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Line 1: − {{ApocryphalProduct}} + {{InfoBoxBook − {{InfoBoxProduct+ | image = − | image = GameBookPack.jpg + | name = Combat Book Game series<br>(common features) − | name = BattleTech Combat Books + | product development = Alfred Leonardi − | type = Game books+ | primary writing = Dennis Greci, Karl Hiestermann, James Rosinus − | author = + | illustrations = [[Doug Shuler]] − | development = Alfred Leonardi + | cover = [[Doug Shuler]] − | primarywriting = Dennis Greci<br />[[Karl Hiestermann]]<br />James Rosinus + | era = − | pages = 34 + | type = Game book − | cover = [[Doug Shuler]] + | publisher = Nova Game Designs, Inc. − | interiorart = + | year = 1987 − | illustrations = Doug Shuler + | pages = 34 − | publisher = [[Nova Game Designs, Inc.]] + | production code = − | productioncode = (see article)+ | ISBN = − | year = 1987 − | ISBN10 = (see article) − | ISBN13 = − | MSRP = US$ 6.00 − | content = − | era = [[Succession Wars era]] − | timeline = − | series = − | precededby = − | followedby = }} }} + The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''' was a series of six similar books published by [[w:Nova Game Designs|Nova Game Designs]] in 1987. Each book represented one particular [[BattleMech]] and its combat capabilities, and could be pitted against any other 'Mech in the series. The gameplay was adapted from Nova Games' other successful combat game book series (notably [[w:Ace of Aces (picture book game)|Ace of Aces]] and [[w:Lost Worlds (gamebook)|Lost Worlds]]). {{TOCleft}} {{TOCleft}} − The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''', also colloquially known as the (BattleTech) Combat Books, is a series of six books published by [[w:Nova Game Designs|Nova Game Designs]] in 1987. Each book represents one particular [[BattleMech]] and its combat capabilities, and can be pitted against another 'Mech (book) from the series. The gameplay was adapted from Nova Games' other successful combat game book series, notably ''[[w:Ace of Aces (picture book game)|Ace of Aces]]'' and ''[[w:Lost Worlds (gamebook)|Lost Worlds]]''.+ On their back cover, all combat books had a rundown of the respective 'Mech's type, tonnage, engine rating and weapons, a short piece of specific fiction and the following introduction: − − An omnibus set of all six books, shrink-wrapped with a wrapper and product number 2100, was marketed as '''Christmas Value Special Pack''' . − − ==From the back cover== − On their back cover, all combat books feature the following shared introduction, followed by a rundown of the respective 'Mech's type, tonnage, engine rating and weapons, and a short piece of specific fiction: {{quote|''In the 31st Century warfare is common. But whatever world the battle is on, the battlefield is dominated by one weapon: the BattleMech. Heavily armed and armored, these vaguely humanoid fighting machines are virtually unstoppable—except by another 'Mech. The men and women who pilot them, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], are the elite of a military society. {{quote|''In the 31st Century warfare is common. But whatever world the battle is on, the battlefield is dominated by one weapon: the BattleMech. Heavily armed and armored, these vaguely humanoid fighting machines are virtually unstoppable—except by another 'Mech. The men and women who pilot them, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], are the elite of a military society. ''Now you can find out what it's like to pilot a 'Mech—from the inside! Each page of these books gives you the view from the cockpit of your 'Mech as you face off against another of these awesome machines. The controls are in your hands; the choices are yours!''}} ''Now you can find out what it's like to pilot a 'Mech—from the inside! Each page of these books gives you the view from the cockpit of your 'Mech as you face off against another of these awesome machines. The controls are in your hands; the choices are yours!''}} − ==Canonicity== + ==Gameplay== − The backside of all booklets states: "BATTLETECH® is a registered trademark of FASA Corp. Used with permission." Even though they do not meet the criteria for [[canon]], this marks the books as official products, published under a valid license; any new lore information included in the books can therefore be considered [[apocryphal]].