aeroripperJoin Date: 2005-02-25Member: 42471NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
edited July 2013
Here's my suggestions:
Natural Selection 2: Biomass (this ties in with the new biodome map, so the patch promotional video could have a greenish alien color scheme to it). Not a bad name as suggested above.
Natural Selection 2: War (or a variation of that, like "Warzone")
Natural Selection 2: Reloaded
Natural Selection 2: Ascension
Natural Selection 2: Octane
Description tag would be something like: Linux - DirectX 11 - OpenGL support. New weapons, new female marine, new maps, new strategies and tactics, increased performance. 100s of changes and tweaks, the war for survival continues.
Personally I like the "War Update" since many new strategies have evolved like it would in a war that goes on over time, and its simple to someone who hasn't played NS2 to get the jist of what its about. "Biomass" is good too because its an interesting word, and implies growth. It's not "safe" and generic like the War update name is, but it could draw interest from that tagline.
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
Natural Selection 2: Mutated
A more efficient engine, a more streamlined game design, and tonnes of new content, all based on community participation to produce the next step in the evolution of Natural Selection 2!
I know it's already used in NS2, but I think it works nicely as a patch name.
For one, it signifies "evolution" without using that by-now rather cliche term - it only works for a game about organisms like NS2, branding a CoD or BF game with "maturation" would only sound corny and ironic.
Also, "ma-" hints at female stuff like "matriach" or "maternal".
Oh why HELLO there... Catalysis is really doing it for me. It is unique, has a melodic ring to it. Yes there are four syllables, but it is still quite a compact word. Very emotive. Definitely a word that can pique interest as being quite uncommon, quite interesting.
According to a formal definition, 'Catalysis' implies the acceleration of a reaction. That is hugely symbolic - It implies not just existing energy, but the addition of more energy. @Koruyo you might have hit the nail on the head here!
Then what will we call the update when Catalyst packs are finally added
Biomass certainly fits in with Biodome and also fits in with the addition of a new, female character. Out of all the suggestions it is my favourite. I thought my one called "mutagenesis" was good because it is about the creation of mutations, but as Jekt astutely mentioned, the average person probably won't know what that word means without googling it.
But I don't know. It still doesn't mean anything, does it? Are we just looking for some word that vaguely relates to the update? Gorgeous made sense because the game had some graphical updates (gorge tunnels etc) and was the Gorge was changed greatly.
Let's rationalise this...It's about adding a new map called Biodome, the addition of a female marine and a lInux update.
I was thinking Femidome because it's got dome in it...female...and would attract a lot of attention. It would also show UWE in a positive light (although superficially) in a world in which much sexism against female gamers has occurred. On the other hand, it does sound like something you'd buy out of an Adult Store...
How about Biolab? Biodome. The female marine in particular is an individual and was revived in a lab...Linux implies something done with minimal programming and thus grassroots...lab.
Nothing seems catchy though. Perhaps mix catalysis with lab and make it an invented word - Catalab - a shortened version of catabolism. I must admit we are constrained by your criteria, Hugh...
How about Devolution? Devolution means the handing out of powers (crudely put). But here, you're devolving power to females, and Linux is goes against the grain (being Microsoft).
'Blossoming' or just Blossom' to capture the games general progress, the Biodome map and the young female marine exploring her body and.. nevermind, going off-topic.
(relevance to patch: adam and eve, male female rines, genesis is start of creation, biodome is all natural and about creation, genesis is biblical, the patch will be godlike, etc)
For me it should be related to performance improvements of last builds.
I like Catalysis, but i prefer Catalyst (good memories from ns1 catalyst packs!)
In the same idea, it could be Adrenaline, or Celerity
How about a name that average steam guy Joe doesn't need to google first, hmm? A first impression impact is worthless if the definition of the word you're using to imply a new and improved version of your product needs to first be defined to the person you're trying to strike.
A lot of the names being proposed are terrible for this reason. Catalysis, while cute, isn't what I would use either. On top of it not being simple to define or even translate in relevance to an update - it's difficult to even pronounce.
