NEW RELEASE: BattleTech Beginner Box and BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat

[Ninja7x]

Ok thanks everyone I think that fully answers my questions.

I will pick up a copy of the Battlemech Manual as all I want is Mech combat. Its only 9 dollars as a pdf.
I had a look through the TW manual and found it really confusing, everything feels jumbled together and I was skipping lots of info due to it covering literally everything.
Sounds like the starter box (the bigger one) will still be stripped down, which may or may not appeal to me, just depends whats missing.
I will be getting it anyway because, well... the new minis look fantastic and im hoping it does well so we get clan mechs in the same format.

I actually found watching a load of tutorial videos much easier to re-learn the game, along with having an old manual in front of me.
I watched a series by andrew J on youtube which was great.

Is there an official "how to play" about anywhere?
Since reading the rules can be quite a challenge to get through, id have thought nowdays this would be the obvious way to engage a player base?

I play 40k, Necromunda and Blood Bowl and GW seem to knock it out the park on "how to" guides, which wasnt always the case but they have done a stellar job of late.
Obviously they probably have a much bigger budget, but then again how much does it cost to create an official (or unofficial) how to play?

Anyways, looking forward to a game in the not too distant future...

Cheers

H

[Bedwyr]

Are you talking like a pared-back walkthrough? We have a Quick Start guide that's downloadable.

[Colt Ward]

No, seems to be talking about video running through turns with case examples.

[Cubby]

No, seems to be talking about video running through turns with case examples.

Which is something I know CDT and OrangeWoman have wanted for awhile. I've kicked around the idea as well, because I have video experience and access to some equipment. But it's trickier to produce than you'd think, and it needs to be good. HD video, solid audio and lighting work, good editing and graphics, engaging hosts. It'd be going out as a company production so it cannot look like a 1992 infomercial.

[Bedwyr]

Which is something I know CDT and OrangeWoman have wanted for awhile. I've kicked around the idea as well, because I have video experience and access to some equipment. But it's trickier to produce than you'd think, and it needs to be good. HD video, solid audio and lighting work, good editing and graphics, engaging hosts. It'd be going out as a company production so it cannot look like a 1992 infomercial.

With an a-ha style backbeat. :)

[Colt Ward]

I want to say someone had done one on youtube years ago, but it would not be as nice as what you are talking about.

[RoundTop]

With an a-ha style backbeat. :)

Narrator: "... and now I declare my attack on the opponents jenner."
Opponent: "I'll take you on"
..music fades in... taaaaakeee onnnn meeee...... taaaaake meeeeee onnnn.......

[Bedwyr]

Narrator: "... and now I declare my attack on the opponents jenner."
Opponent: "I'll take you on"
..music fades in... taaaaakeee onnnn meeee...... taaaaake meeeeee onnnn.......

That works too, though I was thinking more along the lines of generic 80s weapons contractor announcer "delivering the performance of tomorrow, today!" with boom tsss boom tsss thing going on over video of a missile actually hitting something reliably.

[Ninja7x]

I think the tutorial videos would be a worthwhile investment.

I say its easy to do but actually technology wise its easy to do. Producing the content and delivering it in a cohesive manner thats easy to follow, looks up to date and is narrated well is the difficult part.

The only good thing is theres so many good examples of how to do it well I dont think it would be an issue.

As mentioned before I watched the Andrew J tutorials. In terms of narration and getting the rules across I thought he did an excellent job with well thought out examples and a good flow throughout. The problem was the audio, camera and to some extent the editing and location that let it down.

It'd be great if you could do something before the new starter boxes.

80s music is a must!!!  ;D

[VensersRevenge]

Anthony Wilson has good unofficial tutorial videos for new players to watch as well. And I agree that having good tutorials would help Battletech a lot. The game is much less complicated than it seems, if you have a good explanation of how the elements work.

[Ninja7x]

My Battlemech Manual arrived yesterday and I managed to find the 2006 box set which is in mint condition so I cleaned up the mechs and base coated em all last night with a GW leadbeltcher spray. Already look loads better. Shouldnt take too long to get them looking decent just need some more texture paint for the bases and im all set.

Had a read back through the Inner Sphere fluff from the box set. Looking forward to a game again now.

