BattleTech, the upcoming turn-based ‘Mech combat game to be released by indie developer Harebrained Schemes, is shaping up extremely well. After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign and a seemingly breakneck development cycle, we’ve been treated to incredible in-game footage showing our favourite giant robots engaging in glorious combat with laser, PPC, and even fists. From these brief glimpses (and very helpful forum posts directly from the developers) we have a list of ‘Mechs known to grace the battlefields of the future. Now, in weight order, your ‘Mech list.
image courtesy of Harebrained Schemes
LIGHT
Locust
Commando
Spider
Firestarter
Jenner
Panther
Urbanmech
Raven
MEDIUM
Cicada
Blackjack
Vindicator
Centurion
Enforcer
Hunchback
Trebuchet
Griffin
Kintaro
Shadowhawk
Wolverine
HEAVY
Dragon
Quickdraw
Catapult
Jagermech
Thunderbolt
Grasshopper
Orion
Marauder
Warhammer
Cataphract
ASSAULT
Awesome
Victor
Zeus
BattleMaster
Stalker
Highlander
Banshee
King Crab
Atlas
There is a lot to be excited about in this list, not the least of which is the inclusion of several of the most popular Unseen ‘Mechs that are rare to find in BattleTech games. Each weight class includes a variety of designs that showcase a ‘Mech’s options of firepower, armour, or speed, ensuring there’s no lack of ability in any category.
The Light class draws primarily from previous MechWarrior and MechCommander games. The venerable Urbanmech is sure to please fans of the adorable yet powerful trashcan, while the Panther, Locust, and Spider will make their first appearance in a tactical computer ‘Mech game. Of course, no BattleTech game would be complete without the inclusion of the noble and stalwart Commando, having been featured in every game since MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries. How many of us have taken our first steps in the twenty-five ton classic?
The workhorse class of Medium ‘Mechs appropriately has the largest roster. Old standbys such as the Centurion, Hunchback and Trebuchet form the core of the fifty ton class, while the Cicada brings up the lighter end of this diverse category. The Kintaro makes an appearance despite being relatively rare in the Inner Sphere during the time period for which the game is set, while the unseen Shadowhawk, Wolverine and Griffin round out the top end. The diverse and adaptable Blackjack also makes an appearance, and is sure to bring joy to any medium ‘Mech fan. Notably absent are the Clint and Whitworth, making the 40 ton range seem a little sparse with only the Cicada representing. Hopefully another 40 ton ‘Mech will make an appearance before the game’s release.
Now we branch into the heavy hitters in the Heavy class, where old meets new as classic designs found in many previous iterations of MechWarrior intermingle with some rarely seen gems. The Dragon, Quickdraw, Catapult and Jagermech can be found in nearly every MechWarrior game going back generations, while the rarely seen Cataphract will be House Liao’s contribution to the fray. The highly mobile Grasshopper will be sure to satisfy fans of the venerable laser boat, and the Orion gives an air of dignified sophistication for enthusiasts of BattleTech lore.
Finally we have the true beasts of the Assault class, and what BattleTech game would be complete without these power houses? We have ‘Mechs seen in many previous MechWarrior games such as the Zeus, Victor, Awesome, and Stalker, however the Banshee and King Crab provide some fresh blood to the class, having only previously been featured in MechWarrior Online. The Highlander and Battlemaster are lovely inclusions for lore buffs, and the indomitable Atlas rounds out the lot with its unmistakable death’s head grin.
Each weight category has a robust lineup of ‘Mechs sure to make any ‘Mech-head salivate in anticipation, but of course not every ‘Mech can make the cut. What ‘Mechs would you love to have included in the game? Let us know in the comments!
Rifleman and the Archer are the ones I’d like to see added
What I am missing: Stinger and Wasp because they are classics. Phoenix Hawk, Enforcer, Rifleman and Archer, because I love those mechs and their designs are already in MWO. So I am absolutly wondering why they are left out so far.
Expansion packs! They definitely like to expand a franchise. Just look at their Shadowrun games :)
The warhammer and marauder for sure. Also TEH DIRESTARRRRRRRRRRR
Hopefully they will expand into the other eras after getting 3025 finished.
anybody is aware of the fact that the mechs that are announced here are exactly the same lineup that Mechwarrior Online features for IS mechs? I thought they introduce at least 2-3 on their own.
Maybie because they use alex´s art for the mechs….
Dat Atlas Falcon punching dat Highlander :3
As far as Mechs I’d like to see, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Guillotine, Crusader, Dervish, or maybe a quad mech like the Goliath.
Love ’em all, but I WANTS my Phoenix Hawk, Stinger, Wasp, Archer, and Rifleman!
Guillotine, Merlin, Scorpion, and just for giggles, the Ostsol.
only 2 mechs i’d like to see are hatchetman,and flashman both are era corect,fun to play,and not lost tech dependent.
Ah Blake’s Blood, they’ve put The Unseen in and now its getting sued by Harmony goddamn Gold.