After extensive playtesting and feedback, NS v2.01 is now ready for download! This is a server-side patch only, so only servers need to download it. Regular NS players will get the patch benefits from joining v2.01 servers. If you host LAN games though, you will want to download this patch. [file=changelogs/v201-changelog.html]Click here[/file] for the changelog.
Many thanks to Redphive.org for hosting this file for us. File mirrors, please don't e-mail us with your updated links, as we don't need any more for such a small update.
Download NS v2.01 (server operators only, win32/linux included, 1.6 megs)
The NS Team is starting to explore new gameplay modes for NS, especially ones to work with small numbers of inexperienced players. So it's our pleasure to announce that we're starting development on "Natural Selection: Combat"!
Natural Selection: Combat is a fast and furious alternate NS gameplay mode, where waves of marines and aliens fight each other in a short timed game. Players are rewarded for kills by gaining access to better equipment, upgrades, abilities or lifeforms. A team wins if it has a higher combined level when the time elapses, or manages to kill the entire team at once. This gameplay mode should excel with small numbers of players, even ones with no experience with NS' commander mode, tech tree or resource model. The team is just starting development on this mode, and we hope to include it in NS v2.1. Got comments?
If you would like to create a map for this game type, or if you want to get more information on this upcoming mode, the [file=Mapping_Guidelines.html]Mapping Guidelines[/file] have been updated to v2.1.2 with more information (see Appendix C). We are looking for a map or two to test this gameplay as soon as possible, so be sure to send your work to the team.
In v2.01 news, there is one remaining issue with bile bomb, that is about to start testing. Once we see that the problem has been resolved, we will announce the release of 2.01 everyone. NS v2.01 definitely represents the best NS yet.
In Steam news, there is still a lot of confusion in regards to NS and WON ids. We are working with VALVe to get NS officially on Steam as soon as possible. Look for an announcement shortly.
There are lots of things happening around the NS community right now. Here we go.
The NS store has been updated with some great new gear! If you like NS 2.0, maybe you want "the eye" printed on a heavyweight semi-gloss poster as shown to the right? Click here to see the new 2.0 merchandise. Also, if you haven't gotten a NS v1.0 shirt, you might want to get it now, as they won't be available for much longer.
"evil | Turtle of the Evil clan writes to inform everyone about an upcoming 6v6 tournament with cash prizes! More details and signup info can be found here or by writing the Turtle directly.
XP-Cagey has released [file=Mapping_Guidelines.html]v2.1.1 of the NS mapping guidelines[/file]. Write him if you have any questions.
There has been a lot of questions recently, with VALVe's release of Steam. Everyone wants to know if NS will appear on Steam, and more importantly, will their existing WONids work on Steam? How about Constellation and other icons? The truth is, we have no idea. No information has been relayed to the team, so we have no idea if we have to do anything or not. You can probably assume that things will continue to work for you though, and that NS will be appear on Steam in the near future. For late-breaking info as it develops, check this forum thread. If you want to run NS through Steam before it's officially supported, select fmod.dll and the ns folder in your Half-life directory, and copy them to your Steam\SteamApps\Half-life directory. You may see crashes or weird problems with it, but the initial reports are good.
Tonight is a big an exciting CAL clan match! With their unbelievable reactions and FPS skills, sYn seemed to be the reining king of NS v1.04. HAM is great in this department, but is also on the cutting edge of 2.0x strategy. This will not be a game to miss. Thanks to Nucleargamer everyone can tune in to "NSTV". If you have NS installed, just click here to watch the game. It all starts around 8pm EST tonight. Check #syn or #findnsscrim on Gamesnet for more information. If you want to see the top of current NS strategy, you won't want to miss this match.
Finally, NS v2.01 is in the final stages of testing and balance, and should be released shortly. Most public and clan players alike seem to think 2.01 is the best NS yet. Check the Public Beta forum (no longer available) as always to download or play the beta and give feedback.