BattleTech: CityTech (1986) – Board Game Guys

CityTech is a board game that takes the powerful ‘Mechs of BattleTech into the realm of city-fighting. It is a fast-paced game that contains all the rules and pieces needed to play. The game is significant because it is part of the BattleTech franchise, which has grown to include numerous expansions to the original game, several board games, role-playing games, video games, a collectible card game, a series of more than 100 novels, and an animated television series.

Game Components of BattleTech: CityTech

Rulebook: 44 pages, including rules for urban combat, infantry, vehicles, and buildings.

Counters: 224 counters representing various units and objects.

Maps: Full-color mapsheets for urban environments.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and skill checks.

Additional BattleMech designs and tanks: New units not included in the original BattleTech game.

Cover Artwork: By Jim Holloway, with interior artwork by Todd F. Marsh and Dana Knutson.

How To Setup BattleTech: CityTech

Setting up **CityTech** involves preparing the mapsheets, distributing the counters, and ensuring each player has the necessary components. Players lay out the urban maps, which include buildings, streets, and other city features. Each player selects their units, which can include BattleMechs, tanks, infantry, and vehicles. The setup time can range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Urban Combat: Rules for fighting in an urban environment, including the use of buildings for cover and the challenges of navigating city streets.

Infantry and Vehicles: Additional rules for infantry and vehicle units, which can be used alongside BattleMechs.

Dice Rolling: Mechanic used to resolve combat, movement, and skill checks.

Tactical Movement: Players move their units around the map, using the urban terrain to their advantage.

Combined Arms: Players can assemble teams of BattleMechs, infantry, and vehicles to achieve their objectives.

Objective: The goal is typically to capture key locations, destroy enemy units, or secure resources within the city.

Player Experience

**CityTech** enhances the **BattleTech** experience by introducing the complexities of urban warfare. Players must navigate the challenges of city fighting, where buildings can be both beneficial and hazardous. The game adds a new layer of strategy, requiring players to consider the interplay between different types of units in a dense, urban environment. Reviews have praised the game for bringing infantry into their full potential and for the high-quality maps and counters.

Pros

Enhanced Strategy: The addition of urban combat and combined arms makes the game more strategic and varied.

New Units: Includes new BattleMech designs, tanks, and infantry units.

High-Quality Components: The maps and counters are of very high quality.

Stand-alone or Expansion: Can be played as a standalone game or as an expansion to the original BattleTech.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the detailed maps and numerous counters.

Learning Curve: The additional rules for urban combat and new units can be complex for new players.

Interior Art: Some reviewers noted that the interior artwork is not as good as the cover art.

Personal Thoughts on BattleTech: CityTech

**CityTech** is ideal for fans of the **BattleTech** universe who want to delve deeper into the complexities of urban warfare. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy tactical games and are interested in combined arms combat. The game’s ability to be played as a standalone or as an expansion makes it versatile and appealing to both new and veteran players of the series. However, it may not be the best starting point for new players due to its complex rules and setup.

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