New box set questions

[-Ice]

I'm a bit annoyed to find out that there's a new box set available and not only that, but the minis are greatly improved over the old ones.  I've learned not to buy computer hardware when they come out and let others suffer through the teething pains, I've even learned to do this with some software or PC games as well.  I just didn't expect this to bite me when it came to BattleTech.

Anyway, when the initial emotion died down, I did admit that the box set is very well done and I could do with a few more maps... so on to my questions:
1.  Are the board maps different in the new box?  The old one had BattleTech--City Hills/Residential 2 and Open Terrain 2--Lake Area.
2.  Are the premium minis different in the new box?  The old one had a Loki and Thor.
3.  Are there any plans to make more board maps (not the old paper maps)?
4.  Any chance of a comparison pic of the old and new Hunchback?

Thanks!

[nckestrel]

Progress happens.  At least the old intro box set hasn't been obsoleted to where you can't use it any more :).

1. Same map boards.
2. Yes, it's a Mad Cat and Battlemaster now.
3. They've been slowing releasing Hexpacks that have one additional, new map board and several boards of pop-out hexes to customize the map boards with.
http://bg.battletech.com/?page_id=487
One based on Tactical Operations was mentioned, but no release date/year has been said.
4. I don't have any, sorry. 

[mbear]

I'll try to get you some pics tonight after work.

[-Ice]

Sweet! Looking forward to it!

[mbear]

You requested Hunchback images. Here you go.
New front:

Old front:

New rear:

Old rear:

New top:

Old top:

Note that the only real flash on the new one is atop the AC/20. The new one also does a better job of matching up the panel lines. You can really see this on the top of the AC/20. The older model has more flash around the edge of the entire mini. Not a huge problem, but it is more annoying to remove.

[Weirdo]

New rear:

This forum needs more new booty!

[-Ice]

Excellent, thanks!

[JadeHellbringer]

This forum needs more new booty!

...DAT ASS.  ;D

[Stormlion1]

You gents need to get out more if a Hunchbacks rear end excites you.  ;)

[JadeHellbringer]

You gents need to get out more if a Hunchbacks rear end excites you.  ;)

When a Hunch walks in with an itty bitty waist and an AC in your face, you get KILLED...

[noisenerd]

When a Hunch walks in with an itty bitty waist and an AC in your face, you get KILLED...

 ;D awesome

[mbear]

When a Hunch walks in with an itty bitty waist and an AC in your face, you get KILLED...

Unless you're playing with autoejection rules, in which case you get SPRUNG...

...right out of the cockpit...

...in an ejection seat...

...into enemy hands.

But to the OP: Did I answer your questions? Anything else?

[serrate]

Thanks for the pics, I honestly had taken the "improved minis" claims with a grain of salt. It's clear they actually are very much improved.

[cold1]

When a Hunch walks in with an itty bitty waist and an AC in your face, you get KILLED...

Hahaha O0

[Mulsiphix]

There was a very picture heavy thread on the old vs new mini's not too long ago. Definitely worth checking out if you're wondering about the quality between the two sets.

[Adrian Gideon]

I took several old vs. new photos for Catalyst. What's frustrating is that in all the photos I've seen (including the ones I took), especially the close-ups, it's hard to see just how much of an improvement these are. In hand though, it's like night and day.

[mbear]

There was a very picture heavy thread on the old vs new mini's not too long ago. Definitely worth checking out if you're wondering about the quality between the two sets.

Yeah, I looked for this and couldn't find it. Thanks for linking.

I took several old vs. new photos for Catalyst. What's frustrating is that in all the photos I've seen (including the ones I took), especially the close-ups, it's hard to see just how much of an improvement these are. In hand though, it's like night and day.

This is also my experience.

[Cubby]

Are the Hunchy's upper legs (thighs) any thicker? The old upper legs were wafer thin; more than anything else in the old box (even the Catapult's LRM boxes or the Atlas' legs), that was the worst feature.

[mbear]

Are the Hunchy's upper legs (thighs) any thicker? The old upper legs were wafer thin; more than anything else in the old box (even the Catapult's LRM boxes or the Atlas' legs), that was the worst feature.

I have no idea. I can tell you that the two minis are the same size, so I'm guessing no. The pictures above are your best bet.

[cavingjan]

They appear to be very similar in thickness.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

You gents need to get out more if a Hunchbacks rear end excites you.  ;)

I forget which card it was in the CCG game, but I remember one from the Mechwarrior expansion with the flavor text of "Whoever said 'never shoot a man in the back' never saw the front of a Hunchback."

[JadeHellbringer]

I forget which card it was in the CCG game, but I remember one from the Mechwarrior expansion with the flavor text of "Whoever said 'never shoot a man in the back' never saw the front of a Hunchback."

Wise words indeed. (Willing to bet that's a guy who was REALLY surprised the first time he took on a Mad Cat D...)

[Neko_Bijin]

Do you think we'll ever get a canon design with the main gun mounted backwards?  If not a 'Mech, then maybe a hovercraft?

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

With flippable arms and now shoulder turrets available?  Why bother?

[martian]

Do you think we'll ever get a canon design with the main gun mounted backwards?  If not a 'Mech, then maybe a hovercraft?

It may happen easily, if your GOL-6M Goliath suffers critical hit into turret ring while its Gauss Rifle is firing into the rear arc.