I actually like the current boost speed. After really getting in tune with the movement mechanics, the overdrive does fill the role of a boost, without being immersion breakingly fast. However, it becomes useless if the player has no incentive to not get hit. If you are ok with taking five hits per mission, then the boost is useless. I beat mission 1 and 3 with zero direct hits, and the overdrive becomes a vital mechanic. I think adding a power diversion system would give players a more active way to change playstyle, and influence which weapon you choose. For example, if there is a sniper weapon, cloaking between cover might be better than sprinting. But if you want to get out of dodge, you would definitely miss the extra speed.
Set on mars, with giant mechanized infantry, I think rule of cool applies. My favorite thing is military tech that has obviously better solutions, but is created through bureaucracy to be a futuristic super weapon. If not the tungsten rods, then another form of orbital/suboribtal weapon would do. I suggested the rods because it’s one, different than every other spacelaser, and two, it won’t have the radius of an equivalent missile strike.