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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 12:25:55
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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The Hive Mind
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I love playing 12-12 games with a friend of mine. I guess we play fast - 3 hours is about average.
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My beautiful wife wrote:Trucks = Carnifex snack, Tanks = meals. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 12:38:09
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Raw SDF-1 Recruit
Columbus, OH
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Unix wrote:I'm in the HBMC/Death by Monkeys camp on this on but I don't see why both rule sets can't coexist peacefully. Few people play one game/rule system exclusively and so giving people options would open the game up to more people.
As a long-term fan of Heavy Gear, I would offer warning here - a system that tries to be three things to five people inevitably does all three things poorly. Design choices will be made over time to emphasize one aspect over another, and generally that's hard to reconcile in a way that makes everybody happy.
I'm not saying it can't be done... but it is a pretty hard challenge.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 13:33:30
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Haughty Harad Serpent Rider
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DarkTraveler777 wrote:Honestly, the game has been cursed since FASA closed shop and the license hopped from Wizkids/Fanpro to Topps/Catalyst. I still meet people who think the game died with FASA, and when you convince them that it is "alive" (I am using that term loosely) they can't find product on game shelves because Catalyst hasn't reprinted core products crucial to getting the game in the hands of new players.
The license needs to be given over to a new company with new blood and new ideas. Preferably one without Catalysts' sense of financial mismanagement so that this game can properly grow. Until that happens the game will continue to flounder and exist in a state of perpetual mediocrity.
Thanks for a fantastic reply/post. I am really glad there are others out there who feel like I do. Battletech is such an amazingly rich property - as previously stated, the lore and background are as deep and complex as Warhammer 40,000, but the game is nearly unapproachable to a new gamer.
As @Tamwolf said earlier, there's no new blood because the "video game generation" doesn't get instant gratification from the game... I can see how that is a viable theory, but the reverse is also true. I'm over 30 now, and I have limited free time. When I get together with my gaming group, I like to play as many satisfying games as possible. If a game doesn't play fast and well, and I don't get a feeling that my tactical choices mattered, it won't be played again, ever. Classic Battletech does not fit that mold. It takes a very long time to play, compared to other games; and the constant slugging and blowing bits off, damage by damage, with range and movement and heat and so on modifiers adds a level of complexity that can probably be emulated more elegantly - and then after all these modifier and stat tracking, a lucky Gauss rifle takes the head off your mech. Ya know what? Mechwarrior Online does this better, haha.
I understand there is still an audience for Classic Battletech, and if it's a profitable propety, Catalyst (or whomever in the future) should continue to support it with releases. But, here's the thing - instead of making Alpha Strike a supplement, it should be the _core game_. It should have the box set, containing newly designed miniatures; it should have new releases; it should be out there getting demo'ed and getting new players into the Battletech universe, with giant tournaments and making the property financially viable again. I firmly believe the Alpha Strike [quickstrike/battleforce] system, marketed properly, and supported with new miniatures, could put Battletech into the big three/four ( 40k, Warmachine, X-Wing, Battletech).
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"...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 |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 13:39:52
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Screaming Shining Spear
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I've been a Battletech fan for some time and my friends and I don't mind expansive rules for games and quite enjoy dedicating a weekend day once in a while to gaming (Twilight Imperium anyone?).
That aside, I am STILL really excited for the idea of Alpha Strike. There are times I am in the mood to play BT but don't have the 5 hours to put into a company-sized game.
Very welcome indeed!
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Farseer Faenyin
7,100 pts Yme-Loc Eldar(Apoc Included) / 5,700 pts (Non-Apoc)
Record for 6th Edition- Eldar: 25-4-2
Record for 7th Edition -
Eldar: 0-0-0 (Yes, I feel it is that bad)
Battlefleet Gothic: 2,750 pts of Craftworld Eldar
X-wing(Focusing on Imperials): CR90, 6 TIE Fighters, 4 TIE Interceptors, TIE Bomber, TIE Advanced, 4 X-wings, 3 A-wings, 3 B-wings, Y-wing, Z-95
Battletech: Battlion and Command Lance of 3025 Mechs(painted as 21st Rim Worlds) |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 13:42:36
Subject: Re:New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Haughty Harad Serpent Rider
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Eilif wrote:
"Quick Strike" (soon to be named "Alpha Strike") is something else entirely. It is a ruleset derived from the "Battleforce" game.
