Hello all.  We would like to announce some big changes in our clan's leadership structure. 

The following changes will be in place immediately.

squishy has been promoted to the position of [IAM] Council.  Congratulations to him!
AAADrummer has been promoted to HoN Division Leader.  Congratulations to him!
AGTMADCAT has been promoted to NS Series Division Leader.  Congratulations to him!
Kc2000 has been promoted to join Wings as a Co-BF Series Division Leader.  Congratulations to him!

We would also like to commend Eddy for his time as Co-BF Series Division Leader.  A special thank you to him!



We hope you'll join us in congratulating these members on their promotions to these positions.  We expect to see some great things from these guys as well as their divisions, which will help bring more people to our community and clan.

Alpha is out!  Woohoo!

As many of you already know, Alpha keys were sent out to those that pre-ordered the special edition around 9 PM EST last night.  Most people have received their keys by now.  If you have not, try this link: http://bit.ly/tQ3EY

With that being said, NS2 is in an alpha stage.  The fact that we get to see this game at this level is exciting, but it does come with some responsibility.  You have to remember that this is the first build of the ALPHA stage.  The fact that anyone could connect to a single server last night straight up shocks me.  Our job now is to discuss features/find bugs and report them.  So, I figured we could get some solid conversations going here with people that are interested in following the development of this game from square one all the way to the final release (and to infinity and beyond).  So with each update, I'll hope to post what has changed and we can continue our discussion until the game really speaks for itself.  The official bug/suggestion method is to visit http://getsatisfaction.com/unknownworlds and provide your information.  However, here at [IAM], we can have our own discussion as our excitement continues to build towards the release of a completed NS2.

So, some of my observations from last night's FIRST alpha build:

-My game loaded up a lot faster than the engine test did.  I was personally unable to get into any multiplayer servers, but quickly hopped in a lan server and began to fool around.  A lot of people are having connection problems so this probably will be one of the first bugs they address.

-The alien commander is completely new and it seems that there are multiple types of resources now. 

-The gorge belly slide is awesome and surely will get you around quickly, albeit in straight lines. 

-The builder bots are interesting.  I wonder how much that will isolate the commander from their team.

What else did you guys notice?

A friendly reminder.  If you want to be in the alpha - you have to buy the special edition version by Monday, July 26 (alpha release date).

http://www.naturalselection2.com/buy

Something else you should know is that when we release alpha 1 at the end of this month, we are also discontinuing the NS2 Special Edition and all-black marine armor. It will no longer be available after this date, ever. Also, players that order NS2 after July 26th won't be able to play in the release date alpha. Here's an in-game shot of the limited edition black marine armor:

If you've been on the fence about ordering the Special Edition, you now have two weeks to decide. If you have the Special Edition, you will be able to choose your armor when you play - possibly at the Armory, like the rest of your weapons and equipment!

See the full announcement post for more details about the alpha release: http://www.iam-clan.com/natural-selection/ns2-news-feed-ns2-alpha-date-set!/msg2978/#msg2978

NS2 Alpha date set!
13 July 2010, 1:22 pm

As you all know, we strongly value our ties to you, the community. When we released NS v1.0 after 18 months (games were easier back then!), in some ways that really marked the beginning of the game's development, not the end of it. Over the course of five or so years and around 20 versions, the game changed remarkably. Some may argue it actually changed too much, but I believe the "spirit" of the game was always preserved. Maps, abilities and balance changed, but teamwork, depth and atmosphere remained. It's also much more gratifying to work on a game that people are playing, and many bugs and issues that would be hard to track down ourselves are revealed instantly under the communal magnifying glass of many thousands of players.

So releasing new versions and taking feedback is in our blood. Even though NS2 is a commercial game, we pursued this approach with our developer blog updates, early tools releases and engine test. This is especially helpful for us making a PC game, because the few computers we have around the office are not nearly enough for compatibility testing. We've also used this "open" approach to help run our business and stay independent - by giving out stuff earlier, we encourage people to buy earlier, which means we can fund the company without having a publisher involved. Remaining independent is not without its drawbacks, but was the right choice for us and has allowed us to build a proper sequel worthy of the original.

