Difference between revisions of "BattleTech Boxed Set"
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[[BattleTech Line Developer]] [[Herbert A. Beas II]] would later describe Battledroids as "BattleTech's predecessor", and its contents and scenarios were ruled to be not necessarily [[canonical]] for the BattleTech universe. | [[BattleTech Line Developer]] [[Herbert A. Beas II]] would later describe Battledroids as "BattleTech's predecessor", and its contents and scenarios were ruled to be not necessarily [[canonical]] for the BattleTech universe. | ||
− | The game | + | The game rules were different from the later (2nd Edition) BattleTech. Weapon firing and damage were a simplified system that combined all weapons into a single attack roll against the equally single armor rating of the target, forgoing hit locations in a fashion similar to the simplified combat in the later [[Alpha Strike (rules)|Alpha Strike]] ruleset. It was only the optional 'Advanced Battledroids Rules' that resembled what would become the classic BattleTech boardgame rules. Battledroids also had rules for tanks and armed jeeps that differed from the later BattleTech (CityTech) rules, and were more similar to the later rules for [[Elementals]]. |
− | The Battledroids included with this first set as cutout | + | The Battledroids included with this first set as cutout playing pieces were the ''[[Stinger]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Archer]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Wasp]]'', and ''[[Rifleman]]''. All of these would later become [[Unseen]]. Rubber stands were included for the cutouts. In addition, the ''[[Merlin (BattleMech)|Merlin]]'' featured in the rulebook as a practical example for the construction rules, but it had no associated picture or cutout. |
− | The rulebook was just a 26-page booklet without cover, and its last six pages were flip-sided and contained information about the universe. Like all subsequent boxed sets, the Battledroids box contained a pair of dice, and two (identical) fold-out paper [[mapsheet]]s with a hex grid. | + | The rulebook was just a 26-page booklet without cover, and its last six pages were flip-sided and contained information about the universe. Like all subsequent boxed sets, the Battledroids box contained a pair of dice, and two (identical) fold-out paper [[mapsheet]]s with a hex grid. The map layout of this basic playing map would remain unchanged until the 2011 Anniversary Edition. |
+ | |||
+ | The box also contained two small model kits that were identified as ''Shadow Hawk'' and ''Griffin'' Battledroids; the models were in fact imported "Dougram Combat Armor" and "Soltic H8 Roundfacer" models from [[w:Fang of the Sun Dougram|Fang of the Sun Dougram]]. These models were out of scale and too large to fit on the gameboard's hex fields, and were not included with later editions of the boxed sets. | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:BD1604.jpg|Battledroids boxed set contents | Image:BD1604.jpg|Battledroids boxed set contents | ||
− | Image:BDMap.jpg|Battledroids | + | Image:BDMap.jpg|Battledroids mapsheet |
Image:BDGriffin.jpg|Griffin model from Battledroids box | Image:BDGriffin.jpg|Griffin model from Battledroids box | ||
Image:BDShadowHawk.jpg|Shadow Hawk model from Battledroids box | Image:BDShadowHawk.jpg|Shadow Hawk model from Battledroids box | ||
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Image:BDCutouts2.jpg|Battledroids cutouts 2 | Image:BDCutouts2.jpg|Battledroids cutouts 2 | ||
</gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | </gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
− | |||
==1985: BattleTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1604)== | ==1985: BattleTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1604)== | ||
{{main|BattleTech, Second Edition}} | {{main|BattleTech, Second Edition}} | ||
[[Image:BattleTechCover.jpg|left|210px]]The first product to be named "BattleTech", the [[BattleTech, Second Edition]] boxed set is generally regarded as the quintessential BattleTech product. It kept the same FASA product number (1604) as Battledroids. | [[Image:BattleTechCover.jpg|left|210px]]The first product to be named "BattleTech", the [[BattleTech, Second Edition]] boxed set is generally regarded as the quintessential BattleTech product. It kept the same FASA product number (1604) as Battledroids. | ||
− | BattleTech came with a rulebook (with a proper cover) with gaming and 'Mech construction rules. These were based off the | + | BattleTech came with a rulebook (with a proper cover) with gaming and 'Mech construction rules. These were based off the 'Advanced Battledroids Rules', and form the core of the BattleTech boardgame to this day with minimal changes. The vehicle rules from Battledroids were not included. |
