Alien Evolution and Marine Technology
kira`
Join Date: 2010-07-25 Member: 72787Members
Join Date: 2010-07-25 Member: 72787Members
<div class="IPBDescription">makes no sense</div>So it was to my understanding that in this intergalactic war between the Marines and the Aliens time had passed and both sides had evolved and innovated. So aliens evolved to have armor on different parts of their body and I assume new abilities. Marines on the other side have improved their current technology and possibly created new weapons.
Now here is where I see a problem.
Marine technology doesn't seem to have advanced as the devs claim. It just seems to have gotten bulkier.
Marine lmg: <img src="http://www.fileshack.com/images/finclude/images/natural_hl_2510_player3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Note that it has a (unusable) scope and has a light build. In NS2, in a screenshot viewable <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> the rifle is bulky, has no scope(despite lack of use) and takes up nearly a quarter of the screen.
If it's bulkier to explain the ammo counter which is now present, get rid of the ammo counter, if it's purpose is to eliminate the need for small numbers in the bottom right telling me how many bullets I have. The purpose has been defeated by the bulkiness of this gun.
The <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/screenshot_lerks.jpg" target="_blank">pistol</a> is another great example, it has a very boxy, short shape to it. In <a href="http://www.brywright.co.uk/gallery/albums/weapons/pistol.thumb.gif" target="_blank">NS1</a> the pistol was sleeker, slimmer and seemed maybe an inch longer.
The NS2 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E8dOerSVTA" target="_blank">shotgun</a> is yet another needlessly bulky weapon. It takes up way too much place in the screen as with the lmg and has another useless ammo counter that looks like it could snap off like a piece of flimsy plastic. Not only is the (useless) ammo counter flimsy it also has a placement that makes 0 sense. If I had a gun with an ammo counter there in real life, how am i looking through the sights if a stupid ammo counter is in the way. Another issue, top loading shotgun? Seriously? Did the discussion about the shotgun happen this way: "Well we've already side-loaded, bottom loaded, lets top load the shotgun!" Ok sure. Have your top load shotgun but at least have it make sense as to where the shells are going inside the gun. And once again, instead of intelligent innovation we have another bulky, ugly boxy model of a gun that used to be this slimmer, effective <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNRZnm6ZS2I" target="_blank">shotgun</a>.
This problem of bulkiness seems to be a growing trend in all marine technology. It's as if the devs wanted innovation but didn't know how to incorporate it into their already futuristic devices. So after playing Halo they decided to add in ammo counters on EVERY gun and make them bulkier. Because more, is better, right? Not exactly, if you look at most technology(irl) as it is increasing in efficiency it also tends to reduce in size.
Onto the marine armor: in <a href="http://www.spitefulcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ns32game1ow0-1.jpg" target="_blank">NS1</a> the Marine armor featured a sort of visor that could explain easy access to map and contact with the commander as well as eye protection. The new marine armor not only lacks a visor of any sort but also seems to be more lightweight. Considering that they're fighting aliens who can bite off an entire leg I don't understand why their armor would be lighter and not protect the back of the leg(as seen in the screenshot of the lmg).
<b>Alien Evolutionary problems</b>
Let's start with the <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/kharaa_gorge_render.jpg" target="_blank">Gorge</a>. The gorge has become more armored than before, yes I understand that despite it not being a fighter class. But I think that the people in charge of this didn't take into account where the aliens were getting hit and why they needed armor there. I don't know about you but I've shot my fair share of running gorges in the back more than I have shot a gorge in the face. Sure it makes evolutionary sense to protect the brain since it is the most vital. But little flakes on the <b>front</b> side of the hind legs makes little sense. If the gorge's sides and back had grown more armor I would have fully agreed.
Now onto the <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/kharaa_skulk_render.jpg" target="_blank">Skulk</a>. The skulk has grown armor along the spine, face and front legs. I don't know about shooting skulks in the legs but once again I'm quite certain the side of the skulks took much more fire than the front legs. Either by marines in a squad protecting their team or just getting shot while crossing a doorway. Also, the skulk seems to have grown in <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg" target="_blank">size</a>. Judging from the screenshot a skulk might as well be a thirteen year old mutated child.