+ Each book includes 64 numbered sections, a rules section, and a loose pilot/stat card. They provide a combat system where each player is required to possess one book and the corresponding BattleMech stat card. To play, one would hand the book to one's opponent and receive his book in turn. Combat is then conducted by going to a specific numbered section in the books (starting at #49) that describes a situation for the enemy 'Mech and names certain options on how to continue the fight from this point, depending on the capabilities of one's own 'Mech. Players then go to the next numbered section indicated by their choice. The new section indicates combat results (position, damage, critical hits) and further possible actions leading to further numbered sections. This process is repeated until one side has won. − ==Gameplay==+ The gameplay thus is a tree structure determined by player choices, and has no random element. In lieu with the cornerstones of the BattleTech [[Board Game]], heat and ammunition levels are factored into the rules. The rules allow for multiple players, but require them to form two sides. − Each book includes a loose pilot/stat card, a rules section and 64 numbered sections. They provide a battle system where each player is required to possess one book and the corresponding BattleMech stat card. To play, one would hand the book to one's opponent and receive his book in turn. Combat is then conducted by going to a specific numbered section in the books (starting at #49) that describes a situation for the enemy 'Mech and names certain options on how to continue the fight from this point, depending on the capabilities of one's own 'Mech. Players then turn to the next numbered section indicated by their choice. The new section indicates combat results (position, damage, critical hits) and further possible actions leading to further numbered sections. This process is repeated until one side has won. − The gameplay thus is a tree structure determined by player choices, and has no random element. In accordance with the cornerstones of the BattleTech [[Board Game]], heat and ammunition levels are factored into the rules. The rules allow for multiple players, but require them to form two sides. Campaign rules are also provided, allowing for pilot improvement through experience and including maintenance concerns ('Mech deterioration, repair, ammo reloads).+ Campaign rules are also provided, allowing for pilot improvement through experience and including maintenance concerns ('Mech deterioration, repair, ammo reloads). − ===BattleTech Combat Book Expansion=== + ==Canonicity== − Two expansion sets were published that factored terrain features into the game with extra rules. Whenever a player decides to maneuver and change combat range, he has to draw a random terrain card (out of 64 in each set) which may alter the result of the current round of combat or the available choices to continue.+ Since the books were published under a valid license, they are an official BattleTech product yet they are not among the named [[canon]]ical sources. As such, they should be regarded as apocryphal. − *'''Basic Terrain Cards''' (1988): Barren Earth, Open Terrain, Open Water, Swamp, Rough Terrain, Rocky Terrain, Light Forest, Rubble & Debris, Wood Buildings, Heavy Forest, and Concrete & Steel. − *'''Urban Terrain Cards''' (1991): Open Terrain, Parking Lot, City Park, Power Substation, Fuel Tanks, Rivers & Canals, Wood Buildings, Light Rubble, Heavy Rubble, Narrow Streets, Brick Buildings, and Concrete & Steel. + It is arguable if the concept of canonicity is even applicable to the combat books, given that they are rules and playing pieces at the same time much like miniatures. There is little informative content that actually adds to the universe. <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> ==SHD-2H Shadow Hawk== ==SHD-2H Shadow Hawk== Line 55:
Line 39: The individual text part on the back cover reads: The individual text part on the back cover reads: − {{quote|''From this vantage point you have a perfect view of the enemy's approach. Picking up a heat source at long range, you activate your weapon systems. The combination of [[autocannon]], [[LRM|long range missiles]] and [[medium laser]] gives firepower at all ranges. That plus your maneuverability should give you the edge—depending, of course, on what is coming through the high pass below.''}} + {{quote|''From this vantage point you have a perfect view of the enemy's approach. Picking up a heat source at long range, you activate your weapon systems. The combination of [[Autocannon]], [[LRM|Long Range Missiles]] and [[Medium Laser]] gives firepower at all ranges. That plus your maneuverability should give you the edge—depending, of course, on what is coming through the high pass below.''}} <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> − ==GRF-1N Griffin== ==GRF-1N Griffin== [[Image:NGBGriffin.JPG|thumb|right|GRF-1N ''[[Griffin]]'' Game Book]] [[Image:NGBGriffin.JPG|thumb|right|GRF-1N ''[[Griffin]]'' Game Book]] Line 66:
Line 49: {{quote|''You've been monitoring these woods for several days now, with no sign of enemy activity. Suddenly you catch a glint of metal across the glade. The familiar hum of your PPC fills the cockpit and a solid click indicates your missiles are ready. Range is your advantage but will that be enough to defeat this opponent?''}} {{quote|''You've been monitoring these woods for several days now, with no sign of enemy activity. Suddenly you catch a glint of metal across the glade. The familiar hum of your PPC fills the cockpit and a solid click indicates your missiles are ready. Range is your advantage but will that be enough to defeat this opponent?''}} <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> − ==WSP-1A Wasp== ==WSP-1A Wasp== [[Image:NGBWasp.JPG|thumb|right|WSP-1A ''[[Wasp]]'' Game Book]] [[Image:NGBWasp.JPG|thumb|right|WSP-1A ''[[Wasp]]'' Game Book]] Line 75:
