Genestealers at least can function in a vacuum. Somewhere in the fluff is a bit about most space hulks being depressuried and open to the vacuum, but the 'stealers can survive in it.

I think its safe to say that other tyranids would be able to survive in vacuum too.

Are space marine armour suits sealed up like a space suit? So that they can perform in unbreathable atmospheres or in a vacuum? Because that could make for some very interesting settings.

Of course, in that case, they would *really* need to keep their helmets on.

Why not have the weapon readiness shown on the weapon model itself?

It could be spines or spikes on the weapon rising from a flat to upright position for example.

3rd person would probably be good for melee combat. But its a bitch for aiming ranged weapons. Make it togglable ingame.

Hahah! That was you right Vast?

Good to see Synapse taking the lead. I think the major benefit of it is that it is unique. There are plenty of players vs. AI coop mods, but I can't think of any that have players in command of AI. And lets face it, if RS2 doesn't set itself apart from the crowd somehow, it'll likely just blend into the dark background of mods that the community is awash with.

But they do anyway...

Quite a few of the characters go into battle with their helmets off. Maybe it's too inspire their troops. Or maybe its so that the minitures are more striking. :-/

How many polys?

Woo, muchly improved, especially the head!

I agree that the shoulder pads are too long, vertically. And the borders on them are a tad too thick. Also, what's with the white bands around his wrists? I can't recall having seen anything like that on the minis or artwork.

Other than those minor quibbles, he's looking pretty damn good!

Wow, very nice work Cyberman. Very nice indeed.

I do have a bit of constructive criticism though:

As migb said, the pose isn't very dynamic, he doesn't seem to be doing anything much other than, well, posing.

The head could use some work, it looks a bit out of proportion to me.

The eagle on the chest plate doesn't look much like the ones on the models, and it looks like it's painted on to a flat surface rather than having any depth or shape of its own.

That's all I've got. Once again, excellent work.

I like the different bolter rounds idea, but are psykers even going to be included? I can't remember having seen them mentioned before.

Only if the points accumulating over time are large compared to those gained from kills. If the kills are the larger source of points, which I think they should be, then people will be purchasing upgrades at varying times depending on their skill and luck. Also, assuming different upgrades have different costs, and not everyone wants the same upgrade, some staggering should occur.

I think points based on the amount of damage done by each player would be a better idea. That way you'll live longer by teaming up, but you won't have 'groupies' following the good players around for no reason other than leaching off their kills.

As for campers, like I said, just balance it so the majority of points come from kills. Alternatively, just have the points accumulate over time, regardless of whether the marine is alive or in the spawn queue.

That's a good idea migb, that way you won't have any marines building up a heap of points from their heavy weapon stint and simply buying another when they respawn.

As for giving points for nothing, it has to be balanced correctly. So long as kills are still worth a good chunk of points (say 30 to 60 seconds worth?) the players will still be motivated to get into the action when they have only a bolter. The reason I suggested having points accumulate with time is so that even newbies can get a shot with the heavy weapons, not just the more skilled and experienced players.

You could always have a player, or number of players that are sargents or banner bearers, who give all marines within a certain radius various combat boosts. Problems abound with this though. How do you select such a player? What if they are a noob or just an idiot who wants to ruin the game for the rest?

Just had another thought: what if the marines accumulate 'experience points' as they fight? Not just for killing things, but just being alive, over time, the points build up. When they respawn, they can spend the points on heavy weapons and other gear. When they die, and go back to the normal bolter kit until they build up enough points again.

This way, the heavy weapons can be really worthwhile, and superior to the bolters, but you'll never have a situation where all the marines are packing heavy weapons, and there are no bolters.

Just a thought. I think that could work quite well.

My vote would be for Ultramarines, and failing that, Black Templars.

No reason beyond my liking the colour schemes.