The new minis in the box set look amazing cant wait to get them painted up later this year!

Cheers H

[Sigil]

Frankly, it's disingenuous to name this thread "New Release."   Please change it back to "Coming Soon" to avoid all the confusion that comes with thinking you can actually order this product.

[GRUD]

The title isn't disingenuous at all.  When it was started the game WAS available for sale at Gen Con.  It is STILL available for Pre-order through certain vendors.  I've ordered 1 of each through Aries Games & Miniatures.  I'm not out a single penny.  When Aries gets it, THEN they'll charge me for it, and I'll receive it when it gets here.  Whenever that is.  Until then, the sky is NOT falling, and I'll continue to laugh at those crying about it.   ;D

[Foxx Ital]

I'm waiting patiently, when it arrives I have a few people willing to learn and play. At the very least it will make the chore list with the roommate interesting 😉.

[Ninja7x]

Yeah folks theres nothing negative about this new box set. The delay is a moot point. Its litrally a few weeks in the scheme of things. A nice Xmas pressie im hoping! :) Would love to hear an update though... nudge nudge...

[Greatclub]

There's a few people where I play who say they'll give it a go when the box set comes out. Any idea when that'll be so I can try to plan ahead?

Things still on the rails and no news is good news, or is it looking like christmas is going to be missed?

*Not really expecting a reply*

[Ninja7x]

The last update detailed all the upcoming releases. It was dissapointing to have no update on a date for the box sets. They must be having some real issues with either quality of the product or the manufacturing outsource they used in China. Im expecting probably Feb March 2019 now.

[Fear Factory]

Gencon next year so they can sell out...

[Valkerie]

If you are expecting anything from China these days, expect very long delays... :-\

[Joewrightgm]

I placed my order.  I’m ok with the delay.  Perspective: I backed that Robotech Kickstarter.  I’m a patient man.

[abou]

There was an article on NPR's Marketplace discussing how China is slowing down custom's clearance for shipping goods in retaliation for the tariffs. So who knows when it will come out despite the boxes being printed.

Point of order: if this breaches forum rules let me know. Just stating the facts whereas I believe discussing politics would be weighing whether the tariffs are a good or bad thing. But if this is a no-go, delete as needed.

[Bedwyr]

Point of order: if this breaches forum rules let me know. Just stating the facts whereas I believe discussing politics would be weighing whether the tariffs are a good or bad thing. But if this is a no-go, delete as needed.

No, you're fine. Factual information that's relevant. It goes wrong when someone decides to respond with an "->Opinion<-" or a "->Sarcastic Quip<-" about it that we start getting antsy.

[Cubby]

BattleTech Boxed Sets Update #2 - Oct. 30, 2018

No tricks this Halloween, but a small treat for BattleTech players - we've got some new information about the much-anticipated "BattleTech Beginner Box" and "BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat" boxed sets.

We have confirmed that the full run of both sets has been printed, and shipped from China on Tuesday, Oct. 30. They're making their way across the high seas, and are expected in port on the East Coast of the United States on Nov. 26. After about a week to clear customs, they're scheduled for arrival at our distributor on Dec. 3. At that point, we should be able to offer a more specific street date for these products.

Remember that these dates are estimates only--things like weather and other physical delays can and do occur in maritime shipping. We'll keep you updated as we continue to track the shipment's progress.

In the meantime, we recently announced a full slate of mini-PDF products to tide you over. The next one, Touring the Stars: Hall will be out Nov. 9--check out the full slate here!

[ActionButler]

A welcome surprise.

[abou]

Very cool! But suddenly getting panic attacks about this ending up like the new Dethklok album in that Metalocalypse episode.

[Mech42ace]

Good to hear!  :thumbsup:

[Sartris]

Someone go to Bass Pro Shop and get that boat the biggest outboard motor they carry!

[Weirdo]

Bear in mind, these ships are slow enough that they must pass a morale check before engaging the supercharger that gets them up to 1MP. :)

[Sartris]

Bear in mind, these ships are slow enough that they must pass a morale check before engaging the supercharger that gets them up to 1MP. :)

if the captain rolls snakeyes on the supercharger activation, I'm chartering a helicopter to fly out and fight him

[Weirdo]

Would that make you an air pirate?