infestation

Racer1

<div class="IPBDescription">what should it look like</div>What should infestation look like? How should it grow?

The proof-of-concept infestation from the old engine was very moss-like:
<img src="http://www2.fileplanet.com/images/170000/171048ss_sm2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

However, it doesn't have to look like this. It could be different textures and colors. Maybe even look different based on some upgrade ability? It could even emit vapor (steam). There are many options. Here are a few. (These images are not mine - only to be used for inspiration).

Spikey:
<img src="http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/224638/224638,1269817627,21/stock-photo-close-up-of-spikey-exotic-thorn-tree-49772761.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Choral:
<img src="http://www.zengalleria.com/images/aquarium/CRW_2603.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Bushy:
<img src="http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/6482751/2/istockphoto_6482751-red-bush.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Bubbling (perhaps an animated texture is too much, but it would still look cool):
<img src="http://tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Scandinavia/Iceland/Mud_Pots_Fumaroles/slides/Iceland_0837-Mud_Pot.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Grassy:
<img src="http://static-p3.fotolia.com/jpg/00/06/78/24/400_F_6782477_c7YRb9akMSm0ltEOsaIpiGGMtaUvY1d1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Deadzone

I think the main reason the infestation looks like it does, is because it matches the texturing on a lot of the Aliens themselves. In NS1 the aliens had an even more pronounced mossy-with-veins look than they do in NS2.

I think it might be cool to have elements of what you suggested in there (occasional patches of grassy things, or hard plates covering certain spots), but on a whole I like the mossy goo. Not to mention, since the alien lore is based a lot around bacteria, something gooey and gross is pretty appropriate imo

Dank McShwagger

My assumption of what DI will look like is at the end of the very first teaser trailer where the onos bursts through the door. At the end of that trailer the NS2 logo is consumed by what I would imagine is what DI is going to look like... which is pretty much the concept DI with higher definition.

ZycaR

But textures can be somehow animated and moving to get "It's alive"-like feeling :)

PsiWarp

I like the infestation at the end of the teaser, being green and disgusting, squishy and tendril-y. It's like slime mold meets moss with a side of creeper plants.

twiliteblue

<!--quoteo(post=1830561:date=Feb 9 2011, 06:43 AM:name=Deadzone)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Deadzone @ Feb 9 2011, 06:43 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1830561"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I think the main reason the infestation looks like it does, is because it matches the texturing on a lot of the Aliens themselves. In NS1 the aliens had an even more pronounced mossy-with-veins look than they do in NS2.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

At the time of the proof-of-concept video, the mossy texture certainly did match the skin of the Kharaas in NS. But in NS2, the aliens now have a blue-gray and orange, leathery appearance (see picture).
<img src="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/wiki/images/6/62/Skulkcompare.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Thus the Dynamic Infestation graphics is probably in the process of being remade to match those of the new breed of Kharaas.