When comparing Natural Selection 2 vs Bastion, the Slant community recommends Bastion for most people. In the question“What are the best games on Linux?” Bastion is ranked 30th while Natural Selection 2 is ranked 79th. The most important reason people chose Bastion is:
Bastion is a game about exploring floating islands while destroying monsters along the way. The combat is simple, fast, and it's a lot of fun to destroy monsters with a variety of weapons. This includes a machete, pistols, a pike, a carabine, and even grenades. You can also equip two weapons at the same time, allowing you to use cool combinations like hammer and a machete or a cannon and a mortar. Each weapon also has upgrades and unlockable skills, giving you new methods for destroying monsters. All of this makes Bastion stay exciting for a long time.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Linux support
Natural Selection 2 has full Linux support.
Pro Integrates RTS elements on top of a shooter
The game has two completely different factions - the humans and an alien race called Kharaa. One player in each team can become a Commander, who then issues orders, RTS-style.
Pro The 2 sides have vastly different strategy and playstyles
Pro In-depth choice of equipment
There is a wide range of weapons for each side that allows for plenty of choice for the player.
Pro Teamwork is essential
To really advance and do well in the game teamwork is essential.
Pro Kharaa can evolve into 5, highly distinct classes
There are 5 different classes that the Kharaa can evolve into.
Pro Developed to be heavily modifiable
By utilizing LUA files the game is highly moddable.
Pro Community driven development
From the very beginning NS2 has had a very passionate community - they've contributed maps, designs and even core features (such as the Spectator Mode). And since build 265, the game's development has been handed off completely to a 14-man community development team (with oversight from UWE).
Pro Dynamic environments
During play levels will change and react, making for dynamic levels and environments.
Pro Fun varied gameplay
Bastion is a game about exploring floating islands while destroying monsters along the way. The combat is simple, fast, and it's a lot of fun to destroy monsters with a variety of weapons. This includes a machete, pistols, a pike, a carabine, and even grenades. You can also equip two weapons at the same time, allowing you to use cool combinations like hammer and a machete or a cannon and a mortar. Each weapon also has upgrades and unlockable skills, giving you new methods for destroying monsters. All of this makes Bastion stay exciting for a long time.
Pro A unique way of storytelling
While the central plot is pretty simple, Bastion has a narrator that comments on everything that you do. This includes things like falling of a ledge, obtaining a weapon, or even destroying a massive monster. Because of this, it feels as if you're playing through a story book, where your journey and actions is the central story.
Pro Beautiful art style
Bastion uses a hand-painted art style for its characters, monsters, environments, and even backgrounds. There's so much color, detail, and variation in everything, it feels like you're skimming through a picture book. It's always exciting to see what this game will show you next.
Pro Incredible soundtrack
Bastion's soundtrack expertly sets the atmosphere with its soundtrack. From somber blues songs during touching story moments to exciting trip-pop mixes during combat. It's just so nice to listen to, making the experience of playing Bastion better as a whole.
Cons
Con Learning curve
The learning curve for Natural Selection 2 feels unapproachable at times.
Con Really long loading
10 minute loading times to join matches is way too long to wait.
Con Combat can feel repetitive
Like most hack and slash titles, Bastion's combat is very simple, having you mash buttons in every monster encounter. This probably won't bother you as much during short play sessions, but the longer you play in one sitting, the more tiresome it becomes, especially if you already have all the upgrades and don't have anything else to do between levels.