Natural Selection 2 News Update - Build 229 Beta Released on Steam

Hugh

Please post comments on the topic Natural Selection 2 News Update - Build 229 Beta Released on Steam here

xXGalahad1994Xx

One question, if I participate in the 229 beta build, will I be able to switch back to the standard build 228, whenever I want? Or do I have to re-download the entire game. Thanks!

jeffco

Will there be a change log? :)

rantology

No changes to the 6minute onos, can we get any info if it will be addressed?

a8085

Excellent news! Looking forward to test the new version.

Btw, how do I update my server for the beta patch? The news only seems to explain how to update for the clients.

Radiocage

<!--quoteo(post=2021423:date=Nov 13 2012, 12:48 AM:name=rantology)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rantology @ Nov 13 2012, 12:48 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021423"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->No changes to the 6minute onos, can we get any info if it will be addressed?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Pretty sure the post said not to post about any balance stuff. Considering this will evolve into a ridiculous discussion about this topic, I think it would be best to just leave this one alone.

HeatSurge

<!--quoteo(post=2021423:date=Nov 12 2012, 05:48 PM:name=rantology)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rantology @ Nov 12 2012, 05:48 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021423"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->No changes to the 6minute onos, can we get any info if it will be addressed?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

"<i>Please do not comment on balance</i>" >:-D.

But seriously, it'd be nice if they posted some kind of log. I'm not going to bother with this, sadly, but can anyone spot any obvious changes? It'd be interesting to know.

Is fade vertical shadow step back, and does blink still have a delay before swipe?

Hugh

<!--quoteo(post=2021417:date=Nov 13 2012, 10:43 AM:name=xXGalahad1994Xx)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xXGalahad1994Xx @ Nov 13 2012, 10:43 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021417"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->One question, if I participate in the 229 beta build, will I be able to switch back to the standard build 228, whenever I want? Or do I have to re-download the entire game. Thanks!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Yes, revert your Steam Properties for Natural Selection 2 to 'NONE - Opt out of all beta programs'


<!--quoteo(post=2021419:date=Nov 13 2012, 10:44 AM:name=jeffco)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jeffco @ Nov 13 2012, 10:44 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021419"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Will there be a change log? :)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Not likely. The purpose of this beta is to search for major, build breaking issues, not test individual changes.

<!--quoteo(post=2021423:date=Nov 13 2012, 10:48 AM:name=rantology)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rantology @ Nov 13 2012, 10:48 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021423"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->No changes to the 6minute onos, can we get any info if it will be addressed?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Please do not discuss balance issues in this thread. The purpose of the beta build is to test for major, game breaking issues, not test balance. We will look through this thread before publicly activating B229, and make sure there are not game-breaking problems.

<!--quoteo(post=2021425:date=Nov 13 2012, 10:50 AM:name=a8085)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (a8085 @ Nov 13 2012, 10:50 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021425"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Excellent news! Looking forward to test the new version.

Btw, how do I update my server for the beta patch? The news only seems to explain how to update for the clients.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

You can update your server by adding the beta command to the end of your steamcmd line, e.g. 'app_update 4940 -beta beta'

If you are running servers, we request that you only update a small proportion of them to the B229 beta, as we expect the number of users opting in to be low.

neilm86

UWE, thank you for this. Not just for the patch but inviting beta testers. Now I feel i can contribute more :D

Industry

Alt tabbing in fullscreen at 1920x1080 caused the game to crash. (I was idle in the ready room) The crash log submitter did not pop up and I had an error about the engine being in an unrecoverable state.

rantology

<!--quoteo(post=2021432:date=Nov 12 2012, 06:55 PM:name=Strayan (NS2HD))--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Strayan (NS2HD) @ Nov 12 2012, 06:55 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021432"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Please do not discuss balance issues in this thread. The purpose of the beta build is to test for major, game breaking issues, not test balance. We will look through this thread before publicly activating B229, and make sure there are not game-breaking problems.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

So is this build just a partial build? Or is 229 purely networking/optimization/technical fixes patch and no balance changes? There has been very little info released on what/when changes will come, so apologies for making assumptions. Just curious as to what to expect from 229.

phoenixbbs

"engine in an unrecoverable state" was indeed related to alt-tabbing in previous betas - and it was often caused by alt-tabbing out, then alt-tabbing back in, before the map had finished loading.

You might find that if you need to alt-tab out, wait until it should be completely loaded before switching back :-}

inveigle

Perhaps you can clarify something for me, will the Beta patch be a separate install? My reasoning for asking, is that if it is a case of either/or, than will not that have the potential of splitting the community?

Ryne

<!--quoteo(post=2021447:date=Nov 12 2012, 05:05 PM:name=inveigle)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (inveigle @ Nov 12 2012, 05:05 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021447"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Perhaps you can clarify something for me, will the Beta patch be a separate install? My reasoning for asking, is that if it is a case of either/or, than will not that have the potential of splitting the community?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


If you want to play beta, do the instructions they have to opt-in.

If you want to go back to normal, go back to the settings and switch it off Beta.

neilm86

<!--quoteo(post=2021447:date=Nov 13 2012, 01:05 AM:name=inveigle)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (inveigle @ Nov 13 2012, 01:05 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021447"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Perhaps you can clarify something for me, will the Beta patch be a separate install? My reasoning for asking, is that if it is a case of either/or, than will not that have the potential of splitting the community?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


This is an awesome idea, i think there are a lot fo people in the community that would like two builds to beta test and play the game normally. I wonder if this can be done.

Zek

If it's possible to implement it would definitely be ideal to have a separate beta install. If you have to switch your game back and forth I think a lot fewer people will want to go through the hassle.

