Alpha Strike PDF/Print Preorder On Sale July 29th

We published Strategic Operations in 2009 (my head…really, already!). And as soon as the community got a look at the “Quick-Strike” section of the rules in the back, we’ve been asked all of that time when we’re going to publish a separate, complete rulebook. That allows players to experience the full measure of BattleTech via that system…and that time comes on Monday when the PDF/Print Preorders go on sale. [As usual, PDF will be available immediately, the book shipping once we receive it from the printer; mostly likely a September Street Date.]

If you’ve not already seen the two great previews we’ve published, check out the announcements for the free PDF Preview 1 and Preview 2.

One of the things I’ve loved to be apart of over the last decade and more of working on the game is to push BattleTech in embracing deeper aspects of the universe that were never really touched before in the rules, as well as providing a variety of different ways for people to enjoy BattleTech.

Alpha Strike gives anyone (either long-time player or simply a wargammer that’s always wanted to try BattleTech but for what ever reason hasn’t) the ability to dive into a faster way to play, while still retaining the feel of the board game loved by millions. This is as close as BattleTech has ever come to playing like a more “pure” tabletop miniatures game.

Just need the book, some miniatures and their cards and you’re good to go! (You can either order metal miniatures from your local retail store, or directly online from Iron Wind Metals if you’re unable to order from your local store.)

In fact, if you go check out the Master Unit List, and search down to a specific unit page you’ll find the BattleForce record sheet…those sheets are 90% compatible as is with Alpha Strike so you can get into the action quickly (they’re already working on an update to make them 100% compatible for the future).

And of course, as you can see from from the Table of Contents in Preview 1, we’ve embraced as many rules as possible from Tactical Operations and Strategic Operations for that “we’ve got a rule for that!” mentality, if players want to go there.

Heck, we even create a small “Clan Invasion Army Listing” section so players, particularly new ones can dive right in and start playing in the perennial favorite Clan Invasion Era (you know, the one MechWarrior Online is set in… ;-)).

“Are you going to support Alpha Strike further?” I can hear you asking. Sure. Ideas are already being jotted down for what we could put into an “Alpha Strike Companion” for print down the line, Era Faction Army List PDFs (cause we’ve got a pile of factions and Eras), we’re even looking into what full-color Alpha Strike Unit Cards sold as decks of cards might look like…

Even if you’re leery of diving straight into picking up the print book, the PDF can be snagged for just $15 on Monday to let you fully check it out.

Hopefully enjoy!

Randall