Battletech Mercenaries First Impressions
Gaming
Introduction
Good morning and welcome to my weekend unboxing of BattleTech Mercenaries from Catalyst Game Labs. In 2023, Catalyst Game Labs launched another Kickstarter campaign to fund a new wave of miniatures, including the much-anticipated Mercenaries box set. Today, we’ll delve into the contents, and I’ll share my first impressions of this exciting new addition to the BattleTech universe.
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Overview of the Box Set
The Mercenaries box set has an official retail price of $ 75. For that price, players receive 12 miniatures, which includes eight battle mechs and four vehicles. In addition, you’ll find dice, cards for Alpha Strike, maps, tokens, and rules. It’s essentially a significant expansion packed with numerous materials for BattleTech. However, please note that this set does not include the basic BattleTech rules, so you’ll need to have either Total Warfare or A Game of Armored Combat for that essential information.
Unboxing the Contents
The first thing you’ll notice is the cover artwork. For those who backed the Kickstarter, there’s a special edition version; however, we’re reviewing the retail copy today.
Inside the box, you’ll find an introductory novella by Michael Sharav, set in July 3151. This novella includes illustrations of the battle mechs featured in the story, providing narrative context for the miniatures.
Miniatures and Cards
Next, let’s take a closer look at the miniatures and cards inside. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the notable mechs you'll find:
- Chameleon
- Star Slayer
- Caesar
- Devastator
- Flea
- Firefly
- Quick Draw
The miniatures maintain the same level of quality that Catalyst has established in recent years—nice sculpts with a decent amount of detail, making them appealing for both gamers and collectors.
You’ll also receive cards for each unit, helping you keep track of their names and capabilities during gameplay. Additionally, there are two vehicles included:
- Maxim Heavy Transport
- Galleon Light Tank
Both models have movable parts, adding an interactive element to your gaming experience.
Rulebooks and Additional Material
The box set also comes with various rulebooks and reference materials. Among these, you’ll find the BattleTech Primer that highlights the Merc units and provides an overview of the current state of the universe.
A notable addition is the Battlefield Support Rules, which offer a simplified approach to using vehicles, helicopters, and infantry in your games. This aspect is exciting since it allows players like me—who traditionally focused on mechs—to include combined arms in a more manageable way.
Two maps representing the Inner Sphere are also included, capturing the essence of the BattleTech environment. Various tokens and additional cheat sheets add even more usability to this box set.
Final Thoughts
As I reviewed the content, I considered its value. With 12 miniatures and various enhancements to the gameplay, it seems like a fair deal. Although it may be on the higher end of the price range, the overall quality and quantity make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those looking to add new dynamics to their BattleTech games.
Have you backed the Kickstarter? Are you eagerly awaiting your package? It’s been a bit of a wait for many, but I’m excited to dive into these new elements and share further insights with you soon.
Keywords
- BattleTech Mercenaries
- Catalyst Game Labs
- Kickstarter
- Battle Mechs
- Miniatures
- Battlefield Support Rules
- Alpha Strike
- Gameplay
FAQ
Q: What is included in the BattleTech Mercenaries box set?
A: The box set includes 12 miniatures (8 battle mechs and 4 vehicles), cards for Alpha Strike, dice, maps, tokens, and rules.
Q: Do I need additional rules for playing?
A: Yes, the box set does not contain the basic BattleTech rules, so you will need to have either Total Warfare or A Game of Armored Combat for core gameplay.
Q: What are the notable miniatures included in this set?
A: Some notable miniatures include the Chameleon, Star Slayer, and Devastator among others.
Q: How much does the Mercenaries box set cost?
A: The official retail price of the box set is $ 75.
Q: Can the vehicles and infantry be used easily in games?
A: Yes, the Battlefield Support Rules allow for a simplified way to include vehicles and infantry into your BattleTech games, making it easier than traditional methods.