Background information for the setting, namely the [[Inner Sphere]] during the [[Succession Wars era]] around the year [[3025]], was expanded in the rulebook, including the first mentioning of [[ComStar]]. Crests for the five [[Great Houses]] (plus three [[Bandit Kingdoms]] and five [[mercenary unit]]s) made their first appearance as colored faction counters to go with the 'Mech cutout playing pieces. | Background information for the setting, namely the [[Inner Sphere]] during the [[Succession Wars era]] around the year [[3025]], was expanded in the rulebook, including the first mentioning of [[ComStar]]. Crests for the five [[Great Houses]] (plus three [[Bandit Kingdoms]] and five [[mercenary unit]]s) made their first appearance as colored faction counters to go with the 'Mech cutout playing pieces. | ||
The game stats for all but two Battledroids–now called BattleMechs–were changed to some degree to account for errors or changes in the construction rules, and four new designs were introduced: ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Wolverine]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', and ''[[BattleMaster]]''. All of these, too, would later become Unseen. A fifth new addition was the ''[[Chameleon]]'' TrainingMech. | The game stats for all but two Battledroids–now called BattleMechs–were changed to some degree to account for errors or changes in the construction rules, and four new designs were introduced: ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Wolverine]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', and ''[[BattleMaster]]''. All of these, too, would later become Unseen. A fifth new addition was the ''[[Chameleon]]'' TrainingMech. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:Bt2ed.jpg|BattleTech, 2nd Ed. boxed set contents | Image:Bt2ed.jpg|BattleTech, 2nd Ed. boxed set contents | ||
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[[Image:CityTechCover.jpg|right|210px]]Although often mistaken for a mere BattleTech supplement or expansion, the [[CityTech]] boxed set was in fact a complete standalone game unto itself. Its rulebook reiterated the BattleTech rules and expanded them by adding playing and construction rules for different kinds of vehicles (substantially different from the Battledroids vehicle rules), as well as infantry, buildings, and paved ground as a new terrain feature. | [[Image:CityTechCover.jpg|right|210px]]Although often mistaken for a mere BattleTech supplement or expansion, the [[CityTech]] boxed set was in fact a complete standalone game unto itself. Its rulebook reiterated the BattleTech rules and expanded them by adding playing and construction rules for different kinds of vehicles (substantially different from the Battledroids vehicle rules), as well as infantry, buildings, and paved ground as a new terrain feature. | ||
− | Stats were provided for six 'Mechs previously featured in BattleTech (''Archer'', ''Rifleman'', ''Shadow Hawk'', ''Crusader'', ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer''), six new 'Mechs (''[[Stalker]]'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Ostroc]]'', ''[[Spider]]'', ''[[Ostscout]]'') and six [[combat vehicle]]s ([[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]], [[J. Edgar]], [[Hunter Light Support Tank|Hunter]], [[Vedette]], [[Demolisher]], [[Wheeled Scout]]). Unlike the BattleTech 2nd Edition rulebook, no universe background | + | Stats were provided for six 'Mechs previously featured in BattleTech (''Archer'', ''Rifleman'', ''Shadow Hawk'', ''Crusader'', ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer''), six new 'Mechs (''[[Stalker]]'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Ostroc]]'', ''[[Spider]]'', ''[[Ostscout]]'') and six [[combat vehicle]]s ([[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]], [[J. Edgar]], [[Hunter Light Support Tank|Hunter]], [[Vedette]], [[Demolisher]], [[Wheeled Scout]]). Unlike in the BattleTech 2nd Edition rulebook, no universe background was provided beyond a short story, ''[[Life in the Big City]]''. |
The CityTech box contained a slew of cutout counters for various tanks, infantry units and buildings, and two (identical) mapsheets that were different from the previous BattleTech mapsheets. | The CityTech box contained a slew of cutout counters for various tanks, infantry units and buildings, and two (identical) mapsheets that were different from the previous BattleTech mapsheets. | ||
