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Classic Battletech




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''Classic BattleTech'' is a table-top ''.


GAMEPLAY

''BattleTech'' is a turn-based, multiplayer game, typically played on a map divided into Hexagonal Grids with figurines or counters representing the various units. Paper record sheets provide detailed information about each unit, including its armament, armor and equipment, and are used to track damage, heat buildup, ammunition and various other data. Players use two six-sided Dice to determine variable results, such as whether a shot strikes its target and the location it hits.

Of the units used in the game, the most common are BattleMechs , large, semi-humanoid fighting machines controlled by human pilots. While pre-designed 'Mechs, vehicles and other military units are provided with the game, a complex system of design rules allows players to create their own custom units even in the introductory boxed set. This engineering facet of the game has remained enduringly popular with players and may explain ''BattleTech'''s longevity.


HISTORY

FASA Corporation published the first ''BattleTech'' game set in 1984, and throughout the '80s and '90s released a wide range of supplemental books and materials for the series. FASA ceased producing ''BattleTech'' in 2001 and sold the franchise to WizKids . FanPro licensed the rights from WizKids and under the new name ''Classic Battletech'' continues to release sourcebooks and supplements. In June 2007, Catalyst Game Labs (a subsidiary of InMediaRes Productions, LLC) acquired the license to Classic BattleTech, and has reiterated its commitment to publishing quality products. Catalyst also retained many of the staff members who worked for FanPro .http://catalystgamelabs.com/2007/05/17/inmediares-productions-llc-forms-imprint-catalyst-game-labs


PUBLICATIONS

The latest iteration of the ''BattleTech'' rules is ''Total Warfare'' (2006), a streamlined compendium intended to integrate the numerous rules sets that have governed the series into a single, comprehensive volume. ''Total Warfare'' is supplemented by five other books (some pending):
  • ''TechManual'', which presents the design rules for making custom units.

  • ''Tactical Operations'', offering advanced rules and equipment beyond those in ''Total Warfare'' and ''TechManual'' and offering an updated version of the BattleForce rules set.

  • ''Strategic Operations'', updating BattleForce 2 to provide a large-scale version of the game

  • ''Classic BattleTech Roleplaying Game, Revised'', describing how to create characters and run RPG missions

  • ''Universe Book'', which provides background and details on the game's fictional universe


FanPro intends these six books to be the official core rules set that will govern all gameplay within the ''BattleTech'' franchise, be it ground combat, space combat or role-playing.


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