Human dominance

Honestly without you, the NS community, we wouldn't be here today. Both because we wouldn't have the money to continue and because all the work wouldn't be worth it. When we needed your support and we started our pre-orders, you were there to buoy us up again. Over 90% of you opted to spend extra money on the Special Edition and for that, we can't thank you enough. We promised to give you special supporters something in return, and we're finally at that point.

So it's with great pleasure that today we take the next step in our open development and partnership with you. On Monday, July 26th, we will be releasing the NS2 Playable Alpha to all the Special Edition pre-orderers, on Steam. Like with NS1, this is not the complete game, this is the first of many versions. Here's what you can expect on that day:

NS2 Alpha 1 content

• One of our shipping maps (ns2_tram), plus some smaller "test" maps
• Marine, with Rifle, Pistol, SwitchAx, Grenade Launcher
• Skulks, Gorges, Lerks and their basic movement abilities and weapons
• Marine armory "buy" screen for purchasing new equipment
• Alien evolution menu for choosing your lifeform and upgrades
• Basic marine and alien commander interfaces including MACs, Drifters
• Much of our final sounds, artwork, animations, etc.

Lerks, hydras and skulks, oh my!

We will be adding new weapons, upgrades, commander abilities, maps, etc. throughout our development to v1.0. We expect to patch somewhere between 1-4 times per month. Sometimes we'll need to tweak balance, other times we'll need to take a step back and make a bigger change, but it will be a work in progress. The fact that we're shipping on Steam makes the updating progress much easier for us.

Please keep in mind that this version of NS2 will not be the ultimate super-fun game we're striving to create, it's "alpha" for a reason! While much of the game and systems are finished, we've had to work extremely hard to get to this stage...and I don't want to describe how much work we will still do over the next two weeks! This is an alpha and parts of it are rough. However, we know that the game will get better, and better faster, with your help.

In-development shot marine commander mode

Something else you should know is that when we release alpha 1 at the end of this month, we are also discontinuing the NS2 Special Edition and all-black marine armor. It will no longer be available after this date, ever. Also, players that order NS2 after July 26th won't be able to play in the release date alpha. Here's an in-game shot of the limited edition black marine armor:


If you've been on the fence about ordering the Special Edition, you now have two weeks to decide. If you have the Special Edition, you will be able to choose your armor when you play - possibly at the Armory, like the rest of your weapons and equipment!

This has been a long road for us and we're excited to finally give you something you can play!  Now if you excuse us, we have some work to do...

See you on the other side.

Source: Natural Selection 2 News

------------

THIS POST HAS BEEN RETRIEVED AUTOMATICALLY.
PLEASE REPORT TO ADMIN IF INAPPROPRIATE FOR [IAM] CLAN FORUMS.

[IAM] - The Gathering 2010 Edition, A Narrative by kMac

Prologue:
   The leaders of [IAM], Anomaly and kMac, first concocted the grand plans for a meet and greet many years ago.  However, due to many constraints, "The Gathering" had never panned out. 

   On the heels of the creation of [IAM], the time had come for these constraints to be removed and The Gathering to come to fruition.  The leaders realized that much of summer had already passed and frantically came up with a plan.  Knowing that turnout would likely be low because of the late nature of the announcement, the leaders decided to press forward to start a new tradition regardless.

   After planning/discussing, The Gathering was announced.
(See: http://www.iam-clan.com/announcements/%28iam%29-irl!-official-community-campout-ltepic-gatheringgt/)

   The news first looked bleak as many members quickly declined their availability for such an event.  Other members placed strict demands such as "pick me up and I will come."  It looked like The Gathering would be more of a meeting between leaders when suddenly, AAADrummer confirmed his attendance.  On the heels of this, Chanuk in typical fashion said he was in, then he was out, then no one was really sure what the heck he was doing, what state he was in, or if he was even in this country.  Finally, Chanuk said his car had exploded and he was unable to quickly obtain practical means of transportation.  Blankooie also was questionable, but ended up not being able to hash out plans at the last minute as well.

   Alas, it was the fearless leaders and the one sole member/hero, AAADrummer, that faced the impossible: starting a tradition of epic proportion.



