Natural Selection 2: Combat (Video Game Review)

Natural Selection 2: Combat is an upcoming, standalone title from developer Faultline Games and publisher Unknown Worlds. The title is based on a mod of Natural Selection 2, which was originally a mod of the highly popular game series Half Life. The new release offers similar gameplay to the original Natural Selection 2 but with new maps, new items and a couple of new game modes. Fans that have been dying for new reasons to play Natural Selection 2 or first-person shooter fans that have yet to try out the series will be happy to pay to pick up the new release, but those that have already invested hundreds of hours in the original game may find it a bit tougher to get excited for the release of Natural Selection 2: Combat.

Natural Selection 2: Combat is all about online battles between a group of space marines and a team of dangerous alien monsters. Humans use heavy firearms, welding tools and other items to defend their base and fight alien scum while earning points and leveling up skills, weapons and armor. Similarly, aliens will gain points for attacking and damaging marines and can level and morph into even more powerful creatures. The fun pacing and exciting first-person action is still alive and well in Natural Selection 2: Combat with gameplay that will feel instantly recognizable for fans of the original release.

Natural Selection 2: Combat is named after the classic game mode that is the primary form of play in the new game. Combat has teams facing off which each side having a base to defend while simultaneously attacking the other team's base. The game mode is similar to what is seen in most MOBA games, as two teams battle in strategic choke points on maps to progress through enemies and eventually push through to capture the enemy's base. Natural Selection 2: Combat also includes Capture the Point at launch. The game mode challenges teams to split up and occupy the three special locations on a map and gain points by maintaining control of the areas. Each mode is pretty fun, and both offer very diverse gameplay and strategy from the other mode.

At launch, Natural Selection 2: Combat will also contain five maps. P33, Core, Pulse, Sava and Kestrel each offer varied locations for teams to battle from futuristic space ships to abandoned mining facilities. The team is expecting plenty of additional content to be added to the game post launch. Natural Selection 2: Combat fully supports Steam Workshop and is a moddable title that should receive plenty of community support. It's difficult to encourage readers to purchase the game based on what may or may not release in the near future, and as it stands, Natural Selection 2: Combat doesn't feature a ton of content, and some gamers will not want to download a game based on a chance of new maps and modes coming to the game post launch.

Natural Selection 2: Combat does add some new items and ways to play the game. In addition to new some new characters and ways to play the game, Faultline Games has added new weapons and attacks for players to enjoy. One of the space marines newest ways to battle is by equipping the powerful Exo Suit mech armor that packs a mean punch and is similar to the massive mech featured in the Alien film series. Aliens also get a new way to attack and can actually devour marines and force the other players to experience a gross and unique mini-game inside of the alien's belly. The new ways to play in Natural Selection 2: Combat does add some replayability to a title that isn't completely different from the original game.

Natural Selection 2: Combat bears a strong resemblance to the original title. With the exception of new maps, modes and user interface, it's pretty difficult to distinguish the two titles. The game's graphics haven't been improved much for the new release, and in fact, not much else has changed either. Some familiar sound effects and theme make up a repolished sound design for the game, and controls are nearly identical to the original release.

Natural Selection 2: Combat feels a lot like playing the original Natural Selection 2. Players that have already spent many hours playing the original first-person shooter may not be able to get as excited for the new release. Luckily, the original was one of the best PC shooters to come along at the time of its release, and there are a decent amount of new items and ways to play included at launch for Natural Selection 2: Combat. First-person shooter fans that have yet to try out the series should definitely consider downloading a copy of Natural Selection 2: Combat, while others will simply need to decide if they are ready for a lot of the same mixed with a fair amount of new content. Natural Selection 2: Combat is out now for PC on Steam.

Natural Selection 2: Combat is now available exclusively for PC on Steam. For more information on the game, check out the official Natural Selection 2: Combat website.

Game Features:

• Online Multiplayer
• Classic Combat and Capture the Point Game Modes
• Fully Moddable Title
• Steam Workshop Support
• Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer: Faultline Games
Publisher: Unknown Worlds
Available exclusively for PC (reviewed)
Release Date: October 31, 2014

Score: 8 out of 10