The BattleTech Compendium (1990) Board Game

The BattleTech Compendium is a classic board game released in 1990 by FASA Corporation. It is set in the fictional BattleTech universe, where players take on the roles of mechwarriors piloting giant battlemechs in futuristic warfare. The game has been a favorite among wargamers and science fiction enthusiasts for decades, known for its intricate ruleset and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of The BattleTech Compendium

Rulebook: The core book containing rules clarifications, battle demonstrations, and additional rules.

Record Sheets: For tracking BattleMech and vehicle stats.

Mapsheets: Hex maps for battlefield setup.

Dice: Needed for various rolls such as initiative, movement, and combat.

Miniatures: 1/285 scale figures of BattleMechs, vehicles, and aerospace fighters.

Counters: For tracking various game elements like heat, damage, and movement.

Terrain: Optional terrain pieces for enhancing the battlefield.

How To Setup The BattleTech Compendium

To set up the game, players first need to prepare the battlefield by laying out the mapsheets and arranging terrain pieces. Each player selects their BattleMechs or vehicles and places them on the map according to the scenario or mission brief. Players must also have their record sheets and dice ready. The game requires a ruler to measure distances and movements on the hex map. Before the game starts, players agree on the rules and any optional rules they wish to include.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Initiative System: Determines the order of play.

Hex-and-Counter Movement: Movement is tracked on a hexagonal grid.

Heat Management: Managing heat levels to avoid overheating.

Combat Resolution: Resolving attacks and damage.

Optional Rules: Includes rules for environmental effects, night combat, and more.

Game Objective

The primary objective is to defeat the opposing force by destroying their BattleMechs or achieving specific mission objectives.

Player Experience

Playing The BattleTech Compendium can be both fast-paced and complex, depending on the scale of the battle. For small-scale fights, the rules are quick and manageable, but larger battles can become more intricate and time-consuming. The game’s heat system adds a strategic layer, as managing heat levels is crucial to avoiding catastrophic failures. The inclusion of various optional rules allows players to customize their game experience.

Pros

Comprehensive Rules: Combines rules from multiple sources into one volume.

Strategic Depth: Offers complex gameplay with many strategic considerations.

Customizable: Numerous optional rules allow for varied gameplay experiences.

Backwards Compatibility: Compatible with many previous and future BattleTech releases.

Cons

Complexity: Larger battles can be slow and cumbersome.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time to fully understand all the rules.

Component Dependence: Needs multiple components like maps, miniatures, and dice.

Personal Thoughts on The BattleTech Compendium

The BattleTech Compendium is ideal for fans of science fiction and mecha wargaming who appreciate detailed rules and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who enjoy complex systems and customization. However, new players may find the learning curve challenging. The game’s ability to integrate with other BattleTech products makes it a valuable addition to any BattleTech enthusiast’s collection. If you’re looking for a game that offers deep strategic play and a rich sci-fi setting, The BattleTech Compendium is an excellent choice.

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