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Made in us
Haughty Harad Serpent Rider





Richmond, VA

I had not seen a recent Battletech related N&R thread, so thought I would start a new one.

Tech Raptor interviews Catalyst Game Labs, who is now sharing the spotlight quite a bit with HBS after the overwhelming success of the recently released Battletech computer game. Thankfully Catalyst has new starter sets coming soon, as the last 2014 set (itself a redo of the 2009 starter set) has been unavailable for a couple years now.

https://techraptor.net/content/battletech-tabletop-interview



The BattleTech Beginner Box contains:

2 high-quality, fully assembled (unpainted) miniatures:
Griffin
Wolverine
24-page Quick Start Rulebook
8 Quick Start Record Sheets
48 page fiction novella by William H. Keith, Jr., a prequel to the Gray Death Legion saga featuring Carlyle’s Commandos and Durant Carlyle; only available in the Beginner Box.
4-page Instant Guide to the Inner Sphere
4 Pilot Cards
One all-new 18″ x 22″ full-color paper map (hexed, double-sided)
Punchboard of additional BattleMechs
2 dice




The BattleTech: A Game of Armoured Combat box contains:

8 high-quality, fully assembled (unpainted) miniatures:
Awesome
BattleMaster
Catapult
Commando
Locust
Shadow Hawk
Thunderbolt
Wolverine
48-page Rulebook
16-page Record Sheet Booklet
48 page fiction novella by William H. Keith, Jr., a prequel to the Gray Death Legion saga featuring Carlyle’s Commandos and Durant Carlyle; only available in the A Game of Armored Combat box.
16-page Universe Primer
8 Pilot Cards
8 Alpha Strike Cards
2 heavy-stock reference sheets
Two all-new 18” x 22” full-color paper maps (hexed, double-sided)
Punchboard of additional BattleMechs and terrain
2 dice




The Wolverine and Griffin from the Beginner Box Set.




This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/05/24 18:48:59


"...and special thanks to Judgedoug!" - Alessio Cavatore "Now you've gone too far Doug! ... Too far... " - Rick Priestley "I've decided that I'd rather not have you as a member of TMP." - Editor, The Miniatures Page "I'd rather put my testicles through a mangle than spend any time gaming with you." - Richard, TooFatLardies "We need a Doug Craig in every store." - Warlord Games "Thank you for being here, Judge Doug!" - Adam Troke 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

I really, really hope they can get (& keep) the starter in stock,

it's frustrating to have to tell people 'this would be a good one the get but.....'

 
   
Made in us
Haughty Harad Serpent Rider





Richmond, VA

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
I really, really hope they can get (& keep) the starter in stock,

it's frustrating to have to tell people 'this would be a good one the get but.....'


I'll be getting at least one of each set just for the Anthony Scroggins (Shimmering Sword) Mech redesigns.

"...and special thanks to Judgedoug!" - Alessio Cavatore "Now you've gone too far Doug! ... Too far... " - Rick Priestley "I've decided that I'd rather not have you as a member of TMP." - Editor, The Miniatures Page "I'd rather put my testicles through a mangle than spend any time gaming with you." - Richard, TooFatLardies "We need a Doug Craig in every store." - Warlord Games "Thank you for being here, Judge Doug!" - Adam Troke 
   
Made in nl
[MOD]
Decrepit Dakkanaut






Cozy cockpit of an Imperial Knight

2018 is the year of the giant robot it seems!



Fatum Iustum Stultorum



Fiat justitia ruat caelum

 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut






Los Angeles

 judgedoug wrote:
 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
I really, really hope they can get (& keep) the starter in stock,

it's frustrating to have to tell people 'this would be a good one the get but.....'


I'll be getting at least one of each set just for the Anthony Scroggins (Shimmering Sword) Mech redesigns.


Same and I am in the process of selling my BT collection. Those plastic minis are nice, though!
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

As someone looking in from the the outside, I always thought the Mad Cat was the iconic Battletech mech, the only instantly recognizable mecha in their range for mainstream audiences. So, why is it not in the starter set?

   
Made in us
Haughty Harad Serpent Rider





Richmond, VA

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
As someone looking in from the the outside, I always thought the Mad Cat was the iconic Battletech mech, the only instantly recognizable mecha in their range for mainstream audiences. So, why is it not in the starter set?


The Timberwolf (aka Mad Cat) is from the Clan Invasion, which is late 3049. The starter sets are from 3048 and before. It's addressed in the article, but the basic reason is that the starter sets will always be from the "beginning" of the game timeline (fourth Succession War) while new products are developed in the advancing timeline (which is like now in the 3140's or whatever). Mechanics-wise, the Clan invasion introduces a whole new level of tech and rules, aptly named Level 2, because it's much higher technology level. Starter sets are the core, Level 1 rules.