"Battleforce is a Tactical level ruleset played out on a hex map where each miniature or chit represents a formation (Lance, Platoon, etc). The mechanics are similar, but less complex than Battletech and it has it's own unique unit cards. It's made to have alot more units on the table than regular Battletech. Battleforce was formerly a stand-alone game, but now has been rolled into the "Strategic Operations" Book.
Quick Strike is a ruleset derrived from Battleforce. It uses most of the same rules, and the same cards. The main differences are:
-It's played on 3d terrain (though it can be played hexed)
-One miniature equals what it is, not a lance or platoon of them.
This is correct, and why it makes for an excellent game. You can have dozens of mechs on the table, each represented by only a single stat card that lists it's capabilities, on a beautiful table covered with awesome urban or jungle or whatever terrain. It's more visually arresting and quicker to play than normal Battletech and the rules are quite simple and very elegant. They operate on the "simple core rules, with things adding special rules" tenant that makes it very easy to pick up and play, as a new player has to learn the rules for 5 minutes, and then the few special rules for the few special items his mechs have (such as autocannon damage not causing heat, etc)
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"...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 |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 14:01:03
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Brigadier General
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IceRaptor wrote: Unix wrote:I'm in the HBMC/Death by Monkeys camp on this on but I don't see why both rule sets can't coexist peacefully. Few people play one game/rule system exclusively and so giving people options would open the game up to more people.
As a long-term fan of Heavy Gear, I would offer warning here - a system that tries to be three things to five people inevitably does all three things poorly. Design choices will be made over time to emphasize one aspect over another, and generally that's hard to reconcile in a way that makes everybody happy.
I'm not saying it can't be done... but it is a pretty hard challenge.
I disagree. I think that having distinct games under one theme is a fairly successful model. It's when you try to make one game to cover more than one scope of play that things get bogged down. It's why 40k Apocalypse games take all day, when games of that scope would better handled by a ruleset like Epic 40k.
BT does it right by offering a coherent universe, but separate games that -while having the ability to exist together in a wider campagin- each have their own rules.
In the Battletech Universe, you can already
- RPG with "A time of War"
-Lance V Lance with "Battletech"
-Platoon V Platoon with "Quick Strike", soon to be "Alpha Strike"
-Battallion v Battallion or larger with "Battleforce"
-Space Combat with "Aerotech"
-There's even overall rules for managing or running an interstellar campaign.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 14:34:12
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Sister Oh-So Repentia
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Eilif wrote: IceRaptor wrote: Unix wrote:I'm in the HBMC/Death by Monkeys camp on this on but I don't see why both rule sets can't coexist peacefully. Few people play one game/rule system exclusively and so giving people options would open the game up to more people.
As a long-term fan of Heavy Gear, I would offer warning here - a system that tries to be three things to five people inevitably does all three things poorly. Design choices will be made over time to emphasize one aspect over another, and generally that's hard to reconcile in a way that makes everybody happy.
I'm not saying it can't be done... but it is a pretty hard challenge.
I disagree. I think that having distinct games under one theme is a fairly successful model. It's when you try to make one game to cover more than one scope of play that things get bogged down. It's why 40k Apocalypse games take all day, when games of that scope would better handled by a ruleset like Epic 40k.
BT does it right by offering a coherent universe, but separate games that -while having the ability to exist together in a wider campagin- each have their own rules.
In the Battletech Universe, you can already
- RPG with "A time of War"
-Lance V Lance with "Battletech"
-Platoon V Platoon with "Quick Strike", soon to be "Alpha Strike"
-Battallion v Battallion or larger with "Battleforce"
-Space Combat with "Aerotech"
-There's even overall rules for managing or running an interstellar campaign.
