Newbie Friendly Ns Servers Review
CplDavis
I hunt the arctic Snonos Join Date: 2003-01-09 Member: 12097Members
I hunt the arctic Snonos Join Date: 2003-01-09 Member: 12097Members
<div class="IPBDescription">FAM HERE YOU GO :P</div> Well In keeping in the spirite of MonsE’s "A Request To The Ns Community Everyone was new once" thread, I was thinking that for obvious reasons the theories at work here in the NS.org Forums should also be stressed elsewhere, such as in the servers.
DISCLAIMER: These are the results of my personal expiriences, It is very well possible you visited one of the below mentioned servers and had a worse/better time. So with that in mind dont flame me. No review is ever perfect.
So to find out just how newbie friendly the world of NS really is, I went deep undercover to find out for myself.
I changed my name from Davis-TSA[e] to NSPlayer and set out to a multitude of popular servers to rate them in the following categories.
Gameplay, Admins, Player environment, and Newbie environment.
The scale is 1 to 5 stars.
Here are the results from after playing 4-6 rounds in each server.
<b>Server name: Sleepless NS 1.04</b>
Gameplay: * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
This Server is a decent server play on and it’s and even better when there is an admin around. For the most part players get along with each other although there is also a fair share of n00b calling and commander bashing. However this server has a fairly diverse player range. When asking simple questions such as how to get upgrades or how where a location is some people where very helpful and others were , well not so helpful.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
<b>Server name: GI Joehosaphats House Natural Selection</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
This server has a smaller player base and it is an extremely friendly one. The players on both teams where more then helpful to teach me every part of NS I could ask about. I felt like I was in an interactive NS tutorial. When I played there where both male and female gamers present. What I liked the most was the diversity of tactics used. One round the marines used JP/HMG, the next they used only HA. One round they relocated and sieged. Every round the marines employed a different strategy. The same can be said with the Aliens.
The only draw back I could find with this server was the admins. If you go into this server I would HIGHLY suggest you use Cheating Death. Even though they make it optional if you do not have it, the admins will torment you to end with llama, kick, slaps, etc. However I have to give it to them that they do warn you of this upon connection to their server. When this happens the server is like living under the Taliban. And I don’t mean that in any good way. If anyone has seen the movie Equilibrium, the admins are like the cops that mow everyone down without any mercy or emotion.
Overall rating: 3 Stars With admins taken into account.
<b>Server name: Nano-Gridlock 1.04 Evolutionary Challeneged</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
My undercover research was going well until this guy named *cough cough FAM blew my cover lol. But I can’t blame him he was just doing his job. In this server you will stand a great chance of playing alongside (or running away in fear from) many NS.org celebrities such as Comprox, Fam, MonsE etc.
Admins are quick to respond to any and all potential/problems. Gameplay is smooth and there is tough competition here. If you feel you need a good thrashing come here. I play there often and from what I’ve seen new players are treated with respect and dignity.
And come on, this is the home of MonsE’s NS’s Special Olympics. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
If you can’t get into CoFR’s server come here for a good time. If you are a hacker or a trouble maker I wouldn’t recommend this server. It’s like trying to rob the local police station. Prepare to be “dealt with”.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: [CoFR]Fr31NS Alien Infest 1.04 1RSRV</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
If you do not know of this server there must be something wrong with you lol. Great admins, great people to play with. Lots of fun. Count on anyone with a CoFR or –TSA tag to help you out if you are a new player. The other server goers are mostly regulars so this is a great place to meet new friends in the NS community.
Cheating Death is required to play here. Swear filters are enforced and so are many other “Golden Rule” items. Good place for the whole family. If you break the rules don’t expect to play there ever again in the near future. And you do not want this to happen. Its like being banished from heaven.
NS_lost is a custom map you will want to have installed. Be forwarned you might have a
20 min wait to get into this server.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: TFZ 1 Natural Selection v1.04</b>
Gameplay: * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * *
This server isn’t perfect but still very enjoyable for newbie and veteran alike. The admins care for you but enforcement isn’t 100% there. When the players wanted to remove a player using some non allowed exploits it took 10 min. of Vote kicks to get rid of him.
Players here are overall very friendly and helpful to new players. This is more of your hi average end NS gaming pub server.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: STD v1.04 NS Server</b>
Gameplay: * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
This server has its own base of regular players. It has both decent admins and players. However players seem to use the same strats over an over. Its very repetitive but this seems to be a problem experienced on a broad basis in the public servers. There is a medium level of trouble makers when the admins are not around however the server community seems to deal with these problems themselves pretty well.
Like the TF2 server, players may choose to help you as a new player by quickly answering a question but you can get better new player help elsewhere.