TechRaptor: BattleTech is a huge IP with its own deep running history. HBS/PBX chose to start their game near the very start of the BattleTech timeline. Which era are you basing the new releases in, or making access to, and why did you choose these eras?

Brent Evans, BattleTech Line Developer: The ongoing BattleTech saga has a rich wonderful history spanning hundreds of years in-universe, and hundreds of products in real life. Each of the video games has launched from their own intended niche in the history, but a big part of that choice is their intentions to have space and time within Eras to expand into and through various universe events (like the Clan Invasion, Civil War or Jihad) in order to use story-line to fuel their future expansions. By contrast the tabletop side of the property has to do two very different things; first we need ‘gateway’ products which serve to bring new players into the universe, which is often done best with tech dated prior to the Clan Invasion. At the other end of the spectrum we must drive the forward-most point of the epic saga, using story as the forge keeping the property current and relevant. So while the video games get to bring alive specific points in this timeline, the tabletop game is really the steward of the universe and has always been the driving force moving that timeline forward. This is why you’ll see introductory products like the new Box Sets (set in the pre-3048 Era) release alongside the “Shattered Fortress” sourcebook (which begins in the year 3146.) We keep the fires burning bright at both ends of the spectrum.


TR: The Mechs in the two starter boxes do look incredible. Players are obviously all going to have their own favourite Mechs that might not be included in those sets (mine is the TimberWolf if you could make that a priority please!). What can you say to put their minds at ease?

BE: The enormous positive response to those miniatures is not lost on management at all. We’re keenly aware of the desire for more miniatures along the lines of those in the boxed sets. Depending on the success of those sets, we certainly hope to do more like them in the future. This is also my chance to shine the spotlight on the incredible efforts of Iron Wind Metals and their ongoing line of premium miniatures for BattleTech. The IWM team have been incredible supporters of BattleTech over the years, and while Catalyst’s new line of box set products are perfect for leading new players into the universe, that will ever only be a mere appetizer to the enormous number of units available throughout the Inner Sphere – all purchasable through Iron Wind Metals. Not only do they have nearly every unit ever produced for the game, but they have a wide selection of variants and customizable pieces which is unmatched! The colorful folks at IWM are constantly working with me to make sure their product line up is up to date and can meet the needs of every player. When it comes to BattleTech, the premium line of miniatures will always be found with IWM.


This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/05/17 16:15:32


"...and special thanks to Judgedoug!" - Alessio Cavatore "Now you've gone too far Doug! ... Too far... " - Rick Priestley "I've decided that I'd rather not have you as a member of TMP." - Editor, The Miniatures Page "I'd rather put my testicles through a mangle than spend any time gaming with you." - Richard, TooFatLardies "We need a Doug Craig in every store." - Warlord Games "Thank you for being here, Judge Doug!" - Adam Troke 
   
Made in gb
Martial Arts SAS




United Kingdom

Finally! One thing you can never say about a product from CGL is that it was rushed to market! As fond as I am of the derpy IS mech designs, I suspect these more modern looking bots will really help these new sets fly off the shelves.

Fun fact - I purchased 3 IWM mechs, a Super Griffin to use as a regular Griffin and two different Thunderbolts to cobble together something that actually looked decent.. and both of those mechs are represtend here and looking far better than my own attempts. Dang it!

   
Made in us
Been Around the Block





Looking forward to this. Battletech's one of my true loves in gaming, even if I have a hard time getting people to play outside of Gen Con.
   
Made in us
Haughty Harad Serpent Rider





Richmond, VA

 Siygess wrote:
Finally! One thing you can never say about a product from CGL is that it was rushed to market! As fond as I am of the derpy IS mech designs, I suspect these more modern looking bots will really help these new sets fly off the shelves.

Fun fact - I purchased 3 IWM mechs, a Super Griffin to use as a regular Griffin and two different Thunderbolts to cobble together something that actually looked decent.. and both of those mechs are represtend here and looking far better than my own attempts. Dang it!


I sold most of my classic mechs and replaced them with 3d printed Mechwarrior Online mechs. So I'll 100% be getting these bad boys as they match the modern aesthetic!

"...and special thanks to Judgedoug!" - Alessio Cavatore "Now you've gone too far Doug! ... Too far... " - Rick Priestley "I've decided that I'd rather not have you as a member of TMP." - Editor, The Miniatures Page "I'd rather put my testicles through a mangle than spend any time gaming with you." - Richard, TooFatLardies "We need a Doug Craig in every store." - Warlord Games "Thank you for being here, Judge Doug!" - Adam Troke 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Riverside, CA USA

Yeah, the MWO redesigns really fix the VERY outdated designs on those mechs. There's a seller out of poland doing resin MWO designs that I've gotten a few of, but I don't play enough to replace my entire collection. I'll be glad to have these in plastic.