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[[Image:BT3edCover.jpg|left|210px]]The third edition of the boxed set, released by FASA in 1992, replaced the paper cutout playing pieces with plastic miniatures. One was provided for each of the fourteen standard 'Mechs from the second edition. The new edition also contained a booklet with pre-made [[record sheets]] for these fourteen 'Mechs, but not for the ''Merlin'' and ''Chameleon'' for which neither miniatures nor record sheets were provided. | [[Image:BT3edCover.jpg|left|210px]]The third edition of the boxed set, released by FASA in 1992, replaced the paper cutout playing pieces with plastic miniatures. One was provided for each of the fourteen standard 'Mechs from the second edition. The new edition also contained a booklet with pre-made [[record sheets]] for these fourteen 'Mechs, but not for the ''Merlin'' and ''Chameleon'' for which neither miniatures nor record sheets were provided. | ||
− | Although the rules as such remained unchanged, the rulebook was reorganized and partiallly rewritten | + | Although the rules as such remained unchanged, the rulebook was reorganized and partiallly rewritten. It notes that BattleTech sourcebooks, scenarios and novels have brought the "present" year to [[3055]], but the associated technological advancements are "beyond the scope of basic BattleTech" and the rules remain at the 3025-era technology level. Four generic training scenarios were included. |
<div style="clear:both"><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"><gallery> | ||
Image:Bt3ed.jpg|BattleTech, 3rd Ed. boxed set contents | Image:Bt3ed.jpg|BattleTech, 3rd Ed. boxed set contents | ||
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Image:BT3EdMinis.jpg|BattleTech, 3rd Ed. miniatures | Image:BT3EdMinis.jpg|BattleTech, 3rd Ed. miniatures | ||
</gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | </gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
− | |||
==1994: CityTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1608)== | ==1994: CityTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1608)== | ||
{{main|CityTech, Second Edition}} | {{main|CityTech, Second Edition}} | ||
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==1996: BattleTech, 4th Edition (FASA 1604)== | ==1996: BattleTech, 4th Edition (FASA 1604)== | ||
{{main|BattleTech, Fourth Edition}} | {{main|BattleTech, Fourth Edition}} | ||
− | [[Image:4thEditionFront.jpg|left|210px]]In the wake of the [[Unseen lawsuit]]s FASA redesigned the basic BattleTech boxed set with a new lineup of 'Mechs that were not affected by the Unseen situation. These were the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Spider]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', ''[[Panther]]'', ''[[Assassin]]'', ''[[Cicada]]'', ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Dervish]]'', ''[[Dragon]]'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[JagerMech]]'', ''[[Grasshopper]]'', ''[[Awesome]]'', ''[[Zeus]]'', ''[[Cyclops]]'', ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', and ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''. | + | [[Image:4thEditionFront.jpg|left|210px]]In the wake of the [[Unseen lawsuit]]s FASA redesigned the basic BattleTech boxed set with a new lineup of 'Mechs that were not affected by the Unseen situation. These were the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Spider]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', ''[[Panther]]'', ''[[Assassin]]'', ''[[Cicada]]'', ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Dervish]]'', ''[[Dragon]]'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[JagerMech]]'', ''[[Grasshopper]]'', ''[[Awesome]]'', ''[[Zeus]]'', ''[[Cyclops]]'', ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', and ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''. This lineup would be used for all subsequent editions of the boxed set up until the 2019 edition, "A Game of Armored Combat". Because no plastic miniatures were readily available, FASA reverted to cardboard cutouts. |
− | It was also the first box set to separate the background fluff from the rules, by including a separate booklet titled "Introduction to BattleTech". | + | The fourth edition, calling itself BT4 in the rulebook, came with a redesigned rulebook and quick start rules. It was also the first box set to separate the background fluff from the rules, by including a separate booklet titled "Introduction to BattleTech". |
