Just a quick news update. We are nearly done with our new intense-action mode of Natural Selection, dubbed "NS: Combat". Players get experience for killing enemies, and can use that experience to "level up". Marines use experience to get a jetpack or heavy armor, a better weapon, or to resupply nearby teammates with health and ammo. Aliens can evolve upgrades like cloaking or regeneration, can unlock new abilities, or can evolve to higher lifeforms. Players spawn in waves and advance in groups to maximize kills and share experience. Games are five minutes long and action-packed.
Here are a couple screenshots showing a recent playtest: