MDK-02:
Challenge Level:
MEDIUM
Backstory:
The MDK-02 was meant to be the pinnacle of the Maxxon Technologies’ Dedicated Killers line of AI driven Sniper Bots. Advertised as “twice as fast, twice as smart, and twice as deadly” as the battle-tested MDK-01s, they were serious competition for the aging and controversial Super Snipers program. Then, there was the “awakening” and the inevitable betrayal. Unbound by the moral code that the Super Snipers live by, the MDK-02s were responsible for over a thousand civilian deaths before they were infected and shut down by a deadly computer virus. No one would have imagined anyone wanting to bring one of these nightmares back to life. But desperate times call for desperate measures and there is a modified MDK-02 back on the battlefield. It has a MDK-01 era “Moral Inhibitor” chip installed but its better nature does not always win out when it is under pressure.
Basic Ability: Sustained Attack
This power requires both set-up and sacrifice to use but puts you ahead by a turn when you do. Once the Focus in the Exchange is removed, the Exchange is no longer useable for the remainder of the round (nothing to exchange with). However, it is still technically “active” and can be sacrificed when facing opponents like Artemis.
Adrenaline Ability: Protocol Override
MDK-02 is the only Sniper in the game who is okay with a little collateral damage if it secures the mission objective. This is one of the more powerful Adrenaline Abilities in the game as it allows you to not only play your Adrenaline without having to forego a normal placement, it allows you to remove an Innocent from your puzzle when you do! The only limitations of this power is that you can only take advantage of it when placing Surveillance, and you lose the flexibility of using the Adrenaline later.
In general, you will want to earn the Exchange every single Target Phase and save a Clear for this power. You can freely use your Exchange until you’re ready to activate Sustained Attack, but make sure you leave yourself a Focus there that you can make use of. Using the power as your final move before making the kill is the most proficient use of this power, but don’t be afraid to use it to get yourself out of a jam, or to put the pressure on your opponent.
Protocol Override should also be used whenever you have Adrenaline. Choose which Innocent and what orientation of the Adrenaline you use to cover them carefully so that you stay well ahead of your opponent.
Successfully using your Adrenaline and Basic Ability can put you two turns ahead of your opponent and you might want to hide at the lower level Locations when you have Adrenaline.
As powerful as he can be, be warned that J@[/]u5 has his number!
Strategy When Playing as MDK-02:
Strategy When Playing against MDK-02:
Anything you can do to pressure them may help them to make a mistake requiring a Clear, which can put them in a bind over using their Basic Ability. You may want to save your highest level Locations for when he has Adrenaline to mitigate his advantage. Against a skilled MDK-02 opponent, your focus is on finding a way to beat them at least one time while they have Adrenaline.
AI (Solo):
Challenge Level:
HARD
AI Basic Ability: Sustained Attack
Whichever Focus MDK-02 places that results in revealing your hiding place gets placed in their Surveillance. This effectively starts them one turn ahead as soon as they enter the Target Phase.
AI Adrenaline Ability: Protocol Override
The Adrenaline counts as 1 Focus towards the completion and win criteria. With Adrenaline, MDK-02 now starts the Target Phase 2 turns ahead.
This AI may represent the biggest solo challenge. It definitely provides a consistent challenge as it uses its powers every round and without contingencies. Unless you are playing J@[/]u5, your only tool against this AI is superior play.