Difference between revisions of "Unseen"

(→‎From Victor Musical Industries: Re-ordered list, added Jenner IIC, Peregine)
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'''Unseen''' refers to certain imagery, namely the visual appearance of a number of iconic [[BattleMech]]s, that is not depicted in official publications anymore since 1994 for legal reasons.<br />To wit, only their visual appearance may not be officially used anymore; the units as such (particularly their names and game stats) remain part of the [[BattleTech]] canon and are even frequently mentioned in novels and fiction. Neither the images nor the units they represent were retconned out.
+
'''Unseen''' refers to certain imagery, namely the visual appearance of a number of iconic [[BattleMech]]s, that has not been depicted in official publications since 1994 for legal reasons.<br />To wit, only their visual appearance may not be officially used anymore; the units as such (particularly their names and game stats) remain part of the [[BattleTech]] canon and are even frequently mentioned in novels and fiction. Neither the images nor the units they represent were retconned out.
  
 
The term is alternatively used to summarily refer to the real-world imagery as such, to the particular in-universe designs (and subvariants) in question, or as an adjective.
 
The term is alternatively used to summarily refer to the real-world imagery as such, to the particular in-universe designs (and subvariants) in question, or as an adjective.
  
−
The list of Unseen has repeatedly changed over time, with some individual designs put on and off the list several times.
+
The list of "Unseen" has repeatedly changed over time, with some individual designs put on and removed from the list several times.
  
−
==Unseen==
+
=="Unseen"==
 
:''Main article:'' [[Unseen lawsuits]]
 
:''Main article:'' [[Unseen lawsuits]]
−
When [[FASA]] created the BattleTech boardgame in 1984, the designers licensed the rights to use pre-existing [[w:Mecha|Mecha]] from other [[w:Intellectual Property|IPs]], namely the Japanese anime series' ''[[w:The Super Dimension Fortress Macross|The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'', ''[[w:Fang of the Sun Dougram|Fang of the Sun Dougram]]'' and ''[[w:Crusher Joe|Crusher Joe]]'' as visual representation of several 'Mechs and other units within the BattleTech universe (under new names and with BattleTech game stats devised entirely by FASA). However, during a series of lawsuits in 1994 FASA found out that [[TCI]], from whom FASA's rights to the images derived, might not have been in a legal position to provide these rights to FASA in the first place. The lawsuits were settled out of court.
+
When [[FASA]] created the BattleTech boardgame in 1984, the designers licensed the rights to use pre-existing [[w:Mecha|Mecha]] from other [[w:Intellectual Property|IPs]], namely the Japanese anime series' ''[[w:The Super Dimension Fortress Macross|The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'', ''[[w:Fang of the Sun Dougram|Fang of the Sun Dougram]]'' and ''[[w:Crusher Joe|Crusher Joe]]'' as visual representation of several 'Mechs and other units within the BattleTech universe (under new names and with BattleTech game stats devised entirely by FASA). However, during a series of lawsuits in 1994 FASA found out that [[Twentieth Century Imports|Twentieth Century Imports (TCI)]], from whom FASA's rights to the images derived, might not have been in a legal position to provide these rights to FASA in the first place. The lawsuits were settled out of court.
  
−
As part of the settlement agreement, FASA lost the right to use the images henceforth. As this affected many core designs which have been described as the bedrock of the BattleTech universe at the time, this was a serious blow to FASA. All existing products featuring pictures of the Unseen, be it on the cover or in the rulebooks&mdash;effectively most if not all BattleTech publications&mdash;had to be discontinued, and while numerous other designs remained that could still be depicted, this massively affected the BattleTech line.
+
As part of the settlement agreement, FASA forfeited the right to use the images henceforth. As this affected many core designs which have been described as the bedrock of the BattleTech universe at the time, this was a serious blow to FASA. All existing products featuring pictures of the "Unseen", be it on the cover or in the rulebooks&mdash;effectively most if not all BattleTech publications&mdash;had to be discontinued, and while numerous other designs remained that could still be depicted, this massively affected the BattleTech line.
  
−
Beyond the specific artwork covered in the Unseen lawsuits, FASA decided to treat all designs as Unseen that had been developed out-of-house, such as the designs made for FASA by [[Victor Musical Industries]]. As a result, there are now several kinds of unseen images:
+
Beyond the specific artwork covered in the "Unseen" lawsuits, FASA decided to treat all designs as "Unseen" that had been developed out-of-house, such as the designs made for FASA by [[Victor Musical Industries, Inc.]] As a result, there are two unofficial categories of "Unseen" images:
−
*images to which FASA found might never have legally acquired the rights to, and which they are not allowed to use or show;
+
*Images to which FASA found they might never have legally acquired the rights to, and which they are not allowed to use or show;
−
*images to which FASA may not initially have acquired the rights, but which they are allowed to use or show after a later clarification agreement with the IP owners (but which, being out-of-house artwork, are still not used on general principle);
+
*Images which were never contested and to which FASA did obtain the rights, but which, being out-of-house artwork, are not used on general principle.
−
*images which were never contested and to which FASA did obtain the rights, but which, being out-of-house artwork, are not used on general principle;
 
−
*images that were never actually declared unseen, but should arguably be considered unseen since they originate from the same sources and legal background as the original unseen.
 
  
−
==Reseen==
 
−
In 2003, ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]'' was published that postulated upgrades and newer versions for most of the Unseen units from the in-game year [[3067]] forthwith. Dubbed "Reseen", these evolutions were sufficiently visually different from their parent designs that they could be depicted again.
 