Overall rating: 3.25 Stars
<b>Server name: Quick Frag.com | NSZone.uk #1 v1.05</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * *
This server is one of the few that utilizes several plug-ins to help “balance things out”
Admins here like to have a good time and they are responsive to trouble makers.
Newbie friendliness depends on who is playing the game however. Here you might find players who will be willing to help you out, or not.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: Roob’s *No Time for Muppets* NS 1.05 CD required</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
This is basically the European equivalent to the CoFR server.
Great players, good admins, and people to help you out. Many of our European -TSA
Members can be found here. Ask them for help or anyone of the other friendly server goers that can be found here.
Cheating Death is required to play.
Overall rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: PHXX.net |Frumpy Jones .NYC VOOGRU NS</b>
Gameplay: * * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
A fun and competitive server filled with a regular player base. Not the best choice for a newbie but bar far not the worst either. Play here for a good challenge and a few good hearted laughs. Not too big of a problem with trouble makers.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: [Wapole NS1] PokeyTang.com</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
A fun server moderated by TSA and others. A dedicated T3 server that has on several occasions run special New players Only training sessions to give new players a place to learn first hand how to do, well anything.
Rules are similar to the CoFR server. We try to keep it a family server here. Although it has been void if players recently we are hoping to see an influx when 1.1 is released.
Overall rating: 5 Stars (When there are people in it lol)
DISCLAIMER: These are the results of my personal expiriences, It is very well possible you visited one of the below mentioned servers and had a worse/better time. So with that in mind dont flame me. No review is ever perfect.
So to find out just how newbie friendly the world of NS really is, I went deep undercover to find out for myself.
I changed my name from Davis-TSA[e] to NSPlayer and set out to a multitude of popular servers to rate them in the following categories.
Gameplay, Admins, Player environment, and Newbie environment.
The scale is 1 to 5 stars.
Here are the results from after playing 4-6 rounds in each server.
<b>Server name: Sleepless NS 1.04</b>
Gameplay: * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
This Server is a decent server play on and it’s and even better when there is an admin around. For the most part players get along with each other although there is also a fair share of n00b calling and commander bashing. However this server has a fairly diverse player range. When asking simple questions such as how to get upgrades or how where a location is some people where very helpful and others were , well not so helpful.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
<b>Server name: GI Joehosaphats House Natural Selection</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
This server has a smaller player base and it is an extremely friendly one. The players on both teams where more then helpful to teach me every part of NS I could ask about. I felt like I was in an interactive NS tutorial. When I played there where both male and female gamers present. What I liked the most was the diversity of tactics used. One round the marines used JP/HMG, the next they used only HA. One round they relocated and sieged. Every round the marines employed a different strategy. The same can be said with the Aliens.
The only draw back I could find with this server was the admins. If you go into this server I would HIGHLY suggest you use Cheating Death. Even though they make it optional if you do not have it, the admins will torment you to end with llama, kick, slaps, etc. However I have to give it to them that they do warn you of this upon connection to their server. When this happens the server is like living under the Taliban. And I don’t mean that in any good way. If anyone has seen the movie Equilibrium, the admins are like the cops that mow everyone down without any mercy or emotion.
Overall rating: 3 Stars With admins taken into account.
<b>Server name: Nano-Gridlock 1.04 Evolutionary Challeneged</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
My undercover research was going well until this guy named *cough cough FAM blew my cover lol. But I can’t blame him he was just doing his job. In this server you will stand a great chance of playing alongside (or running away in fear from) many NS.org celebrities such as Comprox, Fam, MonsE etc.
Admins are quick to respond to any and all potential/problems. Gameplay is smooth and there is tough competition here. If you feel you need a good thrashing come here. I play there often and from what I’ve seen new players are treated with respect and dignity.
And come on, this is the home of MonsE’s NS’s Special Olympics. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
If you can’t get into CoFR’s server come here for a good time. If you are a hacker or a trouble maker I wouldn’t recommend this server. It’s like trying to rob the local police station. Prepare to be “dealt with”.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: [CoFR]Fr31NS Alien Infest 1.04 1RSRV</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
If you do not know of this server there must be something wrong with you lol. Great admins, great people to play with. Lots of fun. Count on anyone with a CoFR or –TSA tag to help you out if you are a new player. The other server goers are mostly regulars so this is a great place to meet new friends in the NS community.
Cheating Death is required to play here. Swear filters are enforced and so are many other “Golden Rule” items. Good place for the whole family. If you break the rules don’t expect to play there ever again in the near future. And you do not want this to happen. Its like being banished from heaven.
NS_lost is a custom map you will want to have installed. Be forwarned you might have a
20 min wait to get into this server.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: TFZ 1 Natural Selection v1.04</b>
Gameplay: * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * *
This server isn’t perfect but still very enjoyable for newbie and veteran alike. The admins care for you but enforcement isn’t 100% there. When the players wanted to remove a player using some non allowed exploits it took 10 min. of Vote kicks to get rid of him.
Players here are overall very friendly and helpful to new players. This is more of your hi average end NS gaming pub server.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: STD v1.04 NS Server</b>
Gameplay: * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
This server has its own base of regular players. It has both decent admins and players. However players seem to use the same strats over an over. Its very repetitive but this seems to be a problem experienced on a broad basis in the public servers. There is a medium level of trouble makers when the admins are not around however the server community seems to deal with these problems themselves pretty well.
Like the TF2 server, players may choose to help you as a new player by quickly answering a question but you can get better new player help elsewhere.
Overall rating: 3.25 Stars
<b>Server name: Quick Frag.com | NSZone.uk #1 v1.05</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * *
This server is one of the few that utilizes several plug-ins to help “balance things out”
Admins here like to have a good time and they are responsive to trouble makers.
Newbie friendliness depends on who is playing the game however. Here you might find players who will be willing to help you out, or not.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: Roob’s *No Time for Muppets* NS 1.05 CD required</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
This is basically the European equivalent to the CoFR server.
Great players, good admins, and people to help you out. Many of our European -TSA
Members can be found here. Ask them for help or anyone of the other friendly server goers that can be found here.
Cheating Death is required to play.
Overall rating: 5 Stars
<b>Server name: PHXX.net |Frumpy Jones .NYC VOOGRU NS</b>
Gameplay: * * * *
Admins: * * * *
Player Environment: * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * *
A fun and competitive server filled with a regular player base. Not the best choice for a newbie but bar far not the worst either. Play here for a good challenge and a few good hearted laughs. Not too big of a problem with trouble makers.
Overall rating: 3.75 Stars
<b>Server name: [Wapole NS1] PokeyTang.com</b>
Gameplay: * * * * *
Admins: * * * * *
Player Environment: * * * * *
Newbie Environment: * * * * *
A fun server moderated by TSA and others. A dedicated T3 server that has on several occasions run special New players Only training sessions to give new players a place to learn first hand how to do, well anything.
Rules are similar to the CoFR server. We try to keep it a family server here. Although it has been void if players recently we are hoping to see an influx when 1.1 is released.
Overall rating: 5 Stars (When there are people in it lol)
Comments
Good rating sytem and nice summaries, should do a few more in the future. Only problem is your opinion might be a little biased. You gave our server a 5 (Wadpole, not CoFR <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->). Although the admins are always nice and easygoing, theres generally nobody on, and when there are people on its either newbies or admins. So the gameplay suffers a little.
I don't mean to sound nitpicky but thats what I noticed.
Otherwise great job, must have taken much time and effort to get an accurate review of all these servers.
we do try to be nice to newbies as well, the one thing i cannot stand is a newbie who denies he is a newbie, and refuses to be helped (nothing like being a commander and a newbie refuses to follow your simple command of staying at base and defend, he runs off and trys knifing an OC.. some of em you can explain a 100 times why that wont help at all and they just dont get it) If a newbie joins the server, and i am not in the middle of some intense game (i mean really intense.. like aliens have 1 hive left and i am a skulk that has to kill 3 HA/HMGers.. ) I will be more than happy to help them out (as long as they still follow our rules)
Wimpy
And rating servers is a great idea, it must be very helpful for those looking for new servers to play on! The only thing I can suggest is to make the server titles bold for easier readabilty.
Good stuff.
207.44.180.88:27015 [CoFR]FR31NS-Alien Infest 1.04 1RSRV
...
Overall rating: 5 Stars
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
/me overcome with warm fuzzy feeling.
I sure Roob will be happy too <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> Nice idea to review servers like this, it helps those that care (like us) improve their service and it helps new players get to a good game.
* suddenly thought of idea for server review database, so everyone can contribute to score and comments * hmmm, not enough hours in the day but still...
Great work.
Does my hair look OK?
<!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Indeed, it's all too easy to say "nice review" when your server has 5 stars, but here goes anyway:
Nice review!
It's great that you've put in all the effort to do this, and it's certainly a help to the community.
I've included my server IP in the sig, for those who're wondering.
(and there has been (and continues to be) a big drive for imporvement of service on my server, so this review really comes at a good time for us)
Roo
i like the umbra, but i believe it works better in 1.1 because the hive health is lower. I believe the hive health on Nano at the moment is alot higher.
the Jetpack plug in is a total nightmare for me. I could barely fly the jetpack before, due to fps issues, but now i can barely take off! <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->
I understand why it needs to be there though. HA upgrades are used all the time on Nano now, after much "accidential" jetpack deaths... <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
It looks a bit windswept. Have you been...<i>frolicking</i>?