Now for the <a href="http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/100/1001060/natural-selection-2-20090702045844657-000.jpg" target="_blank">Onos</a>. The onos has full armor on the front side of the body. But once again how many times have the marines been unloading into it's retreating behind or shooting at it's sides and back while in a large room. The onos really seems to be inviting marines to just shoot it in its big, soft meaty body.
Either evolution has failed the aliens or their bodies have evolved to need lead to live.
Point of this? Most of the NS2 stuff makes no sense. Please make it make sense.
Now here is where I see a problem.
Marine technology doesn't seem to have advanced as the devs claim. It just seems to have gotten bulkier.
Marine lmg: <img src="http://www.fileshack.com/images/finclude/images/natural_hl_2510_player3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Note that it has a (unusable) scope and has a light build. In NS2, in a screenshot viewable <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> the rifle is bulky, has no scope(despite lack of use) and takes up nearly a quarter of the screen.
If it's bulkier to explain the ammo counter which is now present, get rid of the ammo counter, if it's purpose is to eliminate the need for small numbers in the bottom right telling me how many bullets I have. The purpose has been defeated by the bulkiness of this gun.
The <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/screenshot_lerks.jpg" target="_blank">pistol</a> is another great example, it has a very boxy, short shape to it. In <a href="http://www.brywright.co.uk/gallery/albums/weapons/pistol.thumb.gif" target="_blank">NS1</a> the pistol was sleeker, slimmer and seemed maybe an inch longer.
The NS2 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E8dOerSVTA" target="_blank">shotgun</a> is yet another needlessly bulky weapon. It takes up way too much place in the screen as with the lmg and has another useless ammo counter that looks like it could snap off like a piece of flimsy plastic. Not only is the (useless) ammo counter flimsy it also has a placement that makes 0 sense. If I had a gun with an ammo counter there in real life, how am i looking through the sights if a stupid ammo counter is in the way. Another issue, top loading shotgun? Seriously? Did the discussion about the shotgun happen this way: "Well we've already side-loaded, bottom loaded, lets top load the shotgun!" Ok sure. Have your top load shotgun but at least have it make sense as to where the shells are going inside the gun. And once again, instead of intelligent innovation we have another bulky, ugly boxy model of a gun that used to be this slimmer, effective <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNRZnm6ZS2I" target="_blank">shotgun</a>.
This problem of bulkiness seems to be a growing trend in all marine technology. It's as if the devs wanted innovation but didn't know how to incorporate it into their already futuristic devices. So after playing Halo they decided to add in ammo counters on EVERY gun and make them bulkier. Because more, is better, right? Not exactly, if you look at most technology(irl) as it is increasing in efficiency it also tends to reduce in size.
Onto the marine armor: in <a href="http://www.spitefulcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ns32game1ow0-1.jpg" target="_blank">NS1</a> the Marine armor featured a sort of visor that could explain easy access to map and contact with the commander as well as eye protection. The new marine armor not only lacks a visor of any sort but also seems to be more lightweight. Considering that they're fighting aliens who can bite off an entire leg I don't understand why their armor would be lighter and not protect the back of the leg(as seen in the screenshot of the lmg).
<b>Alien Evolutionary problems</b>
Let's start with the <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/kharaa_gorge_render.jpg" target="_blank">Gorge</a>. The gorge has become more armored than before, yes I understand that despite it not being a fighter class. But I think that the people in charge of this didn't take into account where the aliens were getting hit and why they needed armor there. I don't know about you but I've shot my fair share of running gorges in the back more than I have shot a gorge in the face. Sure it makes evolutionary sense to protect the brain since it is the most vital. But little flakes on the <b>front</b> side of the hind legs makes little sense. If the gorge's sides and back had grown more armor I would have fully agreed.
Now onto the <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/kharaa_skulk_render.jpg" target="_blank">Skulk</a>. The skulk has grown armor along the spine, face and front legs. I don't know about shooting skulks in the legs but once again I'm quite certain the side of the skulks took much more fire than the front legs. Either by marines in a squad protecting their team or just getting shot while crossing a doorway. Also, the skulk seems to have grown in <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/storage/squad.jpg" target="_blank">size</a>. Judging from the screenshot a skulk might as well be a thirteen year old mutated child.