For me it should be related to performance improvements of last builds.
I like Catalysis, but i prefer Catalyst (good memories from ns1 catalyst packs!)
In the same idea, it could be Adrenaline, or Celerity
Agreed that Catalyst would be better than Catalysis
I vote for "Biogenesis" (which means "beginning of life") since it is the beginning of Biodome's life as a map in the NS universe. Plus, it sounds cool.
How about a name that average steam guy Joe doesn't need to google first, hmm? A first impression impact is worthless if the definition of the word you're using to imply a new and improved version of your product needs to first be defined to the person you're trying to strike.
A lot of the names being proposed are terrible for this reason. Catalysis, while cute, isn't what I would use either. On top of it not being simple to define or even translate in relevance to an update - it's difficult to even pronounce.
Out of the suggestions so far, I would vote for Biomass also. A simple word, alien-esqe, easy to read and pronounce in the head, ties together to the actual content of the update.
Edit:
As for the content its self, I'm pretty interested in some of it. Female marines, biodome and a linux client/server are all very worthy additions when trying to do some marketing. Still, the most important thing for me, is still missing.
An interactive, integrated, brief, enjoyable scripted tutorial map.
At the very least, remove the extremely outdated stuff.
And when you find the time. A demo system.
I agree with Jekt on this. He's listing proper reason for his choices and for his denies. "Biomass" also sounds like an update rather then an overhaul or such things.
(relevance to patch: adam and eve, male female rines, genesis is start of creation, biodome is all natural and about creation, genesis is biblical, the patch will be godlike, etc)
When speaking of "Genesis" it sounds like a new beginning or something that's been completely redone to me. Since this is an update rather then such, I don't believe Genesis accurately helps in defining this new upcoming content.
(relevance to patch: adam and eve, male female rines, genesis is start of creation, biodome is all natural and about creation, genesis is biblical, the patch will be godlike, etc)
I think Biogenesis (= life arising from preexisting life) is the better choice and a really good fit for the patch. I wouldn't go all biblical. And if UWE does, I demand they implement god-mode!
For me it should be related to performance improvements of last builds.
I like Catalysis, but i prefer Catalyst (good memories from ns1 catalyst packs!)
In the same idea, it could be Adrenaline, or Celerity
Agreed that Catalyst would be better than Catalysis
Then they'd have to rename Command Chairs into Control Center! The new Catalyst Control Center! Improved performance! ... well... noone would believe them...
I don't really have a suggestion of a name, but if these big updates are going to be a "thing" I would suggest doing something similar to what eve-online does with their free expansion updates, they have a naming scheme for their patches naming them after bible chapters:
We could choose one chapter out of The Origin Of Species for each update: "Variation under Domestication" or "Struggle for Existence" or "Natural Selection". Yea, that one is really great, can't believe I didn't think of that one before: Natural Selection 2: Natural Selection!
No, seriously, there is one chapter with a fitting name:
Comments
Natural Selection 2: Biomass (this ties in with the new biodome map, so the patch promotional video could have a greenish alien color scheme to it). Not a bad name as suggested above.
Natural Selection 2: War (or a variation of that, like "Warzone")
Natural Selection 2: Reloaded
Natural Selection 2: Ascension
Natural Selection 2: Octane
Description tag would be something like: Linux - DirectX 11 - OpenGL support. New weapons, new female marine, new maps, new strategies and tactics, increased performance. 100s of changes and tweaks, the war for survival continues.
Personally I like the "War Update" since many new strategies have evolved like it would in a war that goes on over time, and its simple to someone who hasn't played NS2 to get the jist of what its about. "Biomass" is good too because its an interesting word, and implies growth. It's not "safe" and generic like the War update name is, but it could draw interest from that tagline.
A more efficient engine, a more streamlined game design, and tonnes of new content, all based on community participation to produce the next step in the evolution of Natural Selection 2!
I know it's already used in NS2, but I think it works nicely as a patch name.
For one, it signifies "evolution" without using that by-now rather cliche term - it only works for a game about organisms like NS2, branding a CoD or BF game with "maturation" would only sound corny and ironic.
