Some questions regarding battletech

[Demoulius]

Hello all!

Hope im posting this in the right place but im looking to give the battletech tabletop a try (huge fan of the video games and the backstory) and im trying to find out what the game is like. It seems there are several different game systems running around though and I have no idea where to start (and which models go with what game...)

Ive got an eye on one of the game systems but because I dont which gamessytem it is exactly il explain abit how they look. Theyre miniatures (dont know how big) on hexagon shaped bases. I have found several websites that sell mechs but I cant tell what of the different games they are for

The models seem to pretty mono-pose and I cant tell if theyre plastic or metal. Ive added a picture:

If someone could tell me how that particular game plays, size of the models etc. I would really appreciate it

[AndrewGPaul]

The models that come in the boxed game are plastic. I think the model in the picture is one of those plastic models. The ones available individually from Iron Wind Metals and Ral Partha Europe are metal.

There's only one tabletop game system in production at the moment. The confusion might be because it's available as both the introductory box set and as separate rulebooks (Battletech: Total Warfare and companions). They're the same game, though. In addition, you can play the game set at any point in the best part of a thousand years of future history. At different points in time, different technologies and equipment are available.

There was also the collectible miniatures game from Wizkids, using pre-painted plastic 'Mechs on clix bases. These were in a different scale and used a whole different set of rules, but are out of production now.

[Demoulius]

Ah! That was actually what I was looking at getting into Ive seen the clix models you mentioned and I think "epic" size mechs a few mm's tall... Hence why I was asking if they were the same thing or not. Ive also seen pictures on Warseer (and other places) of people playing on a normal gaming board while the intro box says you play on the hex map which added to the confusion

Ive seen some people post their mechs on warseer talking about variants with different weapons. So, I guess another question Are weapon lay outs fixed or can you gear up your mech yourself?

[chromedog]

You can play BT on a hex-board OR on a regular "normal" table with terrain (it's 1/300 / 1/285 /6mm compatible) - at least I have played it on both. The core rules are for the hex boards though.

You CAN modify mechs or use the standard layouts - there are construction rules for customising (movement speed/type, armour, weapons, etc) and there are usually variants for each mech design as well.

[Demoulius]

Neat! Thanks for the help

[ASSASSINAWOKEN]

Battletech is not like 40K and it is very strategy in depth and has a fair amount of paper work. I myself love crossing off armor and critical components being blown to pieces. I think the thing about Battletech is it is not determined by who gets the first turn or what you have, but rather how you use it and respecting your opponent.

The introductory set is a safe bet as it will give you everything you need. Total Warfare has the rules much more expanded and sets you up for the next level. I would keep to the introductory. Battletech offers a lot of change and variation from game to game so don't try to lock yourself to a few models.. I myself will proxy or use counters to represent non-modeled units so I can try everything out.

Playing on hex map or table use two separate rules sets for measurement so be aware they exist. Hex really helps keep things honest imo so its really up to you.

I run a blog outside of Warseer which I have posted two of my last Battletech games in battle report fashion. Give them a read and see if the game gives you some thought.

http://ststh.blogspot.com/

Above all else anyone here is willing to offer help.

[floyd pinkerton]

I just got the 25th Anniversary Introductory box set myself. As AndrewGPaul said, "Total Warfare" is the name of the core rulebook, though in the starter set there is a basic rulebook with around 90% of the standard game mechanics in it, along with the ridiculously stripped-down Quick-Start Rules, so I'd recommend it as the place to start.

There are also expansion books "Tactical Ops", "Strategic Ops" and another one as yet to be released which can also add a ridiculous amount of rules if you wish, probably most importantly the rules for converting the game from hexes to open 3d terran.

[Demoulius]

I have ordered the box set this week (think it was tuesday) but the item is still listed as not in stock BUT arriving shortly

This thing is still beeing made right? Dont think ive seen the item as beeing in stock yet

[Centurion13]

Yes, it is still produced, though because of the demand, the small quantities and issues with the manufacturer, oft-times the stores will run out for little while.

[Demoulius]

Hmmm just not in over stock for over a week then

[stiltjet]

I just ordered a boxed set from Amazon UK. You should be able to also find a copy there.