Now for the <a href="http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/100/1001060/natural-selection-2-20090702045844657-000.jpg" target="_blank">Onos</a>. The onos has full armor on the front side of the body. But once again how many times have the marines been unloading into it's retreating behind or shooting at it's sides and back while in a large room. The onos really seems to be inviting marines to just shoot it in its big, soft meaty body.
Either evolution has failed the aliens or their bodies have evolved to need lead to live.
Point of this? Most of the NS2 stuff makes no sense. Please make it make sense.
Comments
It's just an aesthetic choice.
The advances will be visible in new weapons and such. The gorge and onos were changed a huge deal. That's advancement.
Wait for the game. If you don't like it, I'll pay you 40 dollars and you don't ever have to play the game again.
<!--quoteo(post=1782947:date=Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM:name=kira`)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kira` @ Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1782947"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->If I had a gun with an ammo counter there in real life<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1782947:date=Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM:name=kira`)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kira` @ Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1782947"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->ammo counter there in real life<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1782947:date=Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM:name=kira`)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kira` @ Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1782947"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->in real life<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Natural Selection 2 is not real life.
Also, to answer the above question about the shotgun:
Typically, when you are trying to accurately shoot something (in "REAL LIFE"), one doesn't attempt to look at two things at once. I think the ammo counter on the side would be used more for the times in between shooting, one can take a look down the side of his shotgun rather than counting the number of shots he took.
Natural Selection is a GAME therefore, every model is built with the idea in mind that it will be more helpful towards the PLAYER.
This results in the marines needed to move towards higher fire powered weapons to maintain the same overall effectiveness in combat, which increased the overall size of the gun.
Happy?
Not bothered by the ammo counter on the side which displays ammo with little lights. I'm referring to the flimsy second ammo counter mounted on the rail. Which renders the iron sight UNUSABLE. Think before posting.
Bulky models taking up a quarter of my screen do not help me. I was fine with a lightweight model and small translucent numbers at the bottom right.
<!--quoteo(post=1783260:date=Jul 25 2010, 09:49 PM:name=scott.exe)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (scott.exe @ Jul 25 2010, 09:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783260"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The aliens evolved to have more armor (as seen in the concepts and gameplay), thus marine guns weren't doing the damage they needed to do.
This results in the marines needed to move towards higher fire powered weapons to maintain the same overall effectiveness in combat, which increased the overall size of the gun.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Did you even read my post?
<!--quoteo(post=1783295:date=Jul 25 2010, 10:51 PM:name=WatchMaker)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (WatchMaker @ Jul 25 2010, 10:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783295"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Gun nerds are the worse kind of nerds. Just when I forget this, I am reminded.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sorry no. Grammar nerds are. "Worst" would have been the appropriate word.
Be more specific in your original post.
Although, I do see what you are talking about; the numerical ammo counter on the rear "iron-sight" of the shotgun. And in regards to that, if you look at it closely you can tell that the counter is somewhat transparent. So, technically, this still COULD be seen through as a rear iron-sight. Also, keep in mind that this is still (pre?)alpha and the models may not be as polished as they could be.
Have you ever been hunting/ used a <a href="http://www.unitedsportsmen-nd.org/Raffle/Benelli%20Ultra%20Light%2012%20guage%202.gif" target="_blank">shotgun</a> before?
Most shotguns do not even have a rear iron-sight because shotguns are not meant to be as accurate as a rifle. Shotguns usually only need to rely on a front iron-sight sometimes called a "bead", giving the shooter a more <i>general</i> firing range. While shotguns are slow, somewhat inaccurate, and have limited range they compensate with power and bullet spread.
But really man, if it bothers you that much.. get creative and skin a new one yourself.
In fact, I did.
<!--quoteo(post=1782947:date=Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM:name=kira`)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kira` @ Jul 25 2010, 01:23 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1782947"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Now here is where I see a problem.
Marine technology doesn't seem to have advanced as the devs claim. It just seems to have gotten bulkier.
[...]
This problem of bulkiness seems to be a growing trend in all marine technology. So after playing Halo they decided to add in ammo counters on EVERY gun and make them bulkier. Because more, is better, right? Not exactly, if you look at most technology(irl) as it is increasing in efficiency it also tends to reduce in size.