These are supposedly a bit larger than the old ones (at least the prototypes were), I wonder how they'll scale with older collections

~Kalamadea (aka ember)
My image gallery 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

hmm do I really need a 6th version of the starter set - .................

probbaly as those mechs look great and I like the new sheets

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

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A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran





Actually I find most of the MWO Mechs' to look to much alike. They have very little distinctive style overall. A few are quite nice, but as a whole they are boring. The Battletech redesigns manage to do a similar job while still retaining enough distinctive style for each design. IMO of course.

Also its the 80s again, I want to buy New Battletech and new Adeptus Titanicus.
   
Made in nl
Pragmatic Primus Commanding Cult Forces






Ah! BattleTech! Must have!

I love the MWO designs btw. A lot of BattleTech artwork is really outdated and looks kinda silly. MWO gives them a more modern and serious look, while keeping the distinctive features of each 'Mech. I like that.
Also, really interested in the Gray Death Legion prequel, as I actually just finished reading Decision at Thunder Rift (it was a lot of fun to see the similarities and differences in BattleTech back then and now).
I hope they will make Clan 'Mechs at some point as well. I love the Clans.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/05/17 17:31:01


Error 404: Interesting signature not found

 
   
Made in us
Rampaging Chaos Russ Driver





Albany, NY

I haven't CBT'd in probably 15 years and the game is probably still bad, but I'm definitely picking both of these sets up! The plastic minis look incredible and I have been playing the heck out of HBS Battletech. This should scratch just the right itch.

   
Made in us
Decrepit Dakkanaut





The Battle Barge Buffet Line

I hope that they'll prep the minis a bit better than the one below that still has the 3d printing stepping visible. Spartan Games had the same issue before their closure with their showpiece huge ship models before they shut down. Regardless, good to see Battletech players get a new starter and minis with the release of the PC game. It'll be right on time for me to give it my once in a decade try and see if I've (or its) changed enough for me to get into it.


We Munch for Macragge! FOR THE EMPRUH! Cheesesticks and Humus!
 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

I hope that they'll prep the minis a bit better than the one below that still has the 3d printing stepping visible.


I donlt actually know what that is

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in us
Infiltrating Prowler





Portland, OR

 warboss wrote:
I hope that they'll prep the minis a bit better than the one below that still has the 3d printing stepping visible.
I don't necessarily know that is completely print layer lines as it is just lower poly file used. Some of them appear to be layer lines, while others don't make sense to be layer lines because of where they are placed. The most visible ones make it seems it was printed as one piece 90-degree standing. But there are other lines that look like layer lines diagonally so not sure if they printed multiple pieces then assembled. Then there are what appears to be mould lines, but not sure if just bad lines put in to look like armor panels to disguise mould lines like older models have been.
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

I hope they do the entire stable of Succession Wars classics.

I want a Dragon!

   
Made in gb
Yu Jing Martial Arts Ninja




North Wales

I'm probably going to be in for one of the Beginner boxes and a couple of the main set.

I've wanted a decent Awesome and Catapult for 20 years, so I'm doubling up on this.

CGL have said that they don't want people doing the "Oh, I don't want to buy up all the boxes, I want new players to be able to buy sets and get into the game". They've basically said "buy! buy! buy!". They get more money, they get to release more new products. If people want their Timber Wolves, they've got to make it worth CGL'S time and money.
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

*checks database of 'Mechs*

What's a 7th Catapult mini, right? Though I am surprised that we're getting a new starter box that doesn't include an Atlas. That's a shame.

Either way, glad to have these back. Will be picking up both.

And more maps is a good thing.

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut






Los Angeles

 Mr Morden wrote:
I hope that they'll prep the minis a bit better than the one below that still has the 3d printing stepping visible.


I donlt actually know what that is


I believe these lines are what were being referred to.




 Chillreaper wrote:
I'm probably going to be in for one of the Beginner boxes and a couple of the main set.

I've wanted a decent Awesome and Catapult for 20 years, so I'm doubling up on this.

CGL have said that they don't want people doing the "Oh, I don't want to buy up all the boxes, I want new players to be able to buy sets and get into the game". They've basically said "buy! buy! buy!". They get more money, they get to release more new products. If people want their Timber Wolves, they've got to make it worth CGL'S time and money.


To be fair CGL needs to make this re-launch worth player's time and money too. Battletech has been of life support for a few years now since key products were OOP and hard to find which has made growing the player base difficult at best. These sets look good, and I am excited, but they need to get the core products like map sheets and starter boxes available and easy to buy. More plastic lance boxes like the $9.99 ones they just discontinued would be nice too, especially if they have redesigned `Mechs in them similar to the ones in these starters.
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

The sculpts are great but CGL moves too slowly to keep customers' attention.

   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






Semi old news, but very good ones nevertheless

So far I'm planning for at least one of each box.
   