  
−
To wit, the Reseen did not replace the Unseen or [[retcon]] them out. They are new, additional designs with new art, meant to gradually replace the Unseen as the timeline progresses.
+
=="Reseen"==
 +
In 2003, ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]'' was published that postulated upgrades and newer versions for most of the "Unseen" 'Mechs from the in-game year [[3067]] forthwith. Dubbed "Reseen," these evolutions were sufficiently visually different from their parent designs that they could be depicted.  ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]'' continued with "Phoenix" upgrades for the remaining "Unseen" 'Mechs, and the "Reseen" Samurai first appeared in ''[[AeroTech 2 Revised Edition]]'' and then in ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''.
  
−
The term "reseen" is also applied to designs that were unseen at one point, but were taken off the list again.
+
To wit, the "Reseen" did not replace the "Unseen" or [[retcon]] them out. They are new, additional designs with new art, meant to gradually replace the "Unseen" as the timeline progresses.
  
−
==25 Years of Art and Fiction==
+
The term "Reseen" is also applied to designs that were "Unseen" at one point, but were taken off the list again.  For the purposes of this article, these designs will be referred to as "returned."
−
On 24 June, 2009, it was announced that [[Catalyst Game Labs]] would resume use of the original "unseen" artwork for these designs.  The announcement did not mention whether or not Catalyst Game Labs had secured the permissions needed. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090728102508/http://catalystgamelabs.com/2009/06/24/catalyst-game-labs-brings-back-unseen/ Catalyst Game Labs website, "Catalyst Game Labs Brings Back “Unseen”"]</ref>
 
  
−
Shortly after the return of the "unseen" BattleMechs was announced, the ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]'' PDF was pulled from circulation. Managing editor [[Randall Bills]] made a statement on Catalyst Game Labs' website on August 10th, 2009 explaining the move.  Twelve Unseen images, those originating from Macross, were again pulled from circulation and will remain unseen, due to their exclusive distribution rights (within the United States) belonging to another company (Harmony Gold).  Whether or not these images will be licensed or purchased in the future remains to be seen.  The tone of the article was doubtful.<ref>[http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2009/08/10/sometimes-things-just-dont-go-as-we-want-them-to Catalyst Game Labs website, "Sometimes Things Just Don’t Go As We Want Them To"]</ref>
 
  
−
==List of Unseen designs==
+
==25 Years of Art and Fiction==
−
The Unseen designs, and their origins, are:
+
On 24 June, 2009, it was announced that [[Catalyst Game Labs]] would resume use of the original "Unseen" artwork for these designs.  The announcement did not mention whether or not Catalyst Game Labs had secured the permissions needed. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090728102508/http://catalystgamelabs.com/2009/06/24/catalyst-game-labs-brings-back-Unseen/ Catalyst Game Labs website, "Catalyst Game Labs Brings Back “Unseen”"]</ref>
−
 
 
−
===From ''Crusher Joe''===
 
−
*Ostall
 
−
:''[[Locust]]'' :Reseen as of ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 
−
:''[[Locust IIC]]''
 
−
 
 
−
*Harpy
 
−
:''[[Samurai]]'' AeroSpace Fighter
 
−
 
 
−
*Galleon Tank
 
−
:[[Galleon]] Tank
 
  
−
===From ''Macross''===
+
Shortly after the return of the "Unseen" was announced, the ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]'' PDF was pulled from circulation. Managing editor [[Randall Bills]] made a statement on Catalyst Game Labs' website on August 10th, 2009 explaining the move.  Twelve designs, originating from Macross, were again pulled from circulation and will remain "Unseen", due to their exclusive distribution rights (outside of Japan) belonging to another company (Harmony Gold).<ref>[http://battletech.catalystgamelabs.com/2009/08/10/sometimes-things-just-dont-go-as-we-want-them-to Catalyst Game Labs website, "Sometimes Things Just Don’t Go As We Want Them To"]</ref>
−
*VF-1 Valkyrie<br/>
 
−
This 'Mech from the ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' series normally transformed into the three combat modes recognized in BattleTech by [[LAM|Land Air 'Mechs]].  Within the BattleTech game this one vehicle was split into distinct non-transformable 'Mechs models and LAM models.  The LAMs, true to their artistic origin, could transform into aerospace fighter, hybrid, and 'Mech mode.
 
−
:''[[Stinger]]'' VF-1A
 
−
:''[[Stinger LAM]]'' - LAM model of above, illustrated in LAM or Hybrid mode
 
−
:''[[Wasp]]'' VF-1S
 
−
:''[[Wasp LAM]]'' - LAM model of above illustrated in LAM or Hybrid mode
 
−
:''[[Valkyrie]]'' VF-1S
 
−
:''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' - VF-1S with FAST Packs
 
−
:''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]'' - VF-1S :Reseen under a new agreement
 
−
:''[[Phoenix Hawk LAM]]'' - LAM model of above illustrated in LAM or Hybrid mode
 
−
:''[[Crusader]]'' - Armored VF-1A, <ref> In some artwork such as in ''[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]]'', the Crusader is depicted with a modified VF-1J head. </ref>  
 
  
−
* Zentraedi "Regult" Tactical Battle Pod
+
Since the article was written, further clarification was given that most of the images previously declared "Unseen" would remain "Unseen" in order to avoid the possibility of future legal issues.
−
:''[[Ostroc]]'' :Reseen as of ''[[Historical Turning Points: Misery]]''
 
−
:''[[Ostsol]]'' :Reseen
 
  
−
* Zentraedi "Regult" Scout Pod
+
During this period of time, "Unseen" images were added to several other products in the production queue and were not removed prior to initial distribution.  This was not a declaration that the images would be used again and they will be removed when the product is updated.  These products include ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]'', ''[[Historical Turