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What is Natural Selection 2?
NS2 is a team based game that pits aliens versus marines and mixes FPS and RTS gameplay. One player on each team takes the role of the commander, who plays the game like a RTS while the rest of the team plays the game like a normal FPS. Matches usually consist of teams controlling areas of the map which grant resources to the commander, who in turn uses them to increase the strength of their team and construct buildings. Victory is achieved when one team wipes out all of the opponents commanding buildings.
Marines are not very different from what you may expect from a futuristic shooter. Beginning with a standard assault rifle, marines can be granted access to shotguns, jetpacks, exosuits, and more. Commanders may also support their team with phase gates that teleport marines across the map, ammo and medkit drops, and distress beacons that recall all marines to the sight of an alien attack.
The Kharaa (aliens) play a lot differently. Players begin as a skulk, a four-legged alien similar to a wolf. As upgrades are built, skulks may morph into one of the four alien species depending on which role they want to play. Alien play usually consists of hit-and-run tactics as skulks may run on walls/ceilings and ventilation shafts that are spread throughout each map, Lurkers fly around the map to spread poison and pick off individual players, and Fades have the ability to blink into marines, kill them quickly, then blink out and recover. Upgrades include being stealthed while not attacking, ability to regenerate health, and special abilities for each of the five alien classes.
Videos!
Launch Trailer
NS2 main youtube channel
Some recent competitive play with commentary
Where to find NS2!
Currently available on Steam for $25, I would advise to check the recommended specs on the main site before buying it though.