− | The rulebook states that the "current" year of the BattleTech universe is [[3058]], while BT4 is set in [[3049]]. It also makes reference to the [[Rules Levels]] previously seen CityTech, 2nd Ed., and states that the technology described in the BT4 game is Level 1 whereas Level 2 includes the technology available in 3058. | + | The rulebook states that the "current" year of the BattleTech universe is [[3058]], while BT4 is set in [[3049]]. It also makes reference to the [[Rules Levels]] previously seen CityTech, 2nd Ed., and states that the technology described in the BT4 game is Level 1 whereas Level 2 includes the technology available in 3058. The scenarios from the previous edition were replaced by three new scenarios that featured the new 'Mechs. |
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:Bt4ed.jpg|BattleTech, 4th Ed. boxed set contents | Image:Bt4ed.jpg|BattleTech, 4th Ed. boxed set contents | ||
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==2003: Classic BattleTech (FanPro 10980)== | ==2003: Classic BattleTech (FanPro 10980)== | ||
{{main|Classic BattleTech Boxed Set}} | {{main|Classic BattleTech Boxed Set}} | ||
− | [[Image:Cbt box front cover.jpg|left|210px]]In 2001, | + | [[Image:Cbt box front cover.jpg|left|210px]]In 2001, [[Fantasy Productions]] (FanPro) acquired the license to what was now "[[Classic BattleTech]]", CBT for short. They created a new CBT boxed set, but aside from the rebranding as "Classic BattleTech" (subtitle: "A Game of Armored Combat") the changes from the 4th edition were minor. The featured 'Mechs remained the same, though the altogether 48 cutouts (two for each of the 24 'Mech designs) had new artwork for them. The arguably biggest change was that, besides the rulebook, universe background book and record sheets, a separate [[Quick Start Rules]] booklet and a poster map of the [[Inner Sphere]] were added to the box. |
− | |||
− | |||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:CBT10980.jpg|Classic BattleTech boxed set contents | Image:CBT10980.jpg|Classic BattleTech boxed set contents | ||
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Image:CBT10980QSRCover.jpg|CBT Quick Start Rules cover | Image:CBT10980QSRCover.jpg|CBT Quick Start Rules cover | ||
</gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | </gallery><div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
− | |||
==2007: Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 35000)== | ==2007: Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 35000)== | ||
{{main|Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set}} | {{main|Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set}} | ||
[[Image:CAT35000.ClassicBattleTech.jpg|left|210px]]After FanPro's license expired in 2007, the Classic BattleTech license went to [[Catalyst Game Labs]] who created yet another new edition of the boxed set. Most importantly, the cardboard counters were once again replaced by twenty-four plastic miniatures that required no cutting or assembly. The 'Mechs featured remained the same since the 4th edition. | [[Image:CAT35000.ClassicBattleTech.jpg|left|210px]]After FanPro's license expired in 2007, the Classic BattleTech license went to [[Catalyst Game Labs]] who created yet another new edition of the boxed set. Most importantly, the cardboard counters were once again replaced by twenty-four plastic miniatures that required no cutting or assembly. The 'Mechs featured remained the same since the 4th edition. | ||
− | The rulebook was expanded to 80 pages, and abandoned the Rules Levels approach of previous rulebooks; instead, it referred to introductory, standard (tournament), and advanced (non-tournament) rulesets. Brief rules for vehicles and infantry were added back in, with additional training scenarios for these unit types. The rules by and large remain at the technology level of the year 3049, with some individual advanced rules provided, while the "current" year of the BattleTech universe was now [[3085]]. | + | The rulebook was expanded to 80 pages, and abandoned the Rules Levels approach of previous rulebooks; instead, it referred to introductory, standard (tournament), and advanced (non-tournament) rulesets. Brief rules for vehicles and infantry were added back in, with additional training scenarios for these unit types. The rules by and large remain at the technology level of the year 3049, with some individual advanced rules provided, while the "current" year of the BattleTech universe was now given as [[3085]]. |
The universe book was retitled to "Inner Sphere at a Glance", and covers the universe through the year [[3067]]. A "Painting and Tactics Guide" booklet was added that taught miniatures painting and some boardgame tactics. | The universe book was retitled to "Inner Sphere at a Glance", and covers the universe through the year [[3067]]. A "Painting and Tactics Guide" booklet was added that taught miniatures painting and some boardgame tactics. | ||
