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A MEC Trooper does not use regular equipment in combat but instead utilizes a Mechanized Exoskeleton Cybersuit (aka MEC Suit). MEC Troopers cannot be genetically modified or undergo Psi testing a Psionic soldier cannot become a MEC Trooper. MEC Troopers replace their arms and legs with cybernetic implants but remain human enough to be affected by Psionic abilities, including Mind Control. With the Cybernetics Lab, MEC Troopers can be created from any soldier class, maintaining their rank but losing all abilities and Gene Mods they previously had Rookies cannot become MEC Troopers.
The five types of genetic modifications cost 5 - 35 each- a maximum of 130 for the more expensive of each body area, while a max level (3) MEC suit costs 210 (including the 10 for the augmentation of the pilot).
Although using this resource requires the construction of two extra facilities in the base, the Genetics Lab and Cybernetics Lab count as a Laboratory and Workshop, respectively, for the purpose of adjacency bonuses. The addition of Meld doesn't significantly change the research/tech tree instead, most Meld-related tech and upgrades are unlocked as part of existing research, such as alien autopsies. In the Cybernetics Lab, Meld can be used to transform soldiers into MEC Troopers and to build MECs for them to use in combat. In the Genetics Lab, Meld can be used to grant soldiers super-human abilities through Gene Mods. Recovering Meld opens up a new research project called Meld Recombination, which unlocks two new base facilities: a Genetics Lab and a Cybernetics Lab. Meld is a new resource found in canisters that can be recovered during most mission types. The following day, 2K Support released an iOS/Android XCOM: Enemy Within FAQ to address common questions regarding the mobile port notably it clarified that the Elite Soldier, Operation Slingshot and Operation Progeny content are not included in the mobile versions. XCOM: Enemy Within became available as a mobile app download for select iOS, Android and Amazon Fire devices on Nov. For consoles it is only available in disc format as XCOM: Enemy Within – Commander Edition, a standalone expanded experience that includes all XCOM: Enemy Unknown content plus the Elite Soldier and Slingshot add-ons, for $39.99.
XCOM: Enemy Within is available as a download for PCs and Macs for $29.99. XCOM: Enemy Within won Best Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 2014 D.I.C.E. This expansion pack also introduces new resources, new maps, new tactical and strategic gameplay, and new multiplayer content. Announced at Gamescom 2013, XCOM: Enemy Within adds new abilities, upgrades, weapons, and a new soldier class to combat new enemy threats. It was released on November 12th, 2013 in North America and November 15th 2013 elsewhere. XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack for XCOM: Enemy Unknown.