Along with Overgrowth and Cortex Command, Unknown Worlds’ FPS/RTS hybrid Natural Selection 2 is one of those indie mega-projects that seems to be in a perpetual state of development. Today marks a rather special day in the development of NS2, as the latest development build – codenamed ‘Gorilla’ – has been released to preordering players, and is accompanied by a genuinely impressive gameplay-footage trailer. Hit the break for some hot marine-on-alien action.

Unknown Worlds has released the first update for the alpha phase of its FPS/RTS game Natural Selection 2, now available for those who are participating.

The patch brings a list of technical and gameplay improvements, additions and bug fixes to the title. Some of the new items include rally points for Hives and Command Stations, dedicated server files for the Steam release and now when the Command Station closes, anyone inside besides the Commander is killed. Here’s what the developer had to say on it:

“Our priority in this patch was addressing the issues that are preventing people from connecting to servers. The next order of business is addressing any issues running or maintaining dedicated servers along with issues that make the game feel “laggy” or otherwise unplayable.”

The file can be downloaded automatically via Steam. From the change log:

Technical

• Fixed bug where a client would continue to try and connect after the server reported that it was full or the client was using the wrong protocol
• Fixed bug where clients could only connect to servers on the default port
• Fixed bug where the port was removed when connecting via console command
• Fixed bug on multi-monitor systems that resulted in a graphics reset loop
• Fixed window border when switching from fullscreen to windowed
• Fixed bug where key events outside of the game’s focus window would sometimes be processed by the game
• Fixed bug where the dedicated server could not be run without Steam running
• Fixed duplicate attack/fire key bindings that caused mismatches
• Fixed voice chat to use in-game sound volume on playback
• Fixed bug where where clients could timeout while alt-tabbed from the game in fullscreen mode
• Fixed bug where binding a game server to an IP would cause it to not be displayed in the server browser
• Added client-side timeouts when attempting to connect to a server
• Added support for closing a dedicated server by pressing ctrl+break
• Added alt-enter to toggle between fullscreen and windowed mode
• Added dedicated server files to the Steam release
• Added Toggle Console binding to UI settings

Game

• Fixed bug where MACs were free (now they cost 2 plasma)
• Fixed bug with armory playing extra sounds when players were nearby
• Added rally points for Hives and Command Stations
• Fixed many vent physics objects so they can be entered
• Fixed hitching animation problems while sprinting as marine
• Logging into a Command Station no longer freezes you but it will open again if the logging in player leaves
• When the Command Station closes, anyone inside besides the Commander is killed
• Aliens become Commander instantly when +using the hive
• Fixed bug where Extractors or Harvesters couldn’t be built on a nozzle that had one previously
• Added welding effect to MAC
• Added new marine commander icon artwork
• Improve marine running and jumping animations
• Updated shell ejection effect for the rifle, pistol, and grenade launcher
• New docking_walltech environment props

Unknown Worlds has released sci-fi FPS-RTS game Natural Selection 2′s first alpha build on Steam for those who pre-ordered the now extinct $39.95 version of the game. For those who purchased the game prior to today check your email, if you don’t have a code and some instructions waiting for you go here to fast-track the situation.

The special edition is now no longer available and pre-orders for the regular edition of the game have increased in price from $20 to $35. Though not super special anymore, pre-orders still get access to the beta, whenever it arrives. The dev also warns that there website (which I’ll spare them of linking of) is”currently under assault by rabid fans and may not be up for the next couple of days. Please bear with us!”

The alpha build of the game brings one main map plus many small test maps, the Marine playable character with several weapons, three playable aliens and more. Expect the Alpha test to go on for a while, with with new content arriving through updates in the coming weeks and months. They treatin’ the loyal right.

Unknown World’s Charlie Cleveland stopped by the BASHandSlash.com podcast to chat about Natural Selection 2, revealing that the full game release will include the source code for modders to tinker with. He also goes into more detail about other plans to support mods with this game, including plans for a LUA debugger, a level editor, a cinematic tool, and other mod support as part of the game.

This being just the latest bit of juiciness to leak out for the upcoming RTS/Shooter hybrid. Last week we found out the game would be getting dedicated server and full mod support.

Meanwhile, the Alpha for the game is set to kick off tomorrow, which means right now is your last chance to get into it by pre-ordering. When the download hits tomorrow we’ll report back, along with any new info we hope comes along with its release.