Chapter 1: Drummer's Arrival
   Drummer's planes hopped and skipped across the U.S. (actually, from Nebraska to Detroit and then to Cleveland).  His flight from Detroit to Cleveland lasted for an eternity (25 minutes total), but he finally came into the protected airspace of the [IAM] leaders.

   A winged courier was dispatched holding a sign that bore his name to lead him to his destination.


The Winged Courier.


Cleveland Hopkins Int'l.

   After coming below the clouds, Drummer found himself in a paradise described only in fairytales:


Cleveland!

   Drummer couldn't believe his eyes.  It was as they had described it, a mythical land that only kings could live in.  But, he had made it and The Gathering was on.


Hello, I'm AAADrummer.

   Drummer's first order of business?  To lower kMac's PSR even further and show him how to mindlessly click to raise your APM.


"Dude, I'm so pro."
   
   After Drummer admired the legendary horse mask found in kMac's temporary dwelling, they were off to join Anomaly for a cookout.


The Legendary Horse Mask.

   Drinking followed.


Anomaly and Drummer.


Have a drink Anomaly.


kMac and Drummer are badasses.


Anomaly and Drummer.


kMac and Drummer.


This is how Drummer normally looks.

   Sadly, kMac had to D.D., so the party was not nearly as fun as it could have been (mental note for next Gathering to pre-plan a D.D.). Drummer was cheery and talking with many strangers and the ground returned to the Anomaly's parents' house that they had let abandoned/let the group borrow for the weekend.  Drummer then, almost immediately, passed out.  Despite Anomaly and kMac blaring a T.V. at jet-engine decibel level, Drummer was still out.


Can you say "passed out?"

   The leaders then had a very important clan discussion, over a night cap of course.


Leadership.

   These kings of kings then went to sleep with Cedar Point awaiting in the morning.



Chapter 2: The Journey

   Daylight broke and a beautiful day was waiting.  The original plan was to be at the park when it opened, but the night before had changed the plan slightly.  The group showered and, after mother-hen kMac instructed the others to NOT wear dark colors, they prepared for their journey.  At the beginning of this preparation came the biggest discovery yet: Anomaly on Mac.


Anomaly has a Mac!


Buying the tickets.

   The tickets were printed and the HACKR mobile was loaded.  The group was on its way.


Cedar Point!


Aboard the HACKR Mobile!

   After a brief journey, and a stop to pick up some Dunkin Donuts, the group could see Cedar Point in the distance.  They had arrived.


"I can see it!"



Chapter 3: Cedar Point

   The group entered the gates and quickly went to the Millenium Force, a good way to start the day.


Let's get this party started.


Take me to the leaders.

   They weathered the sun and heat, as they would for the remainder of the day, amongst the masses of simpletons.  They were closer and closer to the end of the line.


In the Force line.

   The day was about to be christened.


Anomaly.


The Force with the Mantis in the background.


The Millenium Force.


The Force flies by.

   The group then went on many rides, some are chronicled here.  One such ride is the classic coaster, Gemini.


Gemini.


Gemini has wood. Wink wink.

   Gemini pits two coasters against each other, the red car and the blue car.  The group decided to race.  kMac and Drummer went to the red car and Anomaly to the blue car.


Pre-race.


Red car!


Blue car!

   Of course, kMac and Drummer won.  The group continued on to the Magnum, where they were amazed to spot Savage308 who had been ported in from the future to join their line at Magnum.


Magnum.


This is what you'll be Savage if you don't cut your hair.

   After kMac nearly died from the horrible coaster that is Magnum, the group went over to Top Thrill Dragster, the coaster that goes 120 MPH and lasts about as long as crosseyed's normal sexual experience.


Top Thrill Dragster.

   The group was shocked and appalled to see PuffPuffChicken in the wild.  Anomaly tried to get a picture, but like Bigfoot, the picture came out somewhat grainy.  (Until you post a picture of how "hot and athletic" you are PuffPuff, this is how the clan will know you).


Pink bikini, gut, stretch marks, oh my.

