The Battletech Essentials boxed set , currentyl available exclusively at Target stores, has ... [+]
The roar of the crowd. The groan of heavy metal stomping into position. The thump of rockets and cannons as massive weapons fire at a foe.
Battletech made quite a statement earlier this year by launching a 7.5 million dollar Kickstarter for its Battletech: Mercenaries expansion. This process brought out fans new and old to build their armies of tiny plastic figures representing giant war robots. Now, fans looking to explore one of the most popular parts of this war-torn galaxy can pick up a new introductory boxed set that’s as close as the nearest Target location.
Battletech Essentials offers fans a chance to experience one-on-one Battlemech combat using a quick start version of the rules found in Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat. Not only does the box contain iconic Centurion and Rifelman Battlemech miniatires, it also has cardboard pawns for Wolverine and Thunderbolt mechs with pilot cards and record sheets for all four.
What Are Battlemechs?
Battlemechs are the giant armored hearts of the Battletech universe. These giant walking tanks stride across the battlefields of the future. Sometimes they are passed down through noble lines of inheritance. Sometimes they are scrapped together from the wreckage of those who fall in battle.
This setting features a galaxy torn apart by factional warfare. It began as a war of succession between great houses to see who would take the throne of the great Star League. In the 40 years since Battletech began the wars have continued with new factions, such as tech priests and genetic supersoliders entering the fray.
The mechwarriors who pilot these vehicles are known far and wide. Some unhold the traditions of long standing units. Others are mercenaries who fight for the largest paycheck.
Solaris VII The Arena Planet
Some Mechwarriors seek those big paydays in giant arena battles. The most famous of these take play on Solaris VII where people come from across the universe to see battlemechs smash into each other for sport. It’s part MMA fight, part knightly joust and part Battlebots episode all in one.
Battletech Essentials brings this environment into the newest edition of the game. The box includes fiction by legendary Battletech author Michael Stackpole to help set the scene. For veteran players there are rules for how to run a stable of mechs on the planet for fun and profit.
Battletech 3025
Different products are set during different era of the game. This boxed set takes place during one of the most popular. It’s set during the year 3025 which many consider to be the ‘classic’ era of Battletech.
The box comes with a short guide to the different factions that are in power. While the arena battles are meant to be one on one, they aren’t immune from the intrigues and power games being played by the great houses. It’s these elements of drama that keep bringing Battletech fans coming back.
Battletech Essentialsi is available at US Target stores right now. Once the exclusivity window has closed it will be available through the rest of the world and hobby shops where other Battletech products are sold.
