I'm playing Natural
Selection 2, an online first-person shooter / real-time
strategy hybrid by Unknown
Worlds Entertainment.
Natural Selection 2 is an online game
(although there are tutorial videos and a solo practice mode) born
from a modification, with fleshed-out mechanics and vastly improved
graphics (the unit models and level detail are especially notable).
The interface is informative (especially on the marine side), with
on-screen icons indicating nearby structures that need to be built
and friendly units under attack. The two adversaries are distinct
(although some of the same themes are repeated, such as building and
unit roles), offering more traditional marines and an esoteric
collection of alien beings. Resource points and secondary bases
scattered around each map can be captured to unlock new weapons or
better lifeforms. Each side has one commander who plays from an
overhead perspective (like a real-time strategy game), placing
structures, queuing research, dropping supplies, and alerting players
of in-game events. The aliens spawn from eggs and can only build in
areas covered with green infestation, placing defensive whips,
cloaking shades, healing crags, and various upgrade structures that
grant new abilities. In addition to the default wall-climbing skulk,
the aliens can evolve into the healing-building gorge, the flying
lerk, the stealthy fade, and the tank-like onos. For the marines,
their structures must be powered, researching new weapons (shotguns,
flamethrowers, grenade launchers) or items (jetpacks, robotic suits),
in addition to quickly warping between phase gates and placing sentry
guns for defense. The end result is a very satisfying competitive
game that requires teamwork and coordination; Natural Selection 2 is
best when the commander is barking out orders and the other players
move together towards the next objective. The strategy components add
a lot more meaning to the objectives: it’s not just “stand at
this flag”, rather you are trying to build your economy to afford
the weapons required to take down the enemy base. The map layouts are
varied enough where multiple build strategies can be used (offense,
territory control, upgrades, stealth), and the game balance seems to
be fair. The fast-moving aliens and slow-moving marines provide an
interesting balance, especially when most shooters just feature men
with guns for both sides. Those looking for a more thoughtful shooter
experience need to look no further than Natural Selection 2.
