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The BattleTech universe, a long-established and beloved tabletop wargame franchise, finally received a dedicated video game adaptation after 34 years. While the MechWarrior series offered a first-person shooter perspective within the same universe, BATTLETECH expands beyond the cockpit, offering a turn-based tactical experience that captures the true spirit of the franchise. Developed by Harebrained Schemes, the creators of the Shadowrun series, BATTLETECH delivers a classic yet modern tactical gameplay experience set in the technologically rich world of 3025.

BATTLETECH – Gameplay

XCOM with Mechs: A Winning Formula

BATTLETECH draws heavy inspiration from the modern XCOM games by Firaxis Games, and it does so effectively. Like XCOM, you lead a mercenary company, navigating the Inner Sphere, accepting contracts, and engaging in turn-based combat. Instead of aliens, however, you face other MechWarriors and their formidable machines. You travel aboard the Argo, explore a planetary map, recruit and manage MechWarriors, upgrade their skills, and inevitably, witness their demise in the heat of battle. The turn-based combat, cover system, and overwatch mechanics all echo the familiar XCOM formula.

BATTLETECH – Combat

BATTLETECH – Mechs in Action

Dynamic Combat and Strategic Depth

Despite featuring giant robots, BATTLETECH encourages dynamic gameplay. Movement generates Evasion, reducing the chance of being hit. Sprinting (using both movement and action points) minimizes heat buildup and maximizes Evasion. Utilizing cover, such as forests, reduces incoming damage and increases accuracy for certain weapons. Melee combat becomes a viable option with careful positioning and heavy-hitting Mechs.

Factors like Sensor Lock, which reduces Evasion, and armor-piercing weapons add further tactical layers. The interplay of these mechanics creates a balanced and engaging combat system. Managing heat, stability, and positioning are crucial for survival. Unlike XCOM, your Mechs can withstand significant damage before being incapacitated. Different environments, like radiation zones or icy terrain, also impact gameplay.

BATTLETECH – Damage and Destruction

BATTLETECH – Tactical View

Salvage and Customization

Even victory comes at a cost in BATTLETECH. Damaged Mech parts, along with any attached weapons and equipment, require costly repairs or replacements. Balancing risk and reward becomes paramount when accepting contracts. Salvaging Mech parts is a crucial element. Acquiring complete Mechs from shops is expensive, making battlefield salvage a primary source of new units. Targeting specific Mech parts during combat increases the chances of salvaging valuable components. This adds a compelling layer of strategy, especially during challenging missions where balancing survival and salvage becomes critical.

BATTLETECH – Intense Combat

BATTLETECH – Mech Customization

A Disappointing Narrative and Performance Issues

Despite the rich BattleTech lore, the game’s narrative falls short. The story revolves around Countess Kamea Aranos, with the player relegated to a supporting role. Dialogue choices have little impact, and characters lack depth. The story is ultimately forgettable, a stark contrast to Harebrained Schemes’ previous narrative successes. Performance-wise, BATTLETECH suffers from optimization issues. The graphics are dated, yet the game struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate, especially in areas with destroyed buildings. Long AI turns, particularly in missions with numerous enemy units, can significantly disrupt the flow of gameplay. The limited role of light Mechs and the restriction to four Mechs per mission are also areas for potential improvement.

Conclusion

BATTLETECH successfully translates the core BattleTech experience into a compelling turn-based tactical game. The dynamic combat, strategic depth, and salvage system offer engaging gameplay. However, the weak narrative and performance issues detract from the overall experience. With future updates and potential expansions, BATTLETECH has the potential to fully realize its promise as a worthy adaptation of this beloved franchise. Improvements to optimization, narrative depth, and expanded gameplay options would greatly enhance the experience.