When: April 24th, 2018 (9am PDT)
Platforms: PC, Mac (and Linux later)
Price: Standard 39.99€/$39.99, Deluxe 49.99€/$39.99
Developer: Harebrained Schemes
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
BATTLETECH is a Kickstarted game, details of the campaign here.
Review thread here.
- Turn-based tactics/strategy, command a small mercenary 'Mech unit in the field
- Management/RPG aspects, manage your mercenary unit contracts, hire and train pilots, and upgrade or customize 'Mechs
- Epic campaign, take part in a civil war and restore a deposed ruler to their throne
- Multiplayer PVP and Skirmish vs AI options
- The game uses 'Mech models from MechWarrior Online (link to ERA MWO OT).
BATTLETECH's basic gameplay is XCOM-like, only instead of humans you command a lance of roughly 12-meter tall 'Mechs, and fight your way through missions with lasers, autocannons, missiles, or even melee attacks. You will inevitably miss those important 95%-hit-chance shots, just like XCOM...
Different 'Mechs have different capabilities, lighter 'Mechs are faster to move and get to move first (or reserve their turns for later) while heavier 'Mechs offer more firepower and armor and some 'Mechs having jump capabilities, but all must manage their heat their weapons generate and try to stay on their feet while under enemy fire. And don't lose those machines, they are valuable!
The 'Mechs' pilots, the MechWarriors, have their own abilities and skills. Some are good gunners, some are excellent at managing their machine's heat levels, and more experience ones bring even new abilities to your unit in the field. Using their abilities is crucial for your mercenary unit's success... and for the MechWarriors' survival. Remember, there are old mercenaries and bold mercenaries but no old and bold mercenaries.
In the campaign, you also need to manage your mercenary unit. You have an unique ship/mobile home base at your disposal: The Argo. The ship can be upgraded, with variety of benefits, but you must also maintain your 'Mechs, repairing and customizing those after missions is important but costly. As a merc you will probably work for the highest bidder, but the best paying missions carry the highest risk, and whoever you work for has enemies of their own who may now be your enemies as well...
BATTLETECH is set in the year 3025. Humans have long colonized an area of space called the Inner Sphere, once ruled by unified and supposedly utopian Star League. For over 200 years, three Succession Wars have been fought over the mantle of the First Lord of the Star League by five Great Houses: Kurita, Davion, Liao, Marik and Steiner. But beyond the Inner Sphere is the Periphery, consisting of less developed nations, mostly forgotten and ignored by the Successor States. Usually. Now, a young Periphery realm Aurigan Coalition has fallen into civil war, and new wars offer new opportunities for mercenaries...
Standard Edition: The game itself (and if ordering from GoG.com before May 8th, you also get HBS's Shadowrun Returns)
Deluxe Edition: The game, wallpapers, digital soundtrack, digital artbook, PDX forum avatar/icon
Pre-order bonus: wallpaper and Shadowhawk alternate skin option.
TACTICAL COMBAT GUIDE BY STEAM-USER ECK
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1365402907
Contains short history of BT franchise, terminology, details actions available 'Mechs, game mechanics, among other stuff.
Thanks to Calibro for bringing this to my attention.
FAQ
Q: Is there pre-load?
A: On Steam, starting on today (Monday 23th).
Q: Are Clans in the game?
A: Not in this game. Maybe in a sequel.
Q: Where are my favorite Mad Cats and Uziels and etc. 'Mechs?
A: If your favorite is not the game, it is either because they're not in existence or available in 3025, because MWO does not have model for them, or current legal issues with Harmony Gold have prevented their use.
Q: Is there mod support?
A: There is no official mod support (and no Steam Workshop) but a lot of the game's files can be edited rather easily so mods can be made.
Q: Is there controller support?
A: No, but as the game is turn-based, anything that can emulate a mouse should work OK
Q: Is there a demo?
A: Unfortunately not at this time.
Q: Is this game related to tabletop BattleTech?
A: HBS BATTLETECH is created by Jordan Weisman, the same person who created the original boardgame and its successor MechWarrior Dark Age. This game is not a direct conversion, rather it is an adaptation of the rules for somewhat different gameplay more suited for PC. This game is set in the same universe as well, though its canonicity is unclear at the moment.
-To be updated-
LIST OF 'MECHS AND THEIR VARIANTS:
OTHER BATTLETECH INFO:
For more information about BattleTech franchise and setting in general, see Sarna wiki.
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Minimum system requirements - Windows: 64-bit Windows 7 or Higher
Processor: Intel Core i3-2105 or AMD Phenom II X3 720
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: GeForce GTX 560 Ti or Radeon HD 5870 (1 GB VRAM)
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 30 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
Mouse, Keyboard
Additional Notes: Multiplayer is compatible between Windows and Mac versions.
Recommended system requirements - Windows: 64-bit Windows 7 or Higher
Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-4300
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 or AMD Radeon R9 285 (2 GB VRAM)
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 30 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
Mouse, Keyboard
Additional Notes: Multiplayer is compatible between Windows and Mac versions.
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You think anything should be added, do tell, i'll update this as necessary.
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