ADeeyore

I also started with gene mods before cybernetics since MECs are way more expensive, and in the early game I typically dedicate most of my efforts in setting up my satellite network. The bone marrow gene mod has been crucial, especially with the tweaking of experience as it ensures my primary team is almost always ready for action, even when wounded.

I didn't get my first MEC until the third month when I finally got an influx of resources from finishing Gangplank. Converted my gravely wounded Assault LT into my first MEC Trooper (this also cut her recovery time from the 16 days to a mere 3 days for the augmentation!). I think having officer perks right off the back in addition to laser weapons definitely helped make her more durable as a frontline fighter, though as discussed above, you never want to leave your MEC alone against a whole squad of enemies.

They also added some new council missions as well in addition to the usual bomb disposal and VIP escort missions. Did anyone get the "Site Recon" council mission yet? I did not expect that mission to go the way it did and brought in my B-Squad since I was expecting the usual council mission assortment of Thin Men. Holy crap that was terrifying, especially that last objective.

And the trailer!

I actually liked A Thousand Suns a lot more than I liked Minutes to Midnight. And I do appreciate that they are unafraid to experiment with their sound while staying true to their musical roots as a band that mixes genres in ways not many other band do. I thought a lot of the stuff they did for their songs in the latest album was pretty damn cool. You can't stay angry forever, and I'm glad that instead of trying to recreate their early success with faked angst they decided to use their success as a platform to explore new areas.

For references sake, I was born in the early 80's, a former musician, and have taken a few experimental music classes back in college.

I kind of liked the last few chapters of the game starring Kelso.   It seemed the most "noir-ey," beginning with a femme fatale with something to hide asking an investigator to look into something suspicious.

WINNING!

I think it depends on the Jack Attack.  Jack Attack strategy pretty much comes down to identifying how the clue ties into the answers and predicting what the future answers will be.  I've played YDKJ since volume 1, so I've had a lot of training and will almost always pick up the first answer of any set, however once the other players key into the pattern, it becomes a reflex race where you pretty much have to hammer the buzzer as the word flies in.   However, some Jack Attacks have more "trick answers" than others, and this is where less experienced players might falter.  When this happens, even if they pick up the correct answer, there's no score movement.  
 
The best strategy is still to have the largest lead going in, including a successful screw and getting the wrong answer of the game.  Those bonuses will give you enough leeway that if you lose one or two in the jack attack, you can still hang onto your lead.  Also I've found that the Jack Attack is less significant in 4 player matches, especially when one of those players tank and decides to buzz randomly, screwing up your competitor's chance to grab more cash.

Every chapter, or when an exclamation mark appears on the "exit the animus" option in the start menu, you can exit to see extra dialogue options with your modern assassin teammates, check email at the terminal in front of the Altair statue, interact with the Altair statue itself (Desmond makes fun of it, and gets berated by Becca), or explore the town... sometimes you'll find a teammate standing outside on your way back for more dialogue options... that's all the stuff I've found so far.