Unknown Worlds has announced via Twitter that their upcoming FPS/RTS hybrid Natural Selection 2 will boast dedicated server support. Not good enough for you? Alright, how about the ability to run mods as well? There, that should give you a jolt of happy juice.

The features will come to both Windows and Linux, with the windows support will release immediately with the nearing alpha for the game. As for the Linux support, it is to come at an undisclosed point in the future which the dev refers to as “later.”

Remember, the NS2 alpha open to pre-orders only hits July 26, which is also your last chance to grab some exclusive goodies and get into the game prior to the beta.

Unknown Worlds has at long last revealed a date for the Alpha release of their upcoming shooter strategy title Natural Selection 2. On Monday, July 26, all special edition pre-orders will have access to the build on Steam.

The Alpha will include one of the shipping maps (Tram), smaller “test” maps, the Marine with Rifle, Pistol, SwitchAx and Grenade Launcher, and enemy Skulks, Gorges, Lerks with basic movement abilities and weapons. Additionally the Marine armory “buy” screen for purchasing new equipment, an Alien evolution menu for choosing lifeform and upgrades, and much of the final sounds, artwork and animations will come packed with the Alpha release.

While you can still get in on the action, you’re running out of time. The developer notes that they players that order NS2 after July 26th won’t be able to play in the release date alpha. More importantly perhaps, they will discontinue the Special Edition and all-black marine armor after the Alpha’s release. It won’t be available again, ever.

You can pre-order both the standard and special editions here–note that if you go with the standard you’ll only have access to the game when it reaches beta.

Unknown Worlds has revealed that its upcoming shooter Natural Selection 2 will tote those oh so wonderful vertical movement-enhancing jetpacks when the game (eventually…someday) arrives. On a sort of related note I think it’s safe to say jetpacks are the new zombies.

The devices are used by the Marines faction as a high level upgrade, allowing players to fly for short distances, get into vents and stay off the ground, and away from the snapping jaws of the enemy.

An engine test for the game has been released, but so far no playable build yet much to the chagrin of the thousands of pre-orders which will gain instant access once alpha and beta builds arrive.

Unknown Worlds has announced that a pre-alpha engine test for its shooter Natural Selection 2 will be available April 9 for those who pre-ordered the title.

The dev points out that the test will likely have little if any gameplay features as it’s designed to help tune the performance, compatibility, and networking prior to the release of the alpha version. Though those who’ve downloaded the game’s level editor will be able to see their creations in the game engine for the first time with this test.

If that isn’t enough for you to make something in the editor, take into account that anything you submit has a chance to make it into the final game. Natural Selection 2 will be out on PC “when it’s done.”

Unknown Worlds has made it official that their upcoming shooter/strategy hybrid Natural Selection 2 will be heading to Steam. Those who pre-ordered the title will be able to activate a Steam copy of the game with their key, the dev has confirmed with Valve.

While a Steam version of NS2 was always assumed, Unknown Worlds wasn’t able to confirm that pre-order keys would be transferable until now. It’s also been revealed in an interview with ShackNews that “voice support, friends lists and server browser” will be implemented through SteamWorks with the dev noting “we’ll probably use their anti-cheat as well.”

NS2 can be pre-ordered now for $20 from Unknown Worlds, which offers beta access, with a $40 ‘Special Edition’ also granting access to the alpha and to a pre-alpha engine test due soon, plus exclusive black armor. The level editor is already available for pre-orderers to create content which has a shot at being included in the final release.

Natural Selection 2 doesn’t have a release date, with the developer simply stating it’ll be out “when it’s ready.”

Mega-mod site and soon to be digital distributor ModDB have announced the winners of this year’s Mod of the Year Awards, with three indie notables taking home some metaphorical hardware.

Editor’s picks included AAAAA! A Reckless Disregard for Gravity taking Best Indie Game, with Overgrowth garnering the most votes for Best Upcoming Indie. Impressively, Natural Selection 2 grabbed the player’s choice (open voting) Indie Game of the Year award despite the fact that the game is yet to be released.

What’s clear about the awards, regardless if it’s an editor pick or a player’s choice, is that creative art direction and/or higher end graphics appear to be a theme among the winners. Congrats to all the indie devs and mod teams on the recognition of their excellent work.