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==2011: 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500A)== | ==2011: 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500A)== | ||
{{main|25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set}} | {{main|25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set}} | ||
− | [[Image:25th Anniversary Box Set.jpg|left|210px]]Delayed in production so that it actually came out 26 years after the BattleTech, 2nd Edition boxed set, this anniversary edition was redesigned from the ground up | + | [[Image:25th Anniversary Box Set.jpg|left|210px]]Delayed in production so that it actually came out 26 years after the BattleTech, 2nd Edition boxed set, this anniversary edition was redesigned from the ground up. Added in on top of the "standard" miniatures were two high-quality extra miniatures of a ''[[Hellbringer (Loki)]]'' and a ''[[Summoner (Thor)]]'', though unlike the other miniatures these two had to be assembled from parts that came on sprues. |
+ | {{sectionstub}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:.jpg| | Image:.jpg| | ||
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==2019: BattleTech Beginner Box (CGL 35020)== | ==2019: BattleTech Beginner Box (CGL 35020)== | ||
{{main|BattleTech: Beginner Box}} | {{main|BattleTech: Beginner Box}} | ||
− | [[Image:BTBB-Box-Front.jpg|left|210px]]In 2019 CGL released two new box sets in tandem. | + | [[Image:BTBB-Box-Front.jpg|left|210px]]In 2019 CGL released two new box sets in tandem. A "Beginner Box" was sold more or less at cost, to lower the price barrier for new players to enter the BattleTech hobby. |
+ | {{sectionstub}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:.jpg| | Image:.jpg| | ||
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==2019: A Game of Armored Combat (CGL 3500D)== | ==2019: A Game of Armored Combat (CGL 3500D)== | ||
{{main|BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat}} | {{main|BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat}} | ||
− | [[Image:BTAGoAC-Box-Front.jpg|210px]]Released in 2019 together with the Beginner Box, this revised basic boxed was redesigned from the ground up. | + | [[Image:BTAGoAC-Box-Front.jpg|210px]]Released in 2019 together with the Beginner Box, this revised basic boxed was once again redesigned from the ground up. |
+ | {{sectionstub}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | <div style="clear:both"></div><gallery> | ||
Image:.jpg| | Image:.jpg| | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> |
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The BattleTech boxed set is the core product of the BattleTech board game that spawned the BattleTech universe.
Contents
- 1 1984: Battledroids (FASA 1604)
- 2 1985: BattleTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1604)
- 3 1986: CityTech (FASA 1608)
- 4 1992: BattleTech, 3rd Edition (FASA 1604)
- 5 1994: CityTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1608)
- 6 1996: BattleTech, 4th Edition (FASA 1604)
- 7 2003: Classic BattleTech (FanPro 10980)
- 8 2007: Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 35000)
- 9 2011: 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500A)
- 10 2013: BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500B)
- 11 2019: BattleTech Beginner Box (CGL 35020)
- 12 2019: A Game of Armored Combat (CGL 3500D)
1984: Battledroids (FASA 1604)
There is no proper "First Edition" of BattleTech. The inaugural game was instead called Battledroids, and was released by FASA in 1984.
BattleTech Line Developer Herbert A. Beas II would later describe Battledroids as "BattleTech's predecessor", and its contents and scenarios were ruled to be not necessarily canonical for the BattleTech universe.
The game rules were different from the later (2nd Edition) BattleTech. Weapon firing and damage were a simplified system that combined all weapons into a single attack roll against the equally single armor rating of the target, forgoing hit locations in a fashion similar to the simplified combat in the later Alpha Strike ruleset. It was only the optional 'Advanced Battledroids Rules' that resembled what would become the classic BattleTech boardgame rules. Battledroids also had rules for tanks and armed jeeps that differed from the later BattleTech (CityTech) rules, and were more similar to the later rules for Elementals.
The Battledroids included with this first set as cutout playing pieces were the Stinger, Shadow Hawk, Archer, Griffin, Warhammer, Marauder, Crusader, Wasp, and Rifleman. All of these would later become Unseen. Rubber stands were included for the cutouts. In addition, the Merlin featured in the rulebook as a practical example for the construction rules, but it had no associated picture or cutout.