I agree that multiple rule sets could work, but Ice Raptor might be right for the reason that the companies operating Battletech are dysfunctional in managing the game.
It's funny, I have an unopened 25th starter box that I found in a store for $50 a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I discovered this thread, I thought I better get it on Ebay now, but then I remembered that Catalyst has been talking about re-releasing the set for three years now, and even if they do this time I don't have a lot of faith in them actually making higher quality miniatures, and finally when they released the box set last time they sold out in a week so there's no guarantee that I would get the new one.
Battletech has a lot going for it, a well developed background, a video game pipeline that would introduce new players, and a relatively small buy in price. Unfortunately what it has going against it is the company in charge of developing it.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 15:11:43
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Raw SDF-1 Recruit
Columbus, OH
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Unix wrote:
I agree that multiple rule sets could work, but Ice Raptor might be right for the reason that the companies operating Battletech are dysfunctional in managing the game.
That was more the warning; each of those properties consumes some amount of developer time and energy. If your business can support all three - great! But it's hard to have the resources to do all three well, instead of simply jamming poorly implemented instances together and calling it done so you can sell 'a combined experience'.
It can - and has - been done. But it takes essentially 5 companies, not just one, IMO.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/23 19:41:33
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Brigadier General
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IceRaptor wrote:
That was more the warning; each of those properties consumes some amount of developer time and energy. If your business can support all three - great! But it's hard to have the resources to do all three well, instead of simply jamming poorly implemented instances together and calling it done so you can sell 'a combined experience'.
It can - and has - been done. But it takes essentially 5 companies, not just one, IMO.
Seems to be working ok for Battletech. However, a big reason that the 5 systems work is that they've had almost 35 years to create them. Even though they have been repackaged in new books and tweaked here and there, all of those systems (except Quick/Alpha-Strike) are over 10 years old, and a couple are over 20. So you end up with continuity and systems that have had alot of playtesting and tweaking, but it also makes it hard to create "fresh" experiences, which is one of the biggest complaints that folks have about BT.
Unfortunately (or "fortunately" depending on your point of view) I'm not sure it is even possible to revamp BT games without upsetting that balance. Even AlphaStrike isn't really an exception as it's a game that already exists, just not one that is presently published in an easily accessible form.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/23 19:42:38
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/24 04:50:39
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Stubborn Temple Guard
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IceRaptor wrote: Unix wrote:I'm in the HBMC/Death by Monkeys camp on this on but I don't see why both rule sets can't coexist peacefully. Few people play one game/rule system exclusively and so giving people options would open the game up to more people.
As a long-term fan of Heavy Gear, I would offer warning here - a system that tries to be three things to five people inevitably does all three things poorly. Design choices will be made over time to emphasize one aspect over another, and generally that's hard to reconcile in a way that makes everybody happy.
I'm not saying it can't be done... but it is a pretty hard challenge.
Actually, I have found Alpha/Quick Strike HELPS with this. Units that are utter garbage and never seen on a Battletech table are more useful in Alpha Strike. It was one of the things I enjoyed about running Quick Strike games, I could use a ton of "bad designs" that worked far better in QS than they ever could in Battletech.
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27th Member of D.O.O.M.F.A.R.T.
Resident Battletech Guru. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/24 19:53:58
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Raw SDF-1 Recruit
Columbus, OH
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Mattlov wrote:Actually, I have found Alpha/Quick Strike HELPS with this. Units that are utter garbage and never seen on a Battletech table are more useful in Alpha Strike. It was one of the things I enjoyed about running Quick Strike games, I could use a ton of "bad designs" that worked far better in QS than they ever could in Battletech.
That's good news. Alpha Strike is one of my 'must haves' from Gencon, so I'm hoping they have made it a game I can play with friends in a reasonable amount of time. Cheers!
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 02:32:18
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Nimble Dark Rider
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Unix wrote: Eilif wrote: IceRaptor wrote: Unix wrote:I'm in the HBMC/Death by Monkeys camp on this on but I don't see why both rule sets can't coexist peacefully. Few people play one game/rule system exclusively and so giving people options would open the game up to more people.
