Ok, so i played a bit during beta...and i really disliked the game. it seemed to be impossible to start playing, as either faction. however, having played quite a bit tonight, i must say that I was wrong. This is possibly one of the most well put-together games i've ever played. i didn't get any of the "you're new, get fucked and get lost" feeling of the beta. Instead, the game seemed possible. It's pretty obvious that having a good com will help, but still, for a game as complex as NS2 to be accessible to an almost 100% new player is just impressive.

A few things:
1) skulk OP. seriously, i doubt i'll ever use a different class when i'm playing aliens. wall-jumping plus celerity=disgusting speeds, and it was pretty damn hilarious to be sitting on the ceiling w/ stealth, watch a few marines run past, drop down and kill two, then stealth on the ceiling and let my regeneration heal me. not really a fan of any of the other classes, except for the rhino of course (or onos if you insist).

2) the maps are amazing, but confusing as all fuck. There's only one map i consider easy to navigate, and that's because all tunnels/vents are highlighted in yellow. I think that the infection mechanic, while awesome, should have a third setting. "Thin" looks like shit, while "Rich" makes it almost impossible to see certain things (like vent entrances).

3) the light machinegun/AR is nice, but seems to fall off HARD. the shotgun is nice, but almost impossible to hit well with against a semi-competent skulk. I would LOVE to see a more battle-rifle style weapon. slower fire rate than the AR, but much more powerful shots, possibly losing accuracy with sustained fire, or with something of a recoil effect.

4) is the axe or welder better for taking out structures? the wiki says the axe...but i'm DAMN sure i was burning through cysts like nobody's business with the welder.