The rulebook was just a 26-page booklet without cover, and its last six pages were flip-sided and contained information about the universe. Like all subsequent boxed sets, the Battledroids box contained a pair of dice, and two (identical) fold-out paper mapsheets with a hex grid. The map layout of this basic playing map would remain unchanged until the 2011 Anniversary Edition.
The box also contained two small model kits that were identified as Shadow Hawk and Griffin Battledroids; the models were in fact imported "Dougram Combat Armor" and "Soltic H8 Roundfacer" models from Fang of the Sun Dougram. These models were out of scale and too large to fit on the gameboard's hex fields, and were not included with later editions of the boxed sets.
1985: BattleTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1604)
The first product to be named "BattleTech", the BattleTech, Second Edition boxed set is generally regarded as the quintessential BattleTech product. It kept the same FASA product number (1604) as Battledroids.
BattleTech came with a rulebook (with a proper cover) with gaming and 'Mech construction rules. These were based off the 'Advanced Battledroids Rules', and form the core of the BattleTech boardgame to this day with minimal changes. The vehicle rules from Battledroids were not included.
Background information for the setting, namely the Inner Sphere during the Succession Wars era around the year 3025, was expanded in the rulebook, including the first mentioning of ComStar. Crests for the five Great Houses (plus three Bandit Kingdoms and five mercenary units) made their first appearance as colored faction counters to go with the 'Mech cutout playing pieces.
The game stats for all but two Battledroids–now called BattleMechs–were changed to some degree to account for errors or changes in the construction rules, and four new designs were introduced: Locust, Wolverine, Thunderbolt, and BattleMaster. All of these, too, would later become Unseen. A fifth new addition was the Chameleon TrainingMech.
1986: CityTech (FASA 1608)
Although often mistaken for a mere BattleTech supplement or expansion, the CityTech boxed set was in fact a complete standalone game unto itself. Its rulebook reiterated the BattleTech rules and expanded them by adding playing and construction rules for different kinds of vehicles (substantially different from the Battledroids vehicle rules), as well as infantry, buildings, and paved ground as a new terrain feature.
Stats were provided for six 'Mechs previously featured in BattleTech (Archer, Rifleman, Shadow Hawk, Crusader, Marauder, Warhammer), six new 'Mechs (Stalker, Ostsol, Hunchback, Ostroc, Spider, Ostscout) and six combat vehicles (Condor, J. Edgar, Hunter, Vedette, Demolisher, Wheeled Scout). Unlike in the BattleTech 2nd Edition rulebook, no universe background was provided beyond a short story, Life in the Big City.
The CityTech box contained a slew of cutout counters for various tanks, infantry units and buildings, and two (identical) mapsheets that were different from the previous BattleTech mapsheets.
1992: BattleTech, 3rd Edition (FASA 1604)
The third edition of the boxed set, released by FASA in 1992, replaced the paper cutout playing pieces with plastic miniatures. One was provided for each of the fourteen standard 'Mechs from the second edition. The new edition also contained a booklet with pre-made record sheets for these fourteen 'Mechs, but not for the Merlin and Chameleon for which neither miniatures nor record sheets were provided.
Although the rules as such remained unchanged, the rulebook was reorganized and partiallly rewritten. It notes that BattleTech sourcebooks, scenarios and novels have brought the "present" year to 3055, but the associated technological advancements are "beyond the scope of basic BattleTech" and the rules remain at the 3025-era technology level. Four generic training scenarios were included.
1994: CityTech, 2nd Edition (FASA 1608)
In the same fashion as the new (third) edition of the BattleTech boxed set, CityTech received a makeover for its second edition while retaining the product number.FASA went a bit further here, calling the game "The Advanced BattleTech Game of 3050 Combat" in the tagline and explicitly expanding the rules to "Level 2" (Clan Invasion era) technology. The set came with a record sheets booklet, altogether sixteen plastic miniatures on two identical sprues of eight units each (Javelin, Centurion, Orion, Victor, Uller, Black Hawk, Mad Cat, Daishi), and two double-sided sheets of color counters with black-and-white backside for buildings, vehicles, infantry, and effects. The mapsheets remained the same as in the first edition of CityTech.