As a long-term fan of Heavy Gear, I would offer warning here - a system that tries to be three things to five people inevitably does all three things poorly. Design choices will be made over time to emphasize one aspect over another, and generally that's hard to reconcile in a way that makes everybody happy.
I'm not saying it can't be done... but it is a pretty hard challenge.
I disagree. I think that having distinct games under one theme is a fairly successful model. It's when you try to make one game to cover more than one scope of play that things get bogged down. It's why 40k Apocalypse games take all day, when games of that scope would better handled by a ruleset like Epic 40k.
BT does it right by offering a coherent universe, but separate games that -while having the ability to exist together in a wider campagin- each have their own rules.
In the Battletech Universe, you can already
- RPG with "A time of War"
-Lance V Lance with "Battletech"
-Platoon V Platoon with "Quick Strike", soon to be "Alpha Strike"
-Battallion v Battallion or larger with "Battleforce"
-Space Combat with "Aerotech"
-There's even overall rules for managing or running an interstellar campaign.
I agree that multiple rule sets could work, but Ice Raptor might be right for the reason that the companies operating Battletech are dysfunctional in managing the game.
It's funny, I have an unopened 25th starter box that I found in a store for $50 a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I discovered this thread, I thought I better get it on Ebay now, but then I remembered that Catalyst has been talking about re-releasing the set for three years now, and even if they do this time I don't have a lot of faith in them actually making higher quality miniatures, and finally when they released the box set last time they sold out in a week so there's no guarantee that I would get the new one.
Battletech has a lot going for it, a well developed background, a video game pipeline that would introduce new players, and a relatively small buy in price. Unfortunately what it has going against it is the company in charge of developing it.
Well they say they are constantly underestimating demand for their product.
But this is also the company that used contractors wages to paint a house, and then had their accountant resign when they asked them to cover it up.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/25 02:32:38
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 02:47:48
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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The Hive Mind
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Heh. My brother worked on Alpha Strike (and many if the recent TROs). Interesting.
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My beautiful wife wrote:Trucks = Carnifex snack, Tanks = meals. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 03:09:28
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Brigadier General
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GBL wrote:
Well they say they are constantly underestimating demand for their product.
But this is also the company that used contractors wages to paint a house, and then had their accountant resign when they asked them to cover it up.
Evidence? Explanation?
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 03:51:32
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Nimble Dark Rider
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Eilif wrote:GBL wrote:
Well they say they are constantly underestimating demand for their product.
But this is also the company that used contractors wages to paint a house, and then had their accountant resign when they asked them to cover it up.
Evidence? Explanation?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=catalyst+game+labs+embezzlement
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 04:38:32
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Brigadier General
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Yeah, thanks for the google link.... real helpful...
If you're going go make overly-simplistic and potentially misleading blanket statements, the onus is on you to back them up. Not on us to go searching to see whether what you say is valid.
I recall something about Loren Coleman, and financial misdeeds from a few years back, but I don't think your single statement really explains the situation well.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 07:36:28
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Nimble Dark Rider
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Eilif wrote:
Yeah, thanks for the google link.... real helpful...
If you're going go make overly-simplistic and potentially misleading blanket statements, the onus is on you to back them up. Not on us to go searching to see whether what you say is valid.
I recall something about Loren Coleman, and financial misdeeds from a few years back, but I don't think your single statement really explains the situation well.
I don't think I should have to cite sources when I mention something that has been on public record for years.
But here goes.
Catalyst found itself in serious financial trouble. $850,000 dollars went missing, flagged as contractors wages, actually went to Loren Coleman's house extension. Rather than let Loren go, they made him promise to pay it back eventually.
Catalyst found itself unable to pay its real contractors, it relied heavily on contract work for its Shadowrun game. Rather than let the beans spill, the simply released a product created by contractors, without paying those contractors.