[...]
Point of this? Most of the NS2 stuff makes no sense. Please make it make sense.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1783260:date=Jul 25 2010, 08:49 PM:name=scott.exe)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (scott.exe @ Jul 25 2010, 08:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783260"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The aliens evolved to have more armor (as seen in the concepts and gameplay), thus marine guns weren't doing the damage they needed to do.
This results in the marines needed to move towards higher fire powered weapons to maintain the same overall effectiveness in combat, which increased the overall size of the gun.
Happy?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
apparently you'll never be happy
:(
Buy a wider/bigger monitor.
I have a 28" 1200p monitor, 1920x1200, and still takes up about 25% of my screen with it's uglyness. I am for one not in favor of these "unique" futuristic, yet bulky ass weapons, as these remind me doom 3. Needlessly bulky, and too "advanced" looking as we all know, no weapon that fires bullets will never look like these portrayed. It's not even reasonable.
<!--quoteo(post=1783207:date=Jul 25 2010, 07:00 PM:name=CPCheebs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CPCheebs @ Jul 25 2010, 07:00 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783207"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Natural Selection 2 is not real life.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Hello Mr. Obvious. The gaming industry has long tried to develop methods of making things such as physics and detail as realistic as possible, and have been very successful. Yet people still continue to be completely ignorant when it comes to people having more ideas to provide realistic or logical reasoning behind aesthetic or small details.
Post when your age is > 13.
--------------
Kira, the angle of your weapon in your screenshot is quite disturbing. In my game, the gun is no where near as tilted to the left as yours. Was it during a reload? That's still quite a bit of screen space missing. You also make very excellent points. Well formed post.
Its not just a video game, its a strategy game who all points can count.
Noone play anymore 'shot games' just because have a nice weapons and good images.
All strategy counts.
/thread
Looks are for cool, balance is for playability, and fun is the point.
Post when your age is > 13.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I don't appreciate your rude comments, but you're entitled to your own opinions.
Natural Selection is as close to realistic as science fiction can get. I mean come on, It's about space marines fighting aliens with guns! Were you expecting laser beams and ion cannons? Bullets work. They kill things pretty easily, and that's a fact. Why would things change? Plus, I find the fact that the marines still use traditional weapons built with futuristic ergonomics make it easier for new players to relate to the game. If I wanted crazy super-overdone-futuristic- and somewhat comical weapons I would play Unreal Tournament or Serious Sam.
Now OP you can say, "Gorges should have evolved more armor on their backside because, when I play, I shoot gorges in the rear-end." Sure, the dev's could spend a whole week re-skinning gorges with bulbous armor on their asses but really would that be aesthetically pleasing?
I would think the dev's want the aliens to look sharp and intimidating, not awkward and clunky. And MAYBE where the Kharaa lack armor they will be more vulnerable to damage. (New questions and ideas will pop up as we continue testing.)
As far as weapons go, some of them may just be the opposite. The new pistol and shotgun DO look larger and more box-like than the NS1 version, but this characteristic also makes it seem more powerful to the player. Personally,I think the LMG in NS1 looked rather weak, people even gave it names like "peashooter". It's all aesthetics man, and every one of us has a different view on it. The bottom line is that you have to understand that the dev's make models look a certain way for a reason, its not on accident.
<!--quoteo(post=1783439:date=Jul 26 2010, 12:37 AM:name=ryanericw)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ryanericw @ Jul 26 2010, 12:37 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783439"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I have a 28" 1200p monitor, 1920x1200, and still takes up about 25% of my screen with it's uglyness.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How do you know? You haven't even played with the shotgun! Obviously the gun is gonna look cramped on a YouTube video, IT'S YOUTUBE.
Its all about how the game looks and feels,
I agree.
But there is a limit to how detailed a game can go, plus, we have to work with the dev's in stages. We as testers aren't really entitled to anything, we just have to work with what the dev's give us for the time being. Any of us in the NS community could go on for DAYS about tiny details that could be implemented into the game. However in this beginning phase of the game, it just has to make sense. It makes sense for the aliens to evolve armor, it makes sense for the shotguns to have an ammo counter on the side, it makes sense because this is what we would expect in a sci-fi game about aliens and marines fighting a war. And offering helpful ideas is the right step into making this game into something great, but the game isn't even complete yet, the dev's have so much more to work on and worry about rather than focusing on making a model more detailed because someone who is unhappy with it.
