Savage 2 gets free content update, Linux client
by Christopher Grant 
{ Mar 26th 2008 at 8:29PM }
Also available: a Linux client, which should appeal to gamers on that admittedly not-gaming-heavy platform who appreciated the original Savage's Linux client. If you're hoping for a Mac OS X release, the developers have said, "Depending on Sav 2's success, we may port to Mac OS – however, at this time, we are not." Regardless, if you're interested, you can download either the Windows or Linux client and play for up to five hours for free; after that, you can purchase the full game for $30. Any Savage 2 players care to offer their reports? Sound off in the comments.
Read – First of Many Free Content Updates for Savage 2: A Tortured Soul
Read – Release of Highly Anticipated Linux Client for Savage 2: A Tortured Soul
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Neebs @ Mar 26th 2008 8:48PM
Wonder if they'll keep this up. I have seen 0 advertising besides an interview in PC Gamer podcast ages ago, and PC Gamer ended up giving a 75% or something.
tetranitrocubane @ Mar 26th 2008 9:15PM
In my experience Savage 2 suffers quite a bit from being overcomplicated. The UI is far too cluttered for the type of game it's trying to be, and there are usually NO games running that are easy to join. Getting a game started from scratch involves some bizarre process of jumping in and out of 'practice' games several times until enough people agree on a commander, or more people log in. Plus, it's just genuinely hard to figure out what's going on.
These are only my expriences, and I plan on playing more. But that's hard to do when TF2 basically trounces this game in terms of class-based, team focused FPS gameplay.
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Mar 27th 2008 2:18AM
Only played Savage 1 (it's free), and quite frankly, for the first few hours it was REALLY addictive.
But this game heavily relies on good players and on good commanding: random matches are going to team you up with random strangers who aren't always bad, but who mostly don't really know how to work together. The true strength of the game is likely to rely on organized clan systems (I haven't been in one, so I'm just speculating out of my ass).
I'd like to read more reviews and opinions on this game before taking the jump into Savage 2.
shmuck @ Mar 27th 2008 2:58AM
I bought the game and have played a decent amount, when you can get a good game going it really shines. I disagree with tetranitrocubane's assertion that the game is too complicated - all of the different factors are what keep the game interesting in the long term. You are, after all, doing exactly the same thing again and again and again. Having options gives you some variety.
He's right about the servers though - they have this awkward system that tries to keep the new players and the veterans separate. In some respects it works - playing on a higher-level server is a very different experience from playing with new people who don't know the maps and don't know how to work as a team. In other respects... well, there's exactly one higher-level server to which I get sub-100 pings. If that server is full or if there is no one playing on it, I just can't play. There are several good lower level servers that I could and would play on in those instances but higher level players are prohibited from playing on lower level servers.
I really like Savage 2. The close combat system is awkward and doesn't control terrifically well, but makes for a really deep, involved combat system. The commander setup works extremely well when you have a commander who knows what they're doing, and that isn't rare even when playing with random peers.
tokataro @ Apr 1st 2008 8:08PM
When's the last time you played? I think they've mostly done away with the level restrictions for servers, I certainly see plenty of high levels beating my face in most nights.
t_m @ Mar 27th 2008 3:11AM
Portable, enhanced, free version of savage1 for anyone that wants to try it out:
http://pendriveapps.com/2008/03/04/savage-full-enhancement/
Good on these guys for releasing the 1st game to the community... so if you like S1 please support them by buying S2.
Massey @ Mar 27th 2008 3:30AM
I played Savage 2 in beta a while, and used up my free 5 hours and I loved it. The only problem is that I'm cheap, so I didn't buy it.
As long as there are two balanced teams playing, the game is very fun, but unfortunately at least half of the games I played consisted of one team getting absolutely destroyed (usually because the commander left).
Also, the different classes offer several different play styles, so there's bound to be something you like. That is, of course, if your team is organized enough to build the prerequisite buildings.
motang @ Mar 27th 2008 8:20AM
Pretty cool, here are some screenshot from Phoronix article (http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=savage2_linux&num=1).
Scopique @ Mar 27th 2008 1:38PM
It IS a shame that there isn't more exposure for this game, as I think there's a lot of potential fans out there for it. I've tried it out, and I like it, but I do think it's an acquired taste. The ranking is cool, the newly launched guild site is cool, and the match replays are cool. They've done a good job extending the game OUTSIDE of the game, which I always like.
theydidntnameme @ Apr 4th 2008 11:23AM
i hope this game does well. i played the first savage the day it came out and it wasjust awesome..
ockhams @ Apr 3rd 2008 5:51PM
I've played the game for a few weeks and I've enjoyed most every minute of it. Sleek graphics and sound, responsive controls, good maps and squad tactics, etc.
The diversity within teams and the difference between races really impresses me in the sense that the game plays out very near balance. There are very few repetitive abilities so every class is quite unique while still being simple enough to understand.
Also, the fact that they take the time to listen to the community while expanding the game, even to the point of creating a linux client, is quite reassuring that they will make decisions that will keep the players happy in the future.
Altogether I'd say this is a great game with a great price tag! Much more fun than plenty of games that I had to pay almost twice as much for.
Give it a try and see what it's all about!
hvnlysoldr @ Apr 14th 2008 1:57AM
Fred Savage of The Wizard popped into my mind. Yeah I don't know why I'm posting this.
jimjam @ Apr 19th 2008 5:36PM
Great game as is the first savage. This game is unique & should be rewarded for it. :)
Duoblaze @ Apr 15th 2008 8:04PM
Savage2 as a game is absolutely wonderful but unfortunately suffers from a critical flaw.
The very core feeling of the game play, the leveling system, experience system (skill factor), and the method which teams are meant to play tug-o-war for victory leads to elitest attitudes among players and a universal feeling of "giving up" early on in many matches. This feeling bleeds deeply into game play, and out of it into other non-game play functions of the S2 community.
I believe the large majority of gamers would feel demoralized playing Savage2 regularly and not have as much fun as they may with other such games which are easier to jump into and casual friendly.
Because of this I believe Savage2 will never be a "mainstream" popular game such as a success like Call of Duty 4, or the battlefield series.
Nonetheless... Second to the game/Half-Life-mod Natural-Selection, I believe the Savage & Savage2 are two of the greatest online games ever made.
It's just ashame that Savage2's style of gameplay (unique non-standard genre), deep learning curve, and being so extremely reliant on teamwork kill chances of being a mainstream popular PC game.