Volcano

I will be doing this expect pages of bug reports from me

wiry

Isn't it time to stop calling it build 228, 229 etc? 1.0 god damn it! or 1.0.1 I guess. :D

Jakkar

Slight problem - there are only beta servers in the USA. The rest of us will have to host our own to participate very effectively in the beta, or to have much fun doing it. I don't have that capacity. Opting out of the beta, for the moment - I'd like to help, but not at the expense of being lagged to death and not being able to enjoy the game.

HeatSurge

<!--quoteo(post=2021446:date=Nov 12 2012, 06:04 PM:name=phoenixbbs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phoenixbbs @ Nov 12 2012, 06:04 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021446"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->"engine in an unrecoverable state" was indeed related to alt-tabbing in previous betas - and it was often caused by alt-tabbing out, then alt-tabbing back in, before the map had finished loading.

You might find that if you need to alt-tab out, wait until it should be completely loaded before switching back :-}<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Actually if I alt-tab out of the game when it's already loaded and then back in, I get a crash sometimes with 228.

If I alt-tab during main menu or loading it's actually fine. It's just black screen until it actually loads. Ready room is also usually OK. Alt-tabbing in mid-late game seems to crash pretty often.

I think generally the more "full" the texture (video+system) memory is, the more it seems to crash.

GTX 480, Win7 x64, latest beta drivers.

nSidia

<!--quoteo(post=2021437:date=Nov 12 2012, 05:01 PM:name=rantology)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rantology @ Nov 12 2012, 05:01 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021437"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->So is this build just a partial build? Or is 229 purely networking/optimization/technical fixes patch and no balance changes? There has been very little info released on what/when changes will come, so apologies for making assumptions. Just curious as to what to expect from 229.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

expect some holes...

<img src="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8696/62270698.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2908/58354816.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9226/85475798.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2015/51792605.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/8900/62439154.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8034/72203525.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
no bottom to the face lol dux come on man.
<img src="http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6820/51911120.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Industry

<!--quoteo(post=2021446:date=Nov 12 2012, 06:04 PM:name=phoenixbbs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phoenixbbs @ Nov 12 2012, 06:04 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021446"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->"engine in an unrecoverable state" was indeed related to alt-tabbing in previous betas - and it was often caused by alt-tabbing out, then alt-tabbing back in, before the map had finished loading.

You might find that if you need to alt-tab out, wait until it should be completely loaded before switching back :-}<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

As per my post I was completely loaded and in the ready room. At no point did I alt tab during the loading process.

Typhon

So, I know we're not supposed to comment on balance, but I don't know if this is a bug or balance issue.

Crags heal really, really, really fast in 229. 5 marines couldn't even touch a hive being healed by 2 or 3 crags. I'm not sure we even killed a single crag, once we realized we couldn't hurt the hive.

Regen also works in combat now. Again, not sure if balance or bug. It seemed pretty op.

HeatSurge

So I guess it's back to the invulnerable cragspam in 219(?), lulz. Well, it should be fun.

ChickenOfWar

Wait so the purpose of the beta is just to have people play the game and hopefully help to find game-breaking issues? Cause its kind of hard for me to test things without any patch notes.

Sehzade

<!--quoteo(post=2021478:date=Nov 13 2012, 02:38 AM:name=ChickenOfWar)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ChickenOfWar @ Nov 13 2012, 02:38 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021478"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Wait so the purpose of the beta is just to have people play the game and hopefully help to find game-breaking issues? Cause its kind of hard for me to test things without any patch notes.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

sometimes things break you thought you did not touch. just play normally and see if anything happens.

nSidia

mobetta... no more like moholes

<img src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2015/moholes.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

warbucks

I updated one of my servers to B229 and it doesn't appear in the server browser list.

weezl

As marine com, in docking, in terminal, on the slightly lowered floor which the techpoint is on. A few builds ago it was a deathtrap to place anything there, it either didn't want to or it disappeared or never appeared after placing. Just now there was a little bit of that remaining:
I placed a robo near the north plants, sound played, but no robo appeared, I placed again watching the res and same thing plus res is deducted!

MrStinko

There is a bug with the Delux armor where the visor doesnt show but the blue light infront of the face does.

extollo

<!--quoteo(post=2021475:date=Nov 12 2012, 08:35 PM:name=Typhon)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Typhon @ Nov 12 2012, 08:35 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2021475"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->So, I know we're not supposed to comment on balance, but I don't know if this is a bug or balance issue.

Crags heal really, really, really fast in 229. 5 marines couldn't even touch a hive being healed by 2 or 3 crags. I'm not sure we even killed a single crag, once we realized we couldn't hurt the hive.

Regen also works in combat now. Again, not sure if balance or bug. It seemed pretty op.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

instead of being a fixed rate crag heal is based on a % of the entity being healed - bound by a max.

229: local heal = math.min(target:GetMaxHealth() * Crag.kHealPercentage + Crag.kMinHeal, Crag.kMaxHeal)
the kMinHeal is equal to the old Crag heal rate.. with the extra being 5% of the lifeforms max health.

per 229 code.. Regen is at a 20% rate in combat...

BTW, there isnt a ton of other changes in the code. grenade whack was changed- no maturity required, goes back towards originator with a random vector offset. egg spawn was refactored (not sure of the impact from reading diffs). vortex energy reduced a bit. miscellaneous bug fixes.

above comments based on quick diff with 228 lua....

edit #2: i'm not trying to stir up any balance discussions here.. just noting the scope of what is in 229 from a lua perspective.