Natural Selection 2 Pre Release FAQ

General

Estimated Release Date of: Fall 2010. Source
Minimum System Requirements of: A 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, a DirectX 9 level graphics card, Windows 2000/XP/ME/98, mouse, keyboard and of course, an internet connection. Source
NS2 is using a custom engine. NS2 started life on the Counter-Strike: Source/HL2 Episode 1 source branch but has since moved to our own custom engine. All the gameplay code was written in Lua so most of the game translated over smoothly. Source
No map compilation needed. Maps are automatically computed when they are ran Source
Due to the move to Steam distribution refunds are almost likely no longer possible Source

Steam

NS2 will be using steamworks for player validation, server browser auto updates and friends. all pre-orders will receive a new steam specific key Source

Gameplay

Combat mode (CO) will not be included with the release of NS2 but, may be added at a future date via the scripting engine. Source

Marine

Marines are no longer needed to build buildings, the commander is now able to build structures by himself. Using automated builder units to do the actual building. Source
Powergrid System - using a supply based system where marine structures become deactivated if they are not linked back to the command chair. Also has a visual effect in that rooms will “power up” with lights flickering on, computers whirring to life, etc when they are linked back to the command chair as a resource tower is built. Source More Info
Ability to have a second commander. Simply drop a command center in a room and a second commander can then build in that room, even if the powergrid is cut off from the main command center. Source
Weapons are now purchased via the armory by individual players, instead of dropped via the commander. Source
Phase Gates (PGs) have been removed from the game and are going to be replaced by as of yet unknown system. Source
Squads are now assigned automatically into groups of marines that you are close to.
The LMG now has an alt fire - melee rifle butt attack. Source
Flamethrower concept is being heavily considered. Source
Possible Inclusion of the old Nuclear weapons (Pre NS 1.0). Source
The machine gun now serves a dual purpose as it can now be upgraded to fire grenades. Source
Siege canons are now built at the marine base and are moved by the commander to a firing position. In all likihood the marines will have to guard the siege canon as it moves to prevent it being destroyed by the kharaa. Source
Commander height will be variable Source
Marines wearing heavy armor will be able to dual wield (mouse 1 fires left hadn weapon and mouse 2 fires right hand weapon). Source
Marines now start with an infantry portal Source
Sentries now can only fire within a 90 degree firing arc Source
The automated builders the commander use are now officially called M.A.C. Source

Kharaa

New Unit called "nymphs" which are similar to the marine builder bots and has an ability to blind marines. Source
The Gorge is no longer the main builder class but, is still able to build offence chambers and other structures. Source
The Fade has had his blink mechanic changed. For those who remember in NS 1.0 it served as a massive speed boost then in changed to a type of teleport. Now the mechanic is being changed again. Source
Onos is able to break down doors Source
New Spawn system linked to the new "nymphs" . Eggs are formed on the floor surrounding a hive (10-15 eggs) and players can choose from which egg to spawn from so marines do not know which egg actually has a player inside. Source
New Commander role for the Kharaa.
Gorge Abilities: Spit (spit a projectile that does damage to marines and structures, alt spit is slower but does increased damage), Health Spray heals team mates and buildings, Damage Soak an armored protection ability and the ability to produce chambers (offence and defence) Source
Onos Abilities: Gore (hits targets with his horns and breaks open welded doors), Bone shield (forms an impenetrable shield of armor that takes no damage from any attacks from the front) and Stomp (sends out a front shockwave disabling buildings and disrupting the aim of marines.) Source
Lerk Abilities: Spikes (his main attack is a rapid-fire spike attack), Zoomed Spikes (zoomed in sniper mode which will pin marines to a wall if it kills them), Spores (t shoots a spore projectile that becomes a lingering spore cloud where it hits) and Roost (when near a ceiling to flip upside down and roost there.) Source
Skulk Abilities: Wall Running (allows the skulk to walk on almost all surfaces), Bite and Leap (allows the skulk to leap through the air and bite the enemy at the same time) Source
Offence chambers can now be placed on walls and ceilings (they are now called Hydras) Source