Those contractors revoked catalysts right to print the material, and they had to revoke it from sale. Several partners of catalyst ended their contracts with them due to missed payments. It damaged Catalysts credibility permanently, and set back their release schedule for quite a while.
FrankTrollmans original whistleblowing and response:
http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=50989
A good round up of the whole thing:
http://geek-related.com/2010/04/17/catalyst-games-defiant-criminals/
Edit: Randall's post on the subject: http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?p=141308#141308
Some of you have already expressed your inability to be patient with Catalyst as we try and find solutions, and I completely understand your frustration. That frustration was mirrored by several Catalyst full-time employees who felt they simply could not continue with Catalyst after all that has occurred, including Jennifer Harding (Office Manager and Bookkeeper), Dave Stansel (Operation Manager) and Adam Jury (Head of Graphic Design), all of whom have formally left the company. We’re already moving to try to find appropriate people to take on their work and responsibilities. Though I wish their decisions might have been different—as they’re incredibly valuable to what Catalyst has been able to accomplish—I cannot fault them for the choices they’ve made. I’ve worked with them in various capacities for a long time and consider them good friends. I wish them well and hope we’ll have a chance to work together again some time in the future.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/25 07:45:25
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 13:38:13
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Brigadier General
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Thanks for that. I never did hear how things shook out post the discovery of Coleman's misdeeds, but it appears not much has been said since 2010. Was there ever any word as to if/whether the colemans were paying back the $ they stole?
Everything seems to have gone quiet since April 2010.
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This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/05/25 13:50:00
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/25 14:47:55
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests
Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.
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Catalyst are still selling Shadowrun products, so I don't really see what's come of this.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/26 01:14:42
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Nimble Dark Rider
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Eilif wrote:Thanks for that. I never did hear how things shook out post the discovery of Coleman's misdeeds, but it appears not much has been said since 2010. Was there ever any word as to if/whether the colemans were paying back the $ they stole?
Everything seems to have gone quiet since April 2010.
Things stopped being reported publicly by the end of 2010. As it stands, officially Loren is repaying Catalyst, but we have no indication that it ever happened. Against Trollmans predictions, catalyst did manage to retain the license for Battletech and Shadowrun. I think the biggest results were, massive delays on some books, terrible rewrites, books getting approved with zero editorial oversight (*cough* WAR! *cough*)
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/26 02:14:44
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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The New Miss Macross!
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It's been a while since I bought any SR books so I can't comment about the quality in the last two or three years. I do appreciate this subject being brought up as I had completely forgotten about it in the years since. I'll likely wait till both this battletech intro box and the new upcoming shadowrun edition are in my hands before deciding whether to buy.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/27 05:00:28
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Stubborn Temple Guard
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warboss wrote:It's been a while since I bought any SR books so I can't comment about the quality in the last two or three years. I do appreciate this subject being brought up as I had completely forgotten about it in the years since. I'll likely wait till both this battletech intro box and the new upcoming shadowrun edition are in my hands before deciding whether to buy.
SR gets better run than Battletech does. It simply does it quietly and no one notices. SR4 was one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and many of the supplements released are very good. I highly recommend it for anyone, and I look forward to 5th edition this year.
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27th Member of D.O.O.M.F.A.R.T.
Resident Battletech Guru. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/27 05:04:37
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Highlord with a Blackstone Fortress
Adrift within the vortex of my imagination.
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Interesting seeing this here before noticing it on the CBT forums.
I hope they sell the mechs separately.
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n'oublie jamais - It appears I now have to highlight this again.
It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. By the juice of the brew my thoughts aquire speed, my mind becomes strained, the strain becomes a warning. It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/27 05:07:17
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests
Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.
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What's the reaction at the CBT forums?
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/27 08:17:43
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Nimble Dark Rider
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Mattlov wrote: warboss wrote:It's been a while since I bought any SR books so I can't comment about the quality in the last two or three years. I do appreciate this subject being brought up as I had completely forgotten about it in the years since. I'll likely wait till both this battletech intro box and the new upcoming shadowrun edition are in my hands before deciding whether to buy.
