Greetings, RCS pilots. In this issue we'll go back to basics and take a look at the stats of your Robotic Combat Suit. Please keep in mind that our units operate using the man-machine-weapon synergy, and in order to become a badass pilot, you need to pay attention to all three. And today, we'll take a look at the man and machine side of things.

Robotic Combat Suit Stats

Durability Count (DC)

The 'health' of your Robotic Combat Suit. If it reaches zero, the unit will be destroyed. This stat can be increased by finding metal shards and armor plates and applying them at the repair stations. Or, if you are in need or urgent repairs, you can use your energy to apply them on the go. Please keep in mind that taking damage will slowly reduce your maximum durability, and low durability increases the chance of armor penetration, which will hurt the pilot.

Energy

Your source of power for various abilities, the Beam Sword, and the additional source of ammo for the Laser Rifle. It can be replenished via repair stations or by using portable batteries to restore it over time. You can increase the capacity by upgrading it at the repair station.

Accuracy

Determines how good your aiming systems are. It can be improved by upgrading your unit (and the final stat can be increased by improving the pilot's and weapon's accuracy). If the unit is damaged, this stat will be temporarily reduced until the unit is repaired.

Evasion

Determines how good you are at reducing incoming damage and dodging enemy attacks altogether. If it's high enough, you can hunker down between enemies and make them hit each other. It can also be improved by upgrading your unit (and the final stat can be increased by improving the pilot's evasion and reducing the evasion penalty of your weapons). If the unit is damaged, this stat will be temporarily reduced until the unit is repaired, and if the unit is hit, this stat will be reduced, but will go back to normal over time.

Recovery

Determines the speed of recovery from enemy attacks. Getting hit by bullets and explosives will destabilize the unit and make it easier for other enemies to hit you. Fortunately, this works against them too. This stat can also be improved by upgrading your unit and the final stat is increased by the pilot's recovery stat.

Weight

Represents the weight of your unit, and the final stat is determined by adding the weight of the pilot and equipment. It determines the power of your ramming attacks, the amount of damage you receive from them, and the possibility of pushing the enemy away from you. The outcome is determined by the difference between you and the target if your weight is higher, then you'll deal more damage, receive less, and will be able to push them away and make them land on a landmine or fall into a bottomless pit.

Pilot Stats

Health (HP)

'nuff said. If it reaches zero, the pilot will die, and low health will lead to accuracy and evasion penalties that can be removed by using medical kits or finding medical stations. Accuracy, Evasion and Recovery stats determine the pilot's competence in these fields and can positively (or negatively) affect the final results. The key to your survival is to make sure that both the RCS and the pilot are in good condition. Instead of growing through upgrades, these stats grow naturally through experience.

The End

Thank you for reading this issue of the Pilot's Guide, and expect another one very soon. Next time, we'll talk about the weapon side of things. The answers to questions found in the previous issue can be found below. [spoiler] [olist]

Facts don't care about your wishes: in order to leave the Earth, you'd have to be one of the brightest or richest people in the world.

Sunlight IS deadly and you can find proof by visiting the crumbling Upper Levels.

Anne Schaffer is presumed dead after The Seed exploded on its way back to Earth for unknown reasons. [/olist] [/spoiler] We have three more questions for you: [olist]

What is Project Iron Will?

Do you get visions of your demise?

Who was responsible for the bombing of the Southern Spaceport? [/olist] See you next time!