I’ll freely admit it. Until several years ago I didn’t even know the universe of BattleTech existed. And while I’m still struggling to learn about the heaps of lore released over the past decades I have enjoyed getting to know the future history of the franchise. Which is why I jumped at the chance to get in on the Kickstarter when it launched. In just an hour after going live it got funded. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon.
Here’s what little I know about the BattleTech universe (and admittedly it’s not a whole lot). The Inner Sphere is home to five major houses that vie for supremacy and are pretty much in constant war with each other. Between conflict and intrigue their borders constantly fluctuate, some gaining more ground while others are forced into smaller pockets of space. Of course, there’s a lot more to the lore than that but that’s a brief synopsis. It would take too long to cover everything.
Anyway, the game takes place during the Succession Wars in 3025. Each house is struggling to rebuild their forces after centuries of fighting. Mechs are in short supply and in order to continue to drive their individual agendas forward they started seeking out mercenary units as a sort of proxy. Which is where the player comes in. You’re fighting for one of the great houses: Steiner, Davion, Marik, Liao, or Kurita. And you’re in command of a group fighting other mercenaries in your Mechs.
BattleTech is a single player turn based melee between two groups of mecha. Your fighting force and one controlled by the computer. Customize your forces as you see fit and take to the field of battle. This “skirmish game” is already funded and with more stretch goals unlocked we’ll see expansions like a full campaign mode, side quests, and PvP on the popular sports planet of Solaris VII. Personally, I want to see everything unlock and blow through all of the stretch goals.
I’m a relative newb when it comes to BattleTech but what I do know about the universe I love. Giant robots beating the crap out of each other aside I’ve found myself drawn towards the more nuanced intrigue filled machinations of the five major powers and their relationship towards each other and the “Periphery States” bordering them on the fringes of the known universe. Which is why I really want to see at the very least the campaign mode unlock. And I honestly see that being reached by the end of the week at the rate the campaign’s been going.
None of the five houses have really captured my interest so seeing mercenaries be the focus of the game makes me happy. I’ve personally been more of a fan of the clans myself, so while I don’t see them anywhere I’ll be more than willing to work for the highest bidder, so to speak. Even so, BattleTech looks to be a great addition to Harebrained Schemes’ roster of already impressive titles and I’m glad to be a part of the journey.
I’m really glad they went with 3025 and didn’t include the Clan invasion (didn’t come til 3049). The Clan was an outside force that approached the level of super soldiers. While the books focused on them were pretty interesting, from a gameplay standpoint 3025 is the pinnacle as far as I’m concerned. The whole junk-tech thing is a lot more exciting then shining new toys.
I’m horrible with the dates and didn’t even know which Succession War the game takes place during. The first update gave me the answer and I realized that was why the clans were missing. I really need to learn more about BattleTech. As it is my eyes gloss over when my friends start talking about it.
Serena, i admire you. I must say be it 30125 or 3049, i’ve got no clue about the battletech universe..is that the same thing as gundam? Seriously..if you got the reference..my impression over mecha are the same as Nami & Robin in One Piece when they see Shogun (Franky Robot).
I really really wish it was a full on mech simulator though ….have to admit when i first heard about it i was intrigued but as soon as i saw the words turn based it put me right off as turn based to me is really off putting unless they put a spin on it.
I think harebrained studios fall into the category along with obsidian and yacht club games where previous crowdfunding and release of games pretty much gives them secure future with crowdfunding
I would have loved a Mechwarrior style sim as well. Hell, a full on hardcore sim would be great! However, we’ve had Mechwarrior games more recently than we’ve had a strategy game in the universe so I’m pretty happy.