Made in us
Lieutenant General





Florence, KY

Chillreaper wrote:I've wanted a decent Awesome and Catapult for 20 years, so I'm doubling up on this.

I don't believe they've updated the Catapult as of yet, so you may be in for a bit of a wait for that one.

Manchu wrote:The sculpts are great but CGL moves too slowly to keep customers' attention.

Yeah, CGL is one of those who really work on a shoestring budget. If BattleTech didn't have the history that it does it would have folded long ago.

'It is a source of constant consternation that my opponents
cannot correlate their innate inferiority with their inevitable
defeat. It would seem that stupidity is as eternal as war.'

- Nemesor Zahndrekh of the Sautekh Dynasty
Overlord of the Crownworld of Gidrim
 
   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





 judgedoug wrote:

The Timberwolf (aka Mad Cat) is from the Clan Invasion, which is late 3049. The starter sets are from 3048 and before. It's addressed in the article, but the basic reason is that the starter sets will always be from the "beginning" of the game timeline (fourth Succession War) while new products are developed in the advancing timeline (which is like now in the 3140's or whatever). Mechanics-wise, the Clan invasion introduces a whole new level of tech and rules, aptly named Level 2, because it's much higher technology level. Starter sets are the core, Level 1 rules.


Battletech is one of those games that should be an unstoppable juggernaut, but has forever let itself by held back by its glory days. Never is this as infuriating to me as when the timelines come into play. There are just so many.... dull, mech designs that every time they fail to redesign the game around their iconic mechs that aren't stolen, it just feels like a huge missed opportunity. The game could absolutely soar with full reboot, but forever seems content to limp along on its nostalgia factor.
   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






 Ghaz wrote:
I don't believe they've updated the Catapult as of yet, so you may be in for a bit of a wait for that one.

The catapult is right there on the back of the "Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat" box. On the first post.

8 high-quality, fully assembled (unpainted) miniatures:
Awesome
BattleMaster
Catapult
Commando
Locust
Shadow Hawk
Thunderbolt
Wolverine
   
Made in us
Decrepit Dakkanaut





The Battle Barge Buffet Line

 Dark Severance wrote:
 warboss wrote:
I hope that they'll prep the minis a bit better than the one below that still has the 3d printing stepping visible.
I don't necessarily know that is completely print layer lines as it is just lower poly file used. Some of them appear to be layer lines, while others don't make sense to be layer lines because of where they are placed. The most visible ones make it seems it was printed as one piece 90-degree standing. But there are other lines that look like layer lines diagonally so not sure if they printed multiple pieces then assembled. Then there are what appears to be mould lines, but not sure if just bad lines put in to look like armor panels to disguise mould lines like older models have been.


I agree that they're inconsistent. For instance, the grooves on the left hip pad is very strange and obvious and, most importantly, not consistent with the finer stepping visible around the knees. I don't think it's a low poly problem though as visible triangles/facets on curves aren't prominent to my eyes. I do think your suggestion that it was printed in multiple pieces instead of as one single piece model (maybe at differing layer resolutions too?) is the simplest explanation as to why there are so many different orientations.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 DarkTraveler777 wrote:


I believe these lines are what were being referred to.

Spoiler:




Yup, thanks for pointing them out. For a model not being sold as a raw 3d printed product but instead used as a master for traditional production, I expect those to be filed smooth. If it is instead sold straight from the 3d print bed, it's acceptable as the end customer should do it. Ymmv.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/05/17 21:04:13


We Munch for Macragge! FOR THE EMPRUH! Cheesesticks and Humus!
 
   
Made in us
Lieutenant General





Florence, KY

 Albertorius wrote:
 Ghaz wrote:
I don't believe they've updated the Catapult as of yet, so you may be in for a bit of a wait for that one.

The catapult is right there on the back of the "Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat" box. On the first post.

8 high-quality, fully assembled (unpainted) miniatures:
Awesome
BattleMaster
Catapult
Commando
Locust
Shadow Hawk
Thunderbolt
Wolverine

And going by Anthony Scroggins (Shimmering-Sword) DeviantArt Gallery there is no Catapult. What's in the box while it looks like a new sculpt may or may not be an updated design.

'It is a source of constant consternation that my opponents
cannot correlate their innate inferiority with their inevitable
defeat. It would seem that stupidity is as eternal as war.'

- Nemesor Zahndrekh of the Sautekh Dynasty
Overlord of the Crownworld of Gidrim
 
   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






 Ghaz wrote:
And going by Anthony Scroggins (Shimmering-Sword) DeviantArt Gallery there is no Catapult. What's in the box while it looks like a new sculpt may or may not be an updated design.

The current one is this:



The box one is this:




So at the very least is a new mini, and the design also looks different.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/05/17 21:20:01


 
   
 
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