Line 57: {{quote|''The new-made ruins of the city have been unnaturally quiet during your patrol. You alternate between speed and caution, picking slowly through the rubble and then darting across the open spaces. Suddenly, the building beside you explodes from weapons fire. Laser ready, missiles loaded, you leap into the courtyard. Can your speed and agility outwit this unknown foe?''}} {{quote|''The new-made ruins of the city have been unnaturally quiet during your patrol. You alternate between speed and caution, picking slowly through the rubble and then darting across the open spaces. Suddenly, the building beside you explodes from weapons fire. Laser ready, missiles loaded, you leap into the courtyard. Can your speed and agility outwit this unknown foe?''}} <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> − ==WHM-6R Warhammer== ==WHM-6R Warhammer== [[Image:NGBWarhammer.JPG|thumb|right|WHM-6R ''[[Warhammer]]'' Game Book]] [[Image:NGBWarhammer.JPG|thumb|right|WHM-6R ''[[Warhammer]]'' Game Book]] Line 84:
Line 65: {{quote|''Again, you're first out of the [[DropShip]]. Scanning across the burning desert, you can see no sign of the enemy. Can this landing really be unopposed? No! There, on the horizon! The unmistakeable dust cloud of approaching 'Mechs. Powering up, you move out. Can your awesome firepower defeat these unknown foes?''}} {{quote|''Again, you're first out of the [[DropShip]]. Scanning across the burning desert, you can see no sign of the enemy. Can this landing really be unopposed? No! There, on the horizon! The unmistakeable dust cloud of approaching 'Mechs. Powering up, you move out. Can your awesome firepower defeat these unknown foes?''}} <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> − ==LCT-1S Locust== ==LCT-1S Locust== [[Image:NGBLocust.JPG|thumb|right|LCT-1S ''[[Locust]]'' Game Book]] [[Image:NGBLocust.JPG|thumb|right|LCT-1S ''[[Locust]]'' Game Book]] Line 93:
Line 73: {{quote|''Approaching speeds of 130 kph, your 'Mech is one of the fastest machines on the battlefield today. Few opponents, however, suspect that your Locust has a bigger bite than most. Yours is the 1S variant, with [[machine gun]]s stripped out and replaced by a pair of hefty SRM 2 packs. Your next opponent has a nasty surprise waiting for him...''}} {{quote|''Approaching speeds of 130 kph, your 'Mech is one of the fastest machines on the battlefield today. Few opponents, however, suspect that your Locust has a bigger bite than most. Yours is the 1S variant, with [[machine gun]]s stripped out and replaced by a pair of hefty SRM 2 packs. Your next opponent has a nasty surprise waiting for him...''}} <div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="clear:both"></div> − ==RFL-3N Rifleman== ==RFL-3N Rifleman== [[Image:NGBRifleman.JPG|thumb|right|RFL-3N ''[[Rifleman]]'' Game Book]] [[Image:NGBRifleman.JPG|thumb|right|RFL-3N ''[[Rifleman]]'' Game Book]] Line 99:
Line 78: The individual text part on the back cover reads: The individual text part on the back cover reads: {{quote|''The world you defend is hot, the atmosphere barely breathable. Most 'Mechs dread worlds like this, but you have fewer problems. The combination of [[large laser]]s and autocannon allow you to manage your heat buildup better. Suddenly, you spot a gleam of metal in the distance. Your on-board computer does not recognize it as a friend. You fire a burst of lasers...''}} {{quote|''The world you defend is hot, the atmosphere barely breathable. Most 'Mechs dread worlds like this, but you have fewer problems. The combination of [[large laser]]s and autocannon allow you to manage your heat buildup better. Suddenly, you spot a gleam of metal in the distance. Your on-board computer does not recognize it as a friend. You fire a burst of lasers...''}} − [[Category:Books]] [[Category:Books]] − [[Category:BattleTech Universe Products]] + [[Category:Rule Books]]
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
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| − | {{ | + | {{InfoBoxBook |
| − | + | | image = | |
| − | | image | + | | name = Combat Book Game series<br>(common features) |
| − | | name | + | | product development = Alfred Leonardi |
| − | + | | primary writing = Dennis Greci, Karl Hiestermann, James Rosinus | |
| − | + | | illustrations = [[Doug Shuler]] | |
| − | | development | + | | cover = [[Doug Shuler]] |
| − | | | + | | era = |
| − | | | + | | type = Game book |
| − | | cover | + | | publisher = Nova Game Designs, Inc. |
| − | | | + | | year = 1987 |
| − | | | + | | pages = 34 |
| − | | publisher | + | | production code = |
| − | + | | ISBN = | |
| − | | year | ||
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}} | }} | ||
