BattleTech is a tactical wargame where players maneuver giant fighting robots ("BattleMechs," or "'Mechs") against each other (or vehicles and/or infantry) on hexagon-based maps. The complex game system includes details such as varying weapon ranges, heat generation, and discrete hit locations (torso, arms, legs, etc.). 'Mechs vary greatly by mobility and firepower, and players can choose from provided designs or take the time to create their own 'Mechs from scratch. The base game (reprinted in many different editions) includes a introduction rule book for helping new players getting around fast. The gameboard is extensible, and there are many map packs available for purchase or even download. An extensive line of pewter figurines ('Mechs, vehicles, and the like) are available in the U.S. from Iron Wind Metals. (Many earlier BattleTech figures were produced and sold by Ral Partha, and Ral Partha still handles the figures in Europe.)
The current generation of BattleTech is called Classic BattleTech (CBT). The main components are a series of core rulebooks, the central one being Total Warfare (in print and PDF), which contains the main (tournament-legal) rules for the game. (If possible, get an edition with the Catalyst Game Labs logo, as this, slightly revised edition contains errata fixes.) TechManual (in print and PDF) contains construction rules for 'Mechs and other units. Other announced core rulebooks are Classic Battletech Universe (for background information on the universe); Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations (advanced rules); Classic BattleTech RPG, revised (name tentative); and Classic BattleTech Strategic Operations (for mass combat). CBT is also supplemented by a variety of Technical Readouts, which provide gameplay and background data on 'Mechs and other units at various time periods in the game-universe history; map sets; sourcebooks; and pregenerated record sheets, as well as the aforementioned miniatures (which are not required for play).
As in earlier editions of BattleTech, the current generation includes a new Introductory Box Set, which features both quick-start and introductory rules and other background information and components (such as maps). It also features twenty-four plastic 'Mechs, unpainted but otherwise ready to play. (Apart from the plastic 'Mechs and the maps, much else in the set can be downloaded for free from classicbattletech.com.)
Expanded by:
Home Page for Classic Battletech: http://www.classicbattletech.com/