   As they reached the end of this line, Drummer was caught admiring the coaster they were about to ride (or perhaps a glance-back at PuffPuff).


"I just want to see her again..."

   Famished, the group decided it was time for lunch and went about their merry way to fill their stomachs.


Mmm, tasty.

   After lunch, the group found a long-lost friend.  Snoopy.


"Snoopy!" "Snoopy, nooooo!"


Frolicking with the Snoopster.

   Drummer and kMac were shocked when it was discovered that Anomaly had a sexual past with Snoopy that was quickly re-visited in public.


*Gasp!*

   After their "romping," Drummer and Anomaly quickly cooled down with some Dippin' Dots.


Dippin Dots, son.

   The heat was sweltering and the lines for many of the remaining popular coasters were overwhelming so the crew wandered to discover their next adventure.



Chapter 4: Domie

   Carnie games!  The first target of the day was a massive, stuffed gorilla.  The gorilla had eluded kMac in the past so he sought to conquer the massive beast's puzzle to capture his prize.


I want that damn gorilla!

   kMac failed.  Alas, it was not in vain because as the group was walking to check lines on coasters around the carnie games, the epic prize was spotted.  A stuffed domokun.  To win, three bottles had to be knocked off a platform using a bean-bag ball.  Anomaly went first and the game proved to be rigged.  kMac then knocked them off on his first try in an explosive manner.  This awarded him a lesser prize of some retarded stuffed panda, but put him only one more win away from a domokun.  kMac tried a couple more times, one teasingly had one bottle shoot straight up in the air after a direct hit only to land right back on the platform,  but was unsuccessful.  Then, Anomaly and Drummer both attempted as well, each coming very close to victory.  The group was worried that they would not be able to claim the epic, plush domokun.  kMac then put cash on the counter and told the carnie that he would be taking tries until it ran out.  First pitch... and a STRIKE!  kMac got his prize, Domie.


Domie.

   Domie was quickly part of the crew.


Drummer loves Domie.


"Hold me."

   However, Domie needed to show the guys what he was so good at: stalking and making amazing pictures.


Domie stalking.


"Hello kiddies."


"Bwhahaha."


Kiddy Kingdom!


CP Universe.

   Night had fallen, and the crew returned to the hometown of Anomaly and kMac for dinner.  Domie provided watch in the car.


"I got this."

   Outside the restaurant, the group played large chess.  Fearless battles of wit and brilliance followed.


Chess at night.


Drummer lost this game.

   The group then showed that they are truly renaissance men by admiring some classic paintings.


How cute.


Mona Drummer.

   The night had ended.  The group returned to crash for the night (and kick back some beers).



Chapter 5: The Departure

   The final day had arrived.  Another cookout fed the group, but buns proved to be limited.  kMac showed his resourcefulness, and his lack of fear of being made fun of by the clan, by consenting to a photo of the double-dog.


The Double Dog.

   The group then watched Crank 2: High Voltage.


Crank 2 Trailer.

   Following Crank 2, the World Cup Final was on.


"This is Sparta!"
(See also: http://www.iam-clan.com/general-discussion/world-cup-2010-(iam)-thread/ & http://www.iam-clan.com/general-discussion/what-the-hell-was-up-with-the-calls-in-that-game!/)

   As the game ended, it was time to depart.  The Gathering had come to a close.  Drummer headed back to the simple ways of Nebraska.


Bye Drummer!


Epilogue:

   The Gathering was a lot of fun.  With that being said, the narrative cracks some jokes and they are meant to be humorous.  Nothing should be taken too seriously in the story.  We hope you enjoy our pictures and we wish we could have taken more, but it was already a pain to get enough pictures just to tell the story.  However, these pictures don't even do the Gathering justice.  I thought it was a lot of fun and I'm sure Anomaly and AAADrummer would agree with me.  We wish more of you had been able to attend, but hope that you will in the future!

   Plans for the next Gathering will be starting shortly so please be ready to volunteer ideas and dates at that time. 

   A special thanks to Anomaly and AAADrummer who made the Gathering possible.  Also, a special thanks to Anomaly's parents for letting us all use their house while they were out of town.

   Finally, to you, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it.

-[IAM] kMac