Natural Selection 2

Evolutionary shooter that creates an involving, sometimes terrifying, tactical battle between two distinct races. Brilliant.

If you're a fan of online shooters on PC, then Natural Selection 2 not only comes highly recommended, but essential, and should sit right alongside other classic entries into the genre.

Quotation forthcoming.

Once you get into the rhythm of each faction's style of play, Natural Selection 2 opens up the throttle on one of the most interesting and intense multiplayer experiences you'll find on PC.

The results are fantastic. NS3 is tactical and tense, but sometimes the emphasis on teamwork can mean you're stuck on a long losing slope if your pals are rubbish. [Jan 2013, p.86]

Tightly designed version of the eternal struggle, aliens versus space marines. Maps make it too easy to lose one's bearings and biting/hitting a marine could use some visible feedback.

It's a game that combines both real-time strategy and first-person shooter in a unique blend of both, the likes of which you aren't likely to see anywhere else. Sure, it could benefit from an interactive tutorial, fixed Explore Mode, and perhaps some optimization for load times, but what is here is still an incredible team experience.

Natural Selection 2 is one of the first games I've played that doesn't just boast a teamwork mindset but actually delivers on it.

Captivating, strategic and, despite the monstrous aliens, oddly welcoming. [Jan 2013, p.102]

Despite some less-impactful tweaks, Natural Selection II remains a hardcore, quintessentially PC multiplayer shooter. [Jan 2013, p.78]

Natural Selection 2 is an interestingly tactical and multiplayer game for patient and thinking gamers. Currently, however, it suffers from the initial pain, and one of the reasons is a lack of new content. But all will be changed with the updates and with the gamers' creativity along with their mods of their liking. Still, the important thing is the game content right now, not only for its mechanics, but for its atmosphere and its loyal community that are fascinating as well.

Natural Selection 2 is a 100% multiplayer game, which makes it very difficult to learn its mechanics and intricacies.

Just as unique and innovative as the original ever was, and now's the time to get involved. There's something special here, you just need to look underneath all the copies of Call Of Duty to find it.

Natural Selection 2 has quite a few things to be nitpicky about. Pared down strategy elements, scanty arsenal of weapons, lack of single-player missions and decent tutorials – yep, it's all there, but, in contrast to shooters that come off big assembly lines, the developers put love and effort into making of this game.

Natural Selection is a fascinating mix between Aliens and StarCraft that deserves the attention of FPS and RTS fans alike.

Natural Selection 2 is a fresh and wonderfully unique multiplayer game which simultaneously struggles with that very mantle. Because it's unfamiliar, players aren't able to just slip into it, and there is a significant knowledge gap between a new player and an old.

In keeping with its title, the steep learning curve is a form of natural selection of its own. If you're not willing or able to drop the badass space-marine demeanor you have been conditioned to adopt by other titles, you'll regularly play a huge part in the downfall of your team. At the same, it's a hugely satisfying experience to act as a well functioning military unit or monstrous collective. I'm sure this form of intergalactic Darwinism will continue to thrive in its own little biotope.

It's a game that asks a lot up front, but offers some incredibly rewarding moments for those who are willing to stick around. Be patient and just take it all in -- you won't be disappointed.

Natural Selection 2 is a fantastic-looking FPS/RTS hybrid that's an in-depth and involved experience for those who enjoy cooperative and team-based games, although it does come with a steep learning curve that'll turn some players off to the strategic side of the game.

Natural Selection 2 isn't great only because it's different, but because it does asymmetrical multiplayer so damn well, offering up a variety of experiences in one small game.

I am sure Natural Selection 2 will gather a group of devoted fans. After all it’s a good, surprisingly original game. [CD-Action 02/2013, p.50]

Natural Selection 2 is a mix between StarCraft and the multiplayer of Alien versus Predator. This real-time strategy shooter works excellently, but does require teamwork and a social leader. Both aren't guaranteed when playing online, which makes the game either very exciting or totally one-sided. This sequel just doesn't feel like a complete, modern game.

Natural Selection 2 is an interesting multiplayer FPS with an important RTS section, decisive for the final victory. It offers great variety but is highly competitive and features just a single game mode.

Certainly not for newcomers in the genre; but it’s a blast for hardcore gamers that crave for action instead of the classic FPS mechanics and want matches that last something between a Counter-Strike and Battlefield 3 battle. [March 2013]

Originality doesn't know any boundaries. Fast and furious multiplayer shooter Natural Selection 2 adds real-time strategy elements to spice up the game play. And it works! [Jan 2013]

Natural Selection 2 is unquestionably a unique title, but its bar to entry is incredibly high for the average FPS player. For the hardcore strategist, it has its appeal, but its complexity severely limits the enjoyment in matches that aren’t significantly populated by experts at the game.