Also, "ma-" hints at female stuff like "matriach" or "maternal".
otherwise: "Infusion" ?
[You have to pronounce it like Homer Simpson when he encounters food and/or organized crime: Mmmmh-GILP!]
@BigRustyRed: i think bilbe chapters would be too ironic for some kind of christian people
'Catalysis' sounds good and works well imho but reminds me of WoW
Some ideas i had:
-Survival of the Gorgest
-Exon Shuffling
-
- Enlist the female marine
- Now perfectly adapted for Linux, PC and Mac
- Explore Biodome, as deadly as it is beautiful
Or BioMrs if you want to avoid the negative connotations of the word 'miss'
It has a good tone for the game, it implies that the game has been reformed and is playful about the upcoming female marine skin (equality).
I may be biased as to the impact of this word because I'm American, but that's my best so far
Then what will we call the update when Catalyst packs are finally added
Natural Selection 2: Renascence
Natural Selection 2: Plants vs Aliens edition
Simple, in theme with evolving, implies significant positive changes to the game.
But I don't know. It still doesn't mean anything, does it? Are we just looking for some word that vaguely relates to the update? Gorgeous made sense because the game had some graphical updates (gorge tunnels etc) and was the Gorge was changed greatly.
Let's rationalise this...It's about adding a new map called Biodome, the addition of a female marine and a lInux update.
I was thinking Femidome because it's got dome in it...female...and would attract a lot of attention. It would also show UWE in a positive light (although superficially) in a world in which much sexism against female gamers has occurred. On the other hand, it does sound like something you'd buy out of an Adult Store...
How about Biolab? Biodome. The female marine in particular is an individual and was revived in a lab...Linux implies something done with minimal programming and thus grassroots...lab.
Nothing seems catchy though. Perhaps mix catalysis with lab and make it an invented word - Catalab - a shortened version of catabolism. I must admit we are constrained by your criteria, Hugh...
How about Devolution? Devolution means the handing out of powers (crudely put). But here, you're devolving power to females, and Linux is goes against the grain (being Microsoft).
Femotype?
FTFY 8->
NS2: Genesis
(relevance to patch: adam and eve, male female rines, genesis is start of creation, biodome is all natural and about creation, genesis is biblical, the patch will be godlike, etc)
I like Catalysis, but i prefer Catalyst (good memories from ns1 catalyst packs!)
In the same idea, it could be Adrenaline, or Celerity
2 agrees makes an awesome, right?
Agreed that Catalyst would be better than Catalysis
(as in who is the Apex Predator, humans or aliens?)
I read that as "Masturbation".
Searching news about the ns2 upgrade would be like forgetting the "R" in Gary Oldman.
Natural Selection 2: Progeny
Natural Selection 2: Punctuated Equilibrium
Natural Selection 2: Cladogenesis
Natural Selection 2: Convergent
Natural Selection 2: Nature (the next update could be Nurture)
Ideas I have read that I like:
Biomass
Catalyst
Genesis
Phenotype
Gaia/ Gaea/ Tellus/ Terra
I agree with Jekt on this. He's listing proper reason for his choices and for his denies. "Biomass" also sounds like an update rather then an overhaul or such things.
When speaking of "Genesis" it sounds like a new beginning or something that's been completely redone to me. Since this is an update rather then such, I don't believe Genesis accurately helps in defining this new upcoming content.
I think Biogenesis (= life arising from preexisting life) is the better choice and a really good fit for the patch. I wouldn't go all biblical. And if UWE does, I demand they implement god-mode!
Then they'd have to rename Command Chairs into Control Center! The new Catalyst Control Center! Improved performance! ... well... noone would believe them...
We could choose one chapter out of The Origin Of Species for each update: "Variation under Domestication" or "Struggle for Existence" or "Natural Selection". Yea, that one is really great, can't believe I didn't think of that one before: Natural Selection 2: Natural Selection!
No, seriously, there is one chapter with a fitting name:
Natural Selection 2: Instinct
Love that one!!!