While the OP has some bad and good ideas, he's not really offering any constructive criticism, he's more rejecting the dev's ideas and substituting his own calling their work "problems". And that's not cool.
! tl;dr: Dev's make models look a certain way for a particular reason. And also, save your criticism until the game actually is playable.
Relevance? I think I remember asking for things to make sense, not lasers or hand held nukes.
<!--quoteo(post=1783506:date=Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM:name=CPCheebs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CPCheebs @ Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783506"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->We as testers aren't really entitled to anything, we just have to work with what the dev's give us for the time being.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
And I having paid to help support them while they continue to develop this game am entitled to nothing? No. This idea and suggestion forum is what I am entitled to. A chance to tell the devs what I think about their current game or what can be implemented so they can further perfect it.
First draft
Feedback
???????
Profit
<!--quoteo(post=1783506:date=Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM:name=CPCheebs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CPCheebs @ Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783506"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->It makes sense for the aliens to evolve armor, it makes sense for the shotguns to have an ammo counter on the side, it makes sense because this is what we would expect in a sci-fi game about aliens and marines fighting a war. And offering helpful ideas is the right step into making this game into something great, but the game isn't even complete yet, the dev's have so much more to work on and worry about rather than focusing on making a model more detailed because someone who is unhappy with it.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sure it makes sense for aliens to evolve armor, the question is where the armor is. Same thing with marines, if I should expect ridiculous models like the ones present in NS2 because it's "sci-fi." Then why did NS1 have much more reasonable models? Sure implement the side lights for the ammo display. Never had a problem with it. Also with the shotgun again, I didn't mean I required full iron sights, but if I have an ammo counter obstructing my view from the single notch at the end I can't very well use it.
<!--quoteo(post=1783506:date=Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM:name=CPCheebs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CPCheebs @ Jul 26 2010, 03:35 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783506"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->While the OP has some bad and good ideas, he's not really offering any constructive criticism, he's more rejecting the dev's ideas and substituting his own calling their work "problems". And that's not cool.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm offering constructive criticism on most of my points. For the weapons I point out my dislikes and my likes about previous models. For aliens, I point out where the armor doesn't make sense and where it should be. A gorge with a behind bulked up with armor looking bad? Good lord no. Gorges already look comical enough as it is, just look at the trailer released by the devs, he slides down stairs and knocks his head on a barrel to subsequently be hit on the head by another object. The gorge has always been a laughing stock. And as for the body-side armor you decided to ignore. The devs could have easily made a cool/intimidating spiky side armor on skulk/gorge/onos. They could have done this initially rather than their nonsensical armor
<!--quoteo(post=1783439:date=Jul 26 2010, 01:37 AM:name=ryanericw)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ryanericw @ Jul 26 2010, 01:37 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783439"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Kira, the angle of your weapon in your screenshot is quite disturbing. In my game, the gun is no where near as tilted to the left as yours. Was it during a reload? That's still quite a bit of screen space missing. You also make very excellent points. Well formed post.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
None of those screenshots are from my in game. When I load up NS2 I just have painful bleeding textures everywhere and the keys "a" and "d" both make me move left while "w" and "s" make me move forward. Yes my keys are bound correctly. I expect this to be fixed when alpha is released. Thanks for the support. It's great to have someone speak their mind rather than kiss the dev's behind and say things like "lol someone cares about something they paid 40$ for"
It makes perfect sense. You just don't understand how because you don't understand how the highly advanced technology that is beyond our comprehension works in the NS2 universe. Nobody does. You're inferring the function of the technology based on it's aesthetics, based on what you know in OUR world. But the NS2 world is different, and things may look a certain way for reasons we can't possibly imagine. Like, perhaps guns in NS2 are bulkier because there is a lot of new technology inside them. Or for a simpler reason, they might be bulkier simply because they fire bigger projectiles.
As for the Aliens, your reasoning is more sound because evolution is a well understood concept that won't change in the future. However, I still disagree with your reasoning.