| + | The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''' was a series of six similar books published by [[w:Nova Game Designs|Nova Game Designs]] in 1987. Each book represented one particular [[BattleMech]] and its combat capabilities, and could be pitted against any other 'Mech in the series. The gameplay was adapted from Nova Games' other successful combat game book series (notably [[w:Ace of Aces (picture book game)|Ace of Aces]] and [[w:Lost Worlds (gamebook)|Lost Worlds]]). | ||
{{TOCleft}} | {{TOCleft}} | ||
| − | + | On their back cover, all combat books had a rundown of the respective 'Mech's type, tonnage, engine rating and weapons, a short piece of specific fiction and the following introduction: | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | On their back cover, all combat books | ||
{{quote|''In the 31st Century warfare is common. But whatever world the battle is on, the battlefield is dominated by one weapon: the BattleMech. Heavily armed and armored, these vaguely humanoid fighting machines are virtually unstoppable—except by another 'Mech. The men and women who pilot them, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], are the elite of a military society. | {{quote|''In the 31st Century warfare is common. But whatever world the battle is on, the battlefield is dominated by one weapon: the BattleMech. Heavily armed and armored, these vaguely humanoid fighting machines are virtually unstoppable—except by another 'Mech. The men and women who pilot them, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], are the elite of a military society. | ||
''Now you can find out what it's like to pilot a 'Mech—from the inside! Each page of these books gives you the view from the cockpit of your 'Mech as you face off against another of these awesome machines. The controls are in your hands; the choices are yours!''}} | ''Now you can find out what it's like to pilot a 'Mech—from the inside! Each page of these books gives you the view from the cockpit of your 'Mech as you face off against another of these awesome machines. The controls are in your hands; the choices are yours!''}} | ||
| − | == | + | ==Gameplay== |
| − | + | Each book includes 64 numbered sections, a rules section, and a loose pilot/stat card. They provide a combat system where each player is required to possess one book and the corresponding BattleMech stat card. To play, one would hand the book to one's opponent and receive his book in turn. Combat is then conducted by going to a specific numbered section in the books (starting at #49) that describes a situation for the enemy 'Mech and names certain options on how to continue the fight from this point, depending on the capabilities of one's own 'Mech. Players then go to the next numbered section indicated by their choice. The new section indicates combat results (position, damage, critical hits) and further possible actions leading to further numbered sections. This process is repeated until one side has won. | |
| − | + | The gameplay thus is a tree structure determined by player choices, and has no random element. In lieu with the cornerstones of the BattleTech [[Board Game]], heat and ammunition levels are factored into the rules. The rules allow for multiple players, but require them to form two sides. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Campaign rules are also provided, allowing for pilot improvement through experience and including maintenance concerns ('Mech deterioration, repair, ammo reloads). | |
| − | == | + | ==Canonicity== |
| − | + | Since the books were published under a valid license, they are an official BattleTech product yet they are not among the named [[canon]]ical sources. As such, they should be regarded as apocryphal. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | It is arguable if the concept of canonicity is even applicable to the combat books, given that they are rules and playing pieces at the same time much like miniatures. There is little informative content that actually adds to the universe. | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
==SHD-2H Shadow Hawk== | ==SHD-2H Shadow Hawk== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 39: | ||
The individual text part on the back cover reads: | The individual text part on the back cover reads: | ||
| − | {{quote|''From this vantage point you have a perfect view of the enemy's approach. Picking up a heat source at long range, you activate your weapon systems. The combination of [[ | + | {{quote|''From this vantage point you have a perfect view of the enemy's approach. Picking up a heat source at long range, you activate your weapon systems. The combination of [[Autocannon]], [[LRM|Long Range Missiles]] and [[Medium Laser]] gives firepower at all ranges. That plus your maneuverability should give you the edge—depending, of course, on what is coming through the high pass below.''}} |
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
| − | |||
==GRF-1N Griffin== | ==GRF-1N Griffin== | ||
[[Image:NGBGriffin.JPG|thumb|right|GRF-1N ''[[Griffin]]'' Game Book]] | [[Image:NGBGriffin.JPG|thumb|right|GRF-1N ''[[Griffin]]'' Game Book]] | ||
