We approach our third Combat Shell Deep Dive and it's time to talk about the CSA's venerable field hacker frame. That is, of course, the Engineer submitted as a blueprint by hacker turned CSA Electronic Intelligence Expert, Maria Argentea.
The Engineer represents a middle ground between firepower and sigint. Its abilities are aimed at zone control and tactical area denial. Prominently visible on the Shell is the sting of its
Wormlink Breach.
Through this direct link the Engineer hacks cybernetics and electronics, using the cable as a conduit to deliver a software payload incapacitating enemies.
Key to its area denial capabilities is the
Lawbringer Turret. While its battery life is limited, it's chock full of sensors and IFF subroutines and has room for additional elemental mods for some deadly force multiplication.
As with other Shells, the Engineer hardly wades into battle emptyhanded. Your armaments, should you pick this Shell, are comprised of the flechette-firing
Gauss Rifle that combines respectable fire rate with good recoil control, and the
Tarball Grenade Launcher packed with sticky bombs by default.
So how do you like Maria Argentea's gift, agents? Is it your favorite, or do you think the talented hacker just went for a blatant self-insert into the Protocol? Share your destructive Engineering experience in the comments below!