The Gorge: It makes perfect sense that armour should develop where shown, and not on its back and behind. The purpose of a Gorge is not to run away. A fleeing Gorge that is being shot in its back and behind is a Gorge that has been defeated. Thus, the problem is that the Gorge is too easily defeated. The remedy is a Gorge that is more resilient, i.e., a Gorge with frontal armour.
The same reasoning applies to the Skulk and to the Onos. Their main purpose is to attack, and they do this by attacking from the front, which is where armour developed. If this armour is effective, then they don't need armour on their sides or back.
As for the Aliens, your reasoning is more sound because evolution is a well understood concept that won't change in the future. However, I still disagree with your reasoning.
The Gorge: It makes perfect sense that armour should develop where shown, and not on its back and behind. The purpose of a Gorge is not to run away. A fleeing Gorge that is being shot in its back and behind is a Gorge that has been defeated. Thus, the problem is that the Gorge is too easily defeated. The remedy is a Gorge that is more resilient, i.e., a Gorge with frontal armour.
The same reasoning applies to the Skulk and to the Onos. Their main purpose is to attack, and they do this by attacking from the front, which is where armour developed. If this armour is effective, then they don't need armour on their sides or back.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Couldn't have said it better.
you're very selective in what you want to make sense.
<!--quoteo(post=1783537:date=Jul 26 2010, 05:15 AM:name=kira`)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kira` @ Jul 26 2010, 05:15 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783537"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Skulk drops from ceiling. Bites my head off. I'm dead. No thanks. I'll stick to my 2 bites+parasite etc.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
i still stand by my original post, NS2 is just a FICTIONAL video game. period.
<b>LMG</b>
Bad, but not too bad. Serious case of the Clunkies and has some little additions that would make it difficult to actually use (LED screen where you're supposed to be aiming, that stupid latch on the magazine to make reloading less convenient, side-mounted grenade launcher the size of an eggplant ensure that it's not just heavy but completely off-balance), but otherwise appears to function more or less like a gun.
<b>Pistol</b>
It's not especially pretty, bulky again, and loses points for the whole "too cool for slide action" thing, but I can at least see how it works. Probably the best of the weapon models (which isn't really a good thing).
<b>Shotgun</b>
I haven't played many sci-fi shooters, but this might be the worst weapon model I have ever seen. I don't want to be needlessly rude, but I will say that if someone asked <i>me</i> to design a futuristic weapon for them and this is what came out, I would be embarrassed. Nothing is done right and anyone who knows how a shotgun works is going to either laugh or start pulling their hair out when they see it. I'm not much of a gun nerd; I've used them and I understand the basics of their mechanics (don't ask me to remember calibers with more than two digits), but that's enough to tell that whoever designed this thing doesn't.
<img src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/962/onos.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
It <i>"evolved"</i> blunt tusks that grow inward towards its mouth. Guess they were getting too fat and evolution decided to prevent them from eating. Come on. It could have at least been some kind of mammoth style tusk that can <b>impale</b> someone.
<img src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/962/onos.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
It <i>"evolved"</i> blunt tusks that grow inward towards its mouth. Guess they were getting too fat and evolution decided to prevent them from eating. Come on. It could have at least been some kind of mammoth style tusk that can <b>impale</b> someone.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
A fine example of Natural DE-selection, my friend.
Rather sad now that I think about it...
P.s: Too all those questioning the evolutionary aspects of both sides here's something to remember:
<!--sizeo:3--><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->
<u><b><div align='center'>***SPOILER***</div>
</b></u><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->
<!--sizeo:1--><span style="font-size:8pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->It's a game.<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->
<!--sizeo:2--><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->
Thankyou.<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->
<img src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/962/onos.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
It <i>"evolved"</i> blunt tusks that grow inward towards its mouth. Guess they were getting too fat and evolution decided to prevent them from eating. Come on. It could have at least been some kind of mammoth style tusk that can <b>impale</b> someone.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
They open outwards when it opens its mouth.
Like most of the onos armor it's defensive, they are supposed to be siege weapons and bullet sponges, I assumed those were there as a sort of rollcage for the mouth when it charges so it doesn't bust its teeth in by doing so.