Mind Probe

The Mind Probe is a metallic alien basketball that allows you to remotely enter the mind of the target. In game terms, this gives you a once-per-use peek at an alien's stat screen, revealing important info such as his health, TU's, and rank. Can be used on any alien within sight of any soldier. The soldier with the mind probe does not need a direct line of sight to the alien, but they will turn to face the alien.

Mind probes must be researched before being issued to soldiers. The most common use of a mind probe is to identify high-ranking targets worthy of capture and live research. They are not vital battlefield devices and take up one hand space or 4 backpack spaces.

Although the mind probe uses psionics, soldiers do not need any psionic ability to use it. Because every use requires 50% TUs, you will only ever get two uses per turn - less, if you spend too much time moving or turning. A good choice for the useless officer who sits in the Skyranger.

They can be manufactured for 1200 engineer-hours, $262K, and a unit of Elerium-115. Much easier to save the ones you find on the battlefield.

Other uses of mind-probe findings:

• If the alien is nearly out of TU's, you can move without fear of drawing reaction fire.
• If the alien is low on morale, it is likely to panic easily.
• If the alien is nearly out of health, you might be able to bring it down with light weaponry.