I love the Beginner Box set. Yes, A Game of Armored Combat is also a good box, but the Beginner Box is just something fresh, and it's pretty good bang for your buck. The Quick Start rules work, but they're really not detailed enough... I sort of feel like it's hiding how detailed the next game is. I see some potential here.
So you know what? Let's expand on the Quick Start rules. These rules are a mix of what's offered in the two boxes, almost like a merge of Alpha Strike abstraction with a touch of grit from A Game of Armored combat. It also pulls some rules out of the Quick Start rules in the previous box sets if you want to go beyond BattleMechs. What you get here is a new system that advertises game mechanics used in BattleTech products and works as a stepping stone.
Using the NEW Beginner Box (or quick start rules) as a base, I offer this:
1) Add in the ability to Torso Twist during the Weapon Attack Phase.
2) Expand on the rules for Leg Destruction.
3) Add in MechWarrior Consciousness to put a bit more focus on the pilot
4) Add in a simplified heat scale.
5) Add in a simplified critical hit system.
6) Expand on terrain (Leveled Terrain, Rough, and Water hexes) and Line of Sight (Partial Cover).
7) Add in basic physical attacks as part of the weapon attack phase.
Also, the rules were pulled and modified from the older Quick Start rules:
1) Add in quad BattleMechs.
2) Add in conventional units (Tanks, VTOL's, Infantry).
The document comes with hyperlinks to both sets of Quick Start rules, an updated cheat sheet with tables, and blank record sheets. Armor bubbles are removed so it's easier to write in custom units... just write in the armor value and use tick marks.
Is it perfect? No. Is it an answer to those like me who loves Alpha Strike and wants some grit? It could be. But it's fun, and it should be easier to get new players into the game.
Give it a shot and tell me how it is. :)
BattleTech Beginner Box Rules Expansion