Hey everyone,

We released NS2 Build 210 on Friday. Hugh is still in Sweden @ Dreamhack, so we're going to skip the patch video this time. However, you can get an idea of the biggest change from this video...

NS2 Build 210

Features

• Added new map: ns2_docking
• Removed structure energy from the game. All abilities that used to cost energy (Cysts, Distress Beacon, etc.) now cost team resources.
• Added Fade Vortex ability (tier 3). Fade can send structure or player temporarily into the "ether".
• Added new Armory and Prototype Lab "buy" menus.
• Added ghost structure effect for unbuilt Marine structures.
• Added view model for mines.

Changes

• Changed crosshair hit indicator to disappear faster.
• Crosshair no longer moves with the camera.
• Changed whip grenade whack to aim the grenade away from friendly units instead of throwing it back to the attacker.
• Ghost structures will now vanish when touched by infestation.
• Increased shade cloak radius from 15 to 22.
• Marine command can now recycle unbuilt structures.
• Recycling a Ghost Structure no longer gives back all resources and takes some time.
• Reduced shotgun spread slightly.
• Weapons drop their reserve ammo now as separate packs which can be picked up by marines carrying the correct weapon.

Fixes

• Eggs will no longer spawn on top of Resource Points.
• Fixed bug in console binding system when the player has a lot of bindings defined.
• Fixed bug where cloaked alien structures on low HP show blood effect.
• Fixed bug where hydras attached to clogs could fall through the world.
• Fixed bug where resource towers won't display build/research progress bar.
• Fixed bug where sounds stop playing when switching abilities/weapons.
• Fixed bug where the Alien commander could see a Jetpack flying around without seeing the attached Marine in some cases.
• Fixed bug where the weapon draw sound would play multiple times when the player stopped using something.
• Fixed damage indicator is not shown for welder.
• Fixed exploit regarding Hypermutation.
• Fixed rare script error caused by an Alien ability finishing researching while an Alien player is dead.
• Fixed wall jump exploit.
• Fixed welder icon shown on dead units.
• It is no longer possible to change spectator modes while waiting to spawn (Thanks Hampton).
• It is now possible to spawn at Eggs nearby Hives that were recently killed.
• Prevent scanning of black area outside of map (was costing resources before).
• Using "kill" in the console while spectating will no longer do anything.

Improvements

• Added clear_binding command to remove a console binding.
• Cysts and infestation now cloaks (Shade).
• Input to the Commander minimap and buttons is ignored when drag selecting units.
• Publishes/updates of mods now use the maximum zip compression level instead of the default (great reduction in size -- thanks for noticing, fsfod).

ns2_summit

• Fixed shadowing issue in the Sub Access tech point.
• Fixed stuck issue in Computer Lab.
• Fixed stuck issue in Sub Access stairs.
• Fixed stuck issue in the corridor between Atrium and Crevice.
• Fixed stuck issue in the remaining Flight Control chairs.
• Fixed stuck issue in the stairs in Summit Reception.
• Moved Power Point in Data Core near the res nozzle location.
• Moved Power Point in Flight Control near the stairs.
• Moved Power Point in Sub Access to the old res nozzle location.
• Moved Sub Access res nozzle to the pit.
• Smoothed out player movement in the ReadyRoom.

SDK

• Added fog_area_modifier used to control the fog settings in an area of the world.
• Fixed bug where animated textures would not properly update when rendering an AVI from the Cinematic Editor.
• Fixed bug where the "specular" property for level lights wasn't taken into account in the Cinematic Editor.