Mac/360 client version?
A.) No development is currently being done for these platforms. UWE has stated their desire to port to these platforms after the Windows PC version is out, resources permitting.
Q.) Is NS2 a mod like NS1? Is it free?
A.) No to both questions. NS2 is a full-fledged independent multi-player game running on it's own engine.
Q.) I just payed 20/40$ for this game, why aren't I seeing more progress?
A.) UWE is a very small development team. They are getting things done, but they don't have time to tell us about everything. The teasers and blogposts take up a lot of time that could better be spent working on the game. If you are interested in the work that has been done there are many status updates in the twitter.
Q.) Something's wrong with my pre-order! How can I get my key resent/change my email?
A.) Key resend <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/retrieve" target="_blank">here</a>.
email change <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/change" target="_blank">here</a>.
If you're still having problems contact charlie@unknownworlds.com .
Q.) I heard in the TF2 developer commentary that they scrapped the idea of a commander because it was too hard. What makes you think you can do better than Valve?
A.) NS1 has a commander now and it is the most popular 3rd Party HL1 mod ever(CS, DoD, and TF are 1st party). While Valve is a great developer, UWE has more experience in this realm.
Q.) Will heavy armor be cut from the game for cost reasons?
A.) No, heavy armor was originally going to be replaced by an "exoskeleton". We don't know if the exoskeleton is still in the game, but, according to the twitter, HA is back in the game.
Q.) How easy will it be to mod NS2?
A.) It will be very easy. The tools used to create the game will be available when the game is released. Also, all the the game code(non-engine) is written in the scripting language LUA, allowing it to be easily modified on the fly.
Q.) Because it is easily modifiable, will this make cheating easier?
A.) No. The game is still based on a client-server relationship. NS2 will not be any more or less "hackable" than any other game.
Q.) Because it is easily modifiable, will I have a hard time finding "normal" servers?
A.) No. NS2 will look for non-modified servers by default. You will have the option to join modified games if you wish.
A.) No development is currently being done for these platforms. UWE has stated their desire to port to these platforms after the Windows PC version is out, resources permitting.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Fixed
<!--quoteo(post=1719531:date=Jul 27 2009, 11:08 AM:name=locallyunscene)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (locallyunscene @ Jul 27 2009, 11:08 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1719531"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Q.) I heard in the TF2 developer commentary that they scrapped the idea of a commander because it was too hard. What makes you think you can do better than Valve?
A.) NS1 has a commander now and it is the most popular 3rd Party HL1 mod ever(CS, DoD, and TF are 1st party). While Valve is a great developer, UWE has more experience in this realm.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Cant say NS 1 is the most popular mod <b>ever</b>.. As i recall it that CS was even more popular before it became retail and later its own game.
Just wanted to point that out.
No, do as you see fit.
the contact email is jobs@unknownworlds.com
They prefer dogs.
I wasnt talking to you.
A.) No development is currently being done for these platforms. UWE has stated their desire to port to these platforms after the Windows PC version is out, resources permitting.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sorry but can you add PS3 (playstion3) to the question, it gets to me when its left out. Sure i know 360 gets more download content then us ps3 owners...
Anyway, getting good questions up there.. keep em comeing
/sign for sticky!!
Anyway, getting good questions up there.. keep em comeing
/sign for sticky!!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The PS3 is criminally hard to develop for. They would need to basically rewrite a good portion of the engine to port it over. The 360 on the other hand is pretty much a PC with a gamepad.
EDIT: I sneaked in a cats question earlier than decided to remove it... someone actually saw it... heh
EDIT 2: I added some questions : D
Nothing to slight PS3 owners(I don't own a console) but the devs haven't talked about porting NS2 to the PS3. They <i>have</i> specifically mentioned linux/mac/360 though.
You're lucky mine starts August 20.
1. Q: So the multiple commanders is to allow for a uniform resource system. But which system are they going to use, the group pool or the individual pool? I get the impression its going to be the individual pool, but that is going to be pretty crazy. RFK is going to make rines disgusting. I predict elite players will be perma JP/GL spamming.
2. Q: Do you think they will stop offering the SE level of preorder when then Alpha starts?
I have a couple of questions. I think the first one can be inferred but I'll ask anyway just to be sure.
1. Q: So the multiple commanders is to allow for a uniform resource system. But which system are they going to use, the group pool or the individual pool? I get the impression its going to be the individual pool, but that is going to be pretty crazy. RFK is going to make rines disgusting. I predict elite players will be perma JP/GL spamming.
2. Q: Do you think they will stop offering the SE level of preorder when then Alpha starts?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Neither questions have complete confirmation, but I'll give you what I think I heard from the devs or I think will happen.
1. The commanders and the players on the ground (alien and marine) will each have their own individual resource stream (I'll like to clarify that each player has own pool, all the ground players don't share one). Exactly how the two pool types differ I don't know yet.
2. I believe they said that they are going to keep the SE as long as possible and probably up to release. When 95% of their sales come from people who paid double for your game, it would be an unwise to remove that option.