BattleTech (Game)

BattleTech

GAME » on April 24, 2018

Linux (Platform)Mac (Platform)PC (Platform)

From the studio behind Shadowrun Returns comes a turn-based strategy game based on the classic sci-fi mech franchise BattleTech.

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Overview

BattleTech is a sci-fi turn-based strategy game developed by Harebrained Schemes (Company) and digitally published by Paradox Interactive for the PC (Platform) and Mac (Platform) on April 24, 2018, with Linux (Platform) support added on November 27, 2018.

Set in the sci-fi universe of the same name, BattleTech puts players in tactical control of a small unit of customizable 10-20 meter tall BattleMechs (or 'Mechs) piloted by MechWarriors. It is the first tactics-based game in the franchise since MechCommander 2 (Game), with several members of that game's team also developing this game (including producer Mitch Gitelman (Person) and the series' original creator Jordan Weisman (Person)), and includes game assets from Piranha Games' MechWarrior Online (Game).

Along with a single-player campaign, the game includes both a single-player skirmish mode and online PVP multiplayer.

Gameplay

Set in 3025, during the Third Succession War, players assume command of a mercenary unit employed by a deposed queen fighting to regain her throne. The player can take on randomly-generated side missions in between plot-crucial missions, and must deal with contract negotiation, DropShip upgrades, crew management, and 'Mech repair and maintenance in between combat missions. In combat, players deploy a lance of four BattleMechs. While unit size in missions is set at four, players can amass a larger pool of 'Mechs and MechWarriors from which to choose, rotating in fresh pilots and rotating out those who've been injured, and swapping out different 'Mechs as the situation calls for it.

Prior to missions players can outfit their 'Mechs in the Mechbay with different loadouts. Weapons can be bought from stores at each planet or obtained as salvage after missions. Players can negotiate contracts to include first picks of salvage in exchange for less money upfront. Weapons in the single-player campaign can also sometimes appear as upgraded versions with extra critical effects, like bonuses-to-hit, improved critical chance, or additional damage. In multiplayer however, all weapons act as their base version (all Large Lasers, for example, have the same range, and cause the same damage) for balance reasons.

DLC Expansions

The game later received three downloadable expansions to the game:

Flashpoint - Released on November 27, 2018, this expansion features "Flashpoints", special endgame self-contained story missions that adds unique challenges. It also adds the "Target Acquisition" mission type, three new 'Mechs (Crab, Cyclops, and Hatchetman), and a new tropical biome.
Urban Warfare - Released on June 4, 2019, this expansion features a new urban biome with fully destructible environments. It also adds new Flashpoints, the "Attack and Defend" mission type, two new 'Mechs (Javelin and Raven 1X), two new tech (ECM and Active Probe), and three new enemy vehicles.
Heavy Metal - Released on November 21, 2019, this expansion features eight new 'Mechs (seven of which are from the classic board game and one original to the DLC), eight new weapon systems, and a new Flashpoint mini-campaign with characters from BattleTech lore.

The game also has a "Shadow Hawk Pack" DLC that was originally a pre-order bonus, released as paid DLC on March 19, 2019. It adds an alternate skin for the Shadow Hawk 'Mech.

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