1996: BattleTech, 4th Edition (FASA 1604)
In the wake of the Unseen lawsuits FASA redesigned the basic BattleTech boxed set with a new lineup of 'Mechs that were not affected by the Unseen situation. These were the Commando, Spider, Jenner, Panther, Assassin, Cicada, Clint, Hermes II, Whitworth, Vindicator, Enforcer, Hunchback, Trebuchet, Dervish, Dragon, Quickdraw, Catapult, JagerMech, Grasshopper, Awesome, Zeus, Cyclops, Banshee, and Atlas. This lineup would be used for all subsequent editions of the boxed set up until the 2019 edition, "A Game of Armored Combat". Because no plastic miniatures were readily available, FASA reverted to cardboard cutouts.The fourth edition, calling itself BT4 in the rulebook, came with a redesigned rulebook and quick start rules. It was also the first box set to separate the background fluff from the rules, by including a separate booklet titled "Introduction to BattleTech".
The rulebook states that the "current" year of the BattleTech universe is 3058, while BT4 is set in 3049. It also makes reference to the Rules Levels previously seen CityTech, 2nd Ed., and states that the technology described in the BT4 game is Level 1 whereas Level 2 includes the technology available in 3058. The scenarios from the previous edition were replaced by three new scenarios that featured the new 'Mechs.
2003: Classic BattleTech (FanPro 10980)
In 2001, Fantasy Productions (FanPro) acquired the license to what was now "Classic BattleTech", CBT for short. They created a new CBT boxed set, but aside from the rebranding as "Classic BattleTech" (subtitle: "A Game of Armored Combat") the changes from the 4th edition were minor. The featured 'Mechs remained the same, though the altogether 48 cutouts (two for each of the 24 'Mech designs) had new artwork for them. The arguably biggest change was that, besides the rulebook, universe background book and record sheets, a separate Quick Start Rules booklet and a poster map of the Inner Sphere were added to the box.- CBT10980QSRCover.jpg
CBT Quick Start Rules cover
2007: Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 35000)
After FanPro's license expired in 2007, the Classic BattleTech license went to Catalyst Game Labs who created yet another new edition of the boxed set. Most importantly, the cardboard counters were once again replaced by twenty-four plastic miniatures that required no cutting or assembly. The 'Mechs featured remained the same since the 4th edition.The rulebook was expanded to 80 pages, and abandoned the Rules Levels approach of previous rulebooks; instead, it referred to introductory, standard (tournament), and advanced (non-tournament) rulesets. Brief rules for vehicles and infantry were added back in, with additional training scenarios for these unit types. The rules by and large remain at the technology level of the year 3049, with some individual advanced rules provided, while the "current" year of the BattleTech universe was now given as 3085.
The universe book was retitled to "Inner Sphere at a Glance", and covers the universe through the year 3067. A "Painting and Tactics Guide" booklet was added that taught miniatures painting and some boardgame tactics.
2011: 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500A)
Delayed in production so that it actually came out 26 years after the BattleTech, 2nd Edition boxed set, this anniversary edition was redesigned from the ground up. Added in on top of the "standard" miniatures were two high-quality extra miniatures of a Hellbringer (Loki) and a Summoner (Thor), though unlike the other miniatures these two had to be assembled from parts that came on sprues.This Section looks to be a Stub This section is a stub (i.e., in need of additional material). You can help us by expanding it. Please remove this tag when that effort is complete. |
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2013: BattleTech Introductory Box Set (CGL 3500B)
Essentially a re-release of the Anniversary Edition boxed set, the most important changes in this box were the new cover and better quality plastic miniatures, albeit the 'Mechs as such remained the same. Only the two high-quality extra miniatures were changed to a BattleMaster and a Timber Wolf (Mad Cat).- .jpg
2019: BattleTech Beginner Box (CGL 35020)
In 2019 CGL released two new box sets in tandem. A "Beginner Box" was sold more or less at cost, to lower the price barrier for new players to enter the BattleTech hobby.This Section looks to be a Stub This section is a stub (i.e., in need of additional material). You can help us by expanding it. Please remove this tag when that effort is complete. |
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2019: A Game of Armored Combat (CGL 3500D)
Released in 2019 together with the Beginner Box, this revised basic boxed was once again redesigned from the ground up.
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