SR gets better run than Battletech does. It simply does it quietly and no one notices. SR4 was one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and many of the supplements released are very good. I highly recommend it for anyone, and I look forward to 5th edition this year.
The Jason Hardy era supplements are pretty poor. But the good ones are still in print.
What's the reaction at the CBT forums?
I don't even have to look to know that it is blind patriotism for the brand. I am assuming that no one in those threads are asking where Interstellar Ops is for instance.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/28 21:48:53
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Boosting Black Templar Biker
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Oh heck yeah! This is great news. I've been wanting to get back into BattleTech. And just a week ago I finally saw the intro box figs in person, not having gotten around to buying the set after all the huge delays from when it was originally supposed to come out. And well, looking at the miniatures I have to say I was pretty much appalled. It was like looking at a bunch of "Army Men" - extremely thin and very undetailed. Doesn't help matters that WH40k has spoiled me as far as figure details go. While the CityTech figs back in the day seemed ok, now they're just crappy (yet still about a million times better than the intro box ones). The metal 'Mechs (I only have three right now) still are nowhere near GW quality, but good enough - just don't have enough of them, and of course they're pricey per model... but well, obviously one doesn't need all that many.
This newest reprint based on those pics should be worth it though. The Clan 'Mechs... Timber Wolf... meh, not really a fan despite everyone having such a hard-on for it in general. The quality of it appears fine though, just like the Hellbringer and Summoner of the previous box. Would've preferred to get the Summoner this time around personally, despite already having a metal one. The BattleMaster is definitely of interest to me, though!
Alpha Strike seems of great interest as well. CBT matches indeed take such a long time, even with a limited number of 'Mechs. From what I gather it won't use hexes either, which would be nice - hexes are problematic especially considering lateral movement, as we all probably know.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/28 21:49:37
Armies:
Primary: Black Templars Crimson Fists Orks
Allied: Sisters of Battle Imperial Guard |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/28 22:02:43
Subject: Re:New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Longtime Dakkanaut
Maryland
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Hm. I may have to pick this up. I sold my copy of the last introductory set with all the mechs I had to help fund my trip to Dublin  . This new set, with hopefully improved quality mechs (the ones in the last set were TERRIBLE with the exceptions of the clan mechs) and a copy of Alpha Strike to replace the binder full of printed pages I have to play the current tabletop version of Battletech will be a great buy. (Side note: Oh hey! Didn't know the little flag changed depending on the country I was posting from. Clever, that.)
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/28 22:03:28
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/29 23:03:05
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Dakka Veteran
South Portsmouth, KY USA
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Weird statement about shrinkage in the plastics. There should be virtually no shrinkage in plastics as there would be in metal. It makes me wonder About their mold building process.
Usually a 3-up is made and a pantograph is used to scale it down as the mold (steel or aluminum) is milled or in a more modern CnC machine is used to take the CAD directly off the file.
I hope that these look better than this last batch of plastics.
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Armies: Space Marines, IG, Tyranids, Eldar, Necrons, Orks, Dark Eldar.
I am the best 40k player in my town, I always win! Of course, I am the only player of 40k in my town.
Check out my friends over at Sea Dog Game Studios, they always have something cooking: http://www.sailpowergame.com. Or if age of sail isn't your thing check out the rapid fire sci-fi action of Techcommander http://www.techcommandergame.com
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/30 04:53:39
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Posts with Authority
South Carolina (upstate) USA
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Actually depending on how the machines are set, things like mold temps & cooling time, plastic parts can shrink quite a bit. How do I know...ive been in injection molding for 3 years. Im writing this post sitting next to an Engel 330/100 injection molding press.
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Whats my game?
Warmachine (Cygnar)
10/15mm mecha
Song of Blades & Heroes
Blackwater Gulch
X wing
Open to other games too
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/05/31 05:48:31
Subject: New Battletech Intro Box (better plastic figs) and "Alpha Strike" book (Fast-play,Tabletop rules)
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Lieutenant General
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/31 05:49:51
'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 |
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