14 DAY TRIAL // Getting access to MECs, basically humans with their limbs hacked off and replaced with cybernetic augmentations, is surprisingly easy in XCOM: Enemy Within: a player just needs to research the MELD tech, create a special area in the base and then select a soldier for experimentation.
But even though I could have a mechanized behemoth fighting alongside my team, earning new powers and acting as the anchor to my battle line, I ignored the option because I could just not think about how a MEC could fit in my tactical setup.
This was a fortuitous event because it allowed me to stockpile enough resources and do the necessary research that I was able to create a level two robot when I finally decided to do it.
The MEC has several interesting choices when it comes to weapons and abilities, and chose a design using the classic minigun, a flamethrower and is able to also launch grenades at long range.
I quickly fell in love with the increased hitpoints of my MEC and his impressive main weapon, which I quickly upgraded to a railgun that does impressive damage.
The soldier getting transformed keeps a bonus based on his previous specialty, in my game a sniper, but also gains new ones that radically transform the abilities of the unit.
I initially used the MEC as a second line sharpshooter with the ability to take out cover with his grenade launcher, but after about 10 missions and some upgrades, I chose to push him out further, relying on him to spot enemies and draw most of their fire.
That means there are moments when the unit is in a lot of danger, but it has the hitpoints to withstand most attacks, and by the time he is really threatened, the rest of my team has flanked or sniped the enemy and can deliver some much-needed healing.