Last Friday I purchased the new 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set of Classic BattleTech. I must say this is an awesome set for US$50. It comes with 24 poor (to medium) quality plastic miniatures and two premium quality miniatures (which I hope that Catalyst and whomever is manufacturing these premium miniatures put out LOTS MORE!).
The set comes with the old maps–but now they’re printed on premium hardboard board-game surface instead of flimsy paper. It also comes with a thick-cardboard quick reference sheet (which my only disappointment was it wasn’t laminated, but this is easily remedied).
The presentation of the box itself is good, perhaps a bit overwhelming to a new player, but (to be honest) I didn’t really read the introductory stuff, and I’ll get to that later if I write a full review.
The Game
The game hasn’t changed much since last I played regularly 15 years ago. I believe that the combat modifiers have been simplified on the reference sheet to make much more sense than it was (I thought that I remember some strangeness about having to subtract a negative for ranges, or whatnot–now it’s all just add to your target number, then roll higher than the target number).
It’s still everything I remember–with the exception of the Harmony Gold ‘mech artwork (which I can deal with, as the old mechs exist, but with new artwork & designs that don’t look — the box set cover I believe is the new Warhammer).
The introductory set only comes with the basic rules for ‘mechs only. For 80-90% of us out there that’d be just dandy. Once I get my old group playing regularly I may purchase the Total Warfare book and see if we’re interested in Vehicles, Infantry and others (this book looks awesome! I love me some Kitchen-Sink Books!).
My History with BattleTech
BattleTech was my first “miniatures” wargame (although at the time we mostly used the paper-doll standups). I played very regularly from 1988-1993 and 40K took over my Miniature hobby (both fortunately and unfortunately, as I do love 40k too, I do feel sorry that I haven’t come back to this game sooner).
Back in the days of “a few game stores ago” it was “THE tournament” to attend (this was before the Collectable Card Game invasion) and there was 20-30 people lined up for team tournaments (usually teams of 4 people, one per mech lance on lance combat).
Ahhhh Good times…
The Future
As I mentioned I plan on getting my old gang together (and combining arms with other old BattleTech players locally) and generate interest in this ancient, but balanced game of combat. Watch this blog for game reports, painting and news!
