NS2 Beta tomorrow (Nov 19th)

**kormendi** · 11-18-2010, 06:24 PM

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/na...new-trailer-t/

For those who havn't played the alpha, don't expect much. Even though they've made some pretty big strides in the recent patches, I'm pretty sure they are doing this to get some more money. The game just isn't there yet.

**kormendi** · 11-19-2010, 11:20 AM

Apparently its live on steam now. I haven't had a chance to play it yet, but feedback on the NS2 forum seems far more positive than with previous builds.

**TheFeniX** · 11-19-2010, 11:48 AM

I haven't checked the forums nor booted up Steam in forever. Good timing on my part. I'll try and load Steam to check in on the beta. If I'm on, feel free to hit me up.

**Spyder** · 11-19-2010, 12:46 PM

Server's been updated to the beta build, BV155.

You guys'll have to let me know if you want me to pull the password on it.

**Bisclaveret** · 11-20-2010, 12:07 AM

There's a server memory leak that's pretty bad right now. They're actively working on a patch.

**kormendi** · 11-20-2010, 08:44 AM

I haven't managed to join a server with players on it yet, but it looks fun.

**Spyder** · 11-21-2010, 12:39 AM

I'm more concerned about the CPU leak. One empty server takes up 80% of a core on my rig (2.66GHZ) which is waaay high for a game server.

**kormendi** · 11-21-2010, 01:07 PM

I played for about 10 minutes today. It was a bunch of chaos and no one knew what they were doing, but it was really fun. The server performance took a dive around the 10 minute mark and a few minutes later crashed.

Even at its early state, I think the game is going to be quite enjoyable once they get the server problems sorted out.

**aeroripper** · 11-22-2010, 03:05 PM

Looks like there is another patch coming tonight sometime. I've been able to play some full rounds on ns2_rockdown without it crashing as long as people don't spam hydras/turrets all over the map. Game will be much better once the laginess is resolved and servers can support larger player numbers with ease. Looking forward to the next few months after the lag/fps/network stuff is fixed up and the actual game gets fleshed out.

**Flarfignuggen** · 11-22-2010, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by aeroripper

I've been able to play some full rounds on ns2_rockdown without it crashing as long as people don't spam hydras/turrets all over the map.

It gets kind of tiresome to have something interesting going then find that there's been a gorge dropping 3 hydras at every resource node. Then of course, when that discovery is made.... *server crash*...

**Spyder** · 11-22-2010, 08:15 PM

156 is out to steam, which means it should be live in the next hour or three. I will update the server today if it does, otherwise tomorrow morning. Patch notes:
NS2 Build 156

* Fixed server crashes
* Fixed server growing memory usage
* Fixed "can't connect" issues - there may still be some issues here but it should be much better
* Added very basic loading progress
* You can now see if a server is full in the server browser
* Fixed stuck problem when evolving into a bigger lifeform (won't let you do it if not enough room)
* Fixed problem with Fades occasionally getting stuck when blinking
* Improved network performance, especially around hydras and projectiles
* Fixed problem with MAC and Drifter sounds being heard when they shouldn't be
* Updated center tech point on rockdown to fix errors
* Fixed script console errors
* Fixed Fade animations while stabbing and moving
* Optimized Hydra target acquisition
* Removed collision geometry from some maps that shouldn't be seen
* Fixed missing marine flamethrower animations
* Rifle melee now hits reliably (not urgent but snuck in there)

We hope this solves the biggest issues you guys are having, especially around server stability and connection problems. If not, please let us know on the forums or GetSatisfaction.

Now we're off for some rest and relaxation and are looking forward to coming back rejuvenated! We hope you can get some good games in over this holiday week.

Thanks again for your support and patience everyone. And for those that observe it have a great Thanksgiving.

**Spyder** · 11-22-2010, 08:58 PM

Servers updated to 166. Must've been one of the early ones, as I had like 8 connections to it the instant it finished loading, sheesh.

**kormendi** · 11-22-2010, 11:22 PM

We played for a few hours tonight and I don't think the server crashed once. The game is very much playable now. Could be a lot smoother and balance is non existant, but its still pretty fun.

**Flarfignuggen** · 11-24-2010, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by kormendi

balance is non existant

Whaddya mean "non existant"?! Aliens destroy Marines right up until Flamethrowers appear, then the scales flip the other way. Totally balanced, over time!

That said, the game's performance thus far is fairly impressive. I do love the whole having to explain the real versions of "beta" and "alpha" to people repeatedly, though.