| Line 66: | Line 49: | ||
{{quote|''You've been monitoring these woods for several days now, with no sign of enemy activity. Suddenly you catch a glint of metal across the glade. The familiar hum of your PPC fills the cockpit and a solid click indicates your missiles are ready. Range is your advantage but will that be enough to defeat this opponent?''}} | {{quote|''You've been monitoring these woods for several days now, with no sign of enemy activity. Suddenly you catch a glint of metal across the glade. The familiar hum of your PPC fills the cockpit and a solid click indicates your missiles are ready. Range is your advantage but will that be enough to defeat this opponent?''}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
| − | |||
==WSP-1A Wasp== | ==WSP-1A Wasp== | ||
[[Image:NGBWasp.JPG|thumb|right|WSP-1A ''[[Wasp]]'' Game Book]] | [[Image:NGBWasp.JPG|thumb|right|WSP-1A ''[[Wasp]]'' Game Book]] | ||
| Line 75: | Line 57: | ||
{{quote|''The new-made ruins of the city have been unnaturally quiet during your patrol. You alternate between speed and caution, picking slowly through the rubble and then darting across the open spaces. Suddenly, the building beside you explodes from weapons fire. Laser ready, missiles loaded, you leap into the courtyard. Can your speed and agility outwit this unknown foe?''}} | {{quote|''The new-made ruins of the city have been unnaturally quiet during your patrol. You alternate between speed and caution, picking slowly through the rubble and then darting across the open spaces. Suddenly, the building beside you explodes from weapons fire. Laser ready, missiles loaded, you leap into the courtyard. Can your speed and agility outwit this unknown foe?''}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
| − | |||
==WHM-6R Warhammer== | ==WHM-6R Warhammer== | ||
[[Image:NGBWarhammer.JPG|thumb|right|WHM-6R ''[[Warhammer]]'' Game Book]] | [[Image:NGBWarhammer.JPG|thumb|right|WHM-6R ''[[Warhammer]]'' Game Book]] | ||
| Line 84: | Line 65: | ||
{{quote|''Again, you're first out of the [[DropShip]]. Scanning across the burning desert, you can see no sign of the enemy. Can this landing really be unopposed? No! There, on the horizon! The unmistakeable dust cloud of approaching 'Mechs. Powering up, you move out. Can your awesome firepower defeat these unknown foes?''}} | {{quote|''Again, you're first out of the [[DropShip]]. Scanning across the burning desert, you can see no sign of the enemy. Can this landing really be unopposed? No! There, on the horizon! The unmistakeable dust cloud of approaching 'Mechs. Powering up, you move out. Can your awesome firepower defeat these unknown foes?''}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
| − | |||
==LCT-1S Locust== | ==LCT-1S Locust== | ||
[[Image:NGBLocust.JPG|thumb|right|LCT-1S ''[[Locust]]'' Game Book]] | [[Image:NGBLocust.JPG|thumb|right|LCT-1S ''[[Locust]]'' Game Book]] | ||
| Line 93: | Line 73: | ||
{{quote|''Approaching speeds of 130 kph, your 'Mech is one of the fastest machines on the battlefield today. Few opponents, however, suspect that your Locust has a bigger bite than most. Yours is the 1S variant, with [[machine gun]]s stripped out and replaced by a pair of hefty SRM 2 packs. Your next opponent has a nasty surprise waiting for him...''}} | {{quote|''Approaching speeds of 130 kph, your 'Mech is one of the fastest machines on the battlefield today. Few opponents, however, suspect that your Locust has a bigger bite than most. Yours is the 1S variant, with [[machine gun]]s stripped out and replaced by a pair of hefty SRM 2 packs. Your next opponent has a nasty surprise waiting for him...''}} | ||
<div style="clear:both"></div> | <div style="clear:both"></div> | ||
| − | |||
==RFL-3N Rifleman== | ==RFL-3N Rifleman== | ||
[[Image:NGBRifleman.JPG|thumb|right|RFL-3N ''[[Rifleman]]'' Game Book]] | [[Image:NGBRifleman.JPG|thumb|right|RFL-3N ''[[Rifleman]]'' Game Book]] | ||
| Line 99: | Line 78: | ||
The individual text part on the back cover reads: | The individual text part on the back cover reads: | ||
{{quote|''The world you defend is hot, the atmosphere barely breathable. Most 'Mechs dread worlds like this, but you have fewer problems. The combination of [[large laser]]s and autocannon allow you to manage your heat buildup better. Suddenly, you spot a gleam of metal in the distance. Your on-board computer does not recognize it as a friend. You fire a burst of lasers...''}} | {{quote|''The world you defend is hot, the atmosphere barely breathable. Most 'Mechs dread worlds like this, but you have fewer problems. The combination of [[large laser]]s and autocannon allow you to manage your heat buildup better. Suddenly, you spot a gleam of metal in the distance. Your on-board computer does not recognize it as a friend. You fire a burst of lasers...''}} | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Books]] | [[Category:Books]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Rule Books]] |