<!--QuoteBegin--Department Policy+--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Department Policy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
"<i>No member of the department shall wear leopardskin underpants to work, and all laboratories must be free of marsupials. <b>No frolicking, not now, not ever.</b> No worker shall address the Head of Department as 'Bi*ch'...</i>"<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
but it might be nice if the reviews where seperated - at least having the title in bold would help (as suggested earlier) and if the server IP:port and website address/contact e-mail (if they have one) could be supplied so that newbies know where to go and who to call. Ideally you'd have a click to join button by each one too and a current status... <!--QuoteBegin--"voice in head"+--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> ("voice in head")</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->stop. stop. STOP...<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sorry, I get carried away sometimes.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Heh thats a nice way of putting it. They have 0 tolerance for BS, but if your new and you communicate well, you shouldn't have any problems. I'm guessing that CoFR is one of the strictest servers out there in terms of language and attitute.
Although I don't agree with some of Roo's server rules (no F4, no early rushes), they do a nice job of admining the server. Thats also a very nice regulated server that you can find.
The rule, specifically, is "No All or nothing tactics" That means completely rushing tech and selling everything in base at the same time do achieve it (put simply). This rule is here to stop the 5 minute game mindset btw.
That quote isn't right either, you've included your own words in there!!
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
I do have a rule against F4 though.
Edit, and for the record I son't have a swear filter or ban on swearing, that quote is very confusing Keyser...
We try to treat newbies well, but we get so many of them... <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif'><!--endemo-->. I at least try to help out the ones that are useful. But when you get the kind of players that go "WHERE DO YOU GET THE BIG GUNS!?!! HOW DO I PICK UP MINES!" it gets kind of annoying. And its even worse when you ungorge a player, tell them why they shouldn't be gorging, and then they continue to evolve to gorg and run at the marines...
Sleepless (NS v1.04) 129.21.145.156:27015
Heh thats a nice way of putting it. They have 0 tolerance for BS <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
You guys always pretend to like me but look what you say behind my back! <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Great idea with the reviews, including IPs would make it more newbie friendly.
These reviews have been a major catalyst in changing my server around. We've just cleared out some "inactive" admins. We're going to be implementing some anti-bashing rules, after all we we're all nubs once. In addition we're going to be supporting the ungorge and eject voting commands. As this should minimize the abuse to new players. I hope everyone gets a chance to try all the above mentioned servers out. We're very honored that you even chose Sleepless for your reviews. It's definetly put us on a competition course for attaining a better approval for all types of players. We're looking foward to future reviews and seeing the new faces the forums can provide.
-mayhem
Sleepless (NS v1.04)
129.21.145.156:27015
Edit: omg Cpl.Davis i just remembered 1 or 2 days ago a NSPlayer came in and asked how to attack... lol that had to be you.... well im glad i helped you out <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> btw i think that most NSPlayer's know how to click the mouse to attack.... hehe
Sorry about that, it was VERY late when I posted, and I was slightly under the influence. Anyways I fixed it.
LOL Breakfast, its not my fault that you made your initials the same as bull plop.
Hey MonsE, is their any way we could get something akin's to Cpl.Davis's review system as an official page on the ReadyRoom.org? Maybe get some officially recognized reviewers, review systems to keep reviews as fair and as un-biased as possible.
This would be a great and easy way for newbies and seasoned players alike to find their ideal stomping grounds. Moreover it would encourage active administering of servers to ensure good press.
I'd be willing to help out code/review if you needed it.
Overall it'd be a great way to polish up the play and manners of the NS community and servers.
Thanks cpl!
[EDIT] Apologies for excessive use of "great". I was excited.
Amelek
Sl33pl3ss NS
ns.rh.rit.edu
By popular request I went back and made all the server names bold and here are the IPs to each server. Be aware these ips are the most current ones but they are subject to change whenever.
Sleepless NS 1.04
129.21.145.156:27015
GI Joehosaphats House Natural Selection
24.60.213.90:27015
Nano-Gridlock 1.04 Evolutionary Challeneged
64.237.35.100:27015
[CoFR]Fr31NS Alien Infest 1.04 1RSRV
207.44.180.88:27015
TFZ 1 Natural Selection v1.04
24.95.227.69:27015
STD v1.04 NS Server
65.170.14.108:27025
Quick Frag.com | NSZone.uk #1 v1.05
65.125.236.178:27015
Roob’s *No Time for Muppets* NS 1.05 CD required
163.1.180.217:27016
PHXX.net |Frumpy Jones .NYC VOOGRU NS
65.39.206.71:27015
[Wapole NS1] PokeyTang.com
66.100.1.5:27015
Great job Cpl. Davis, and thanks to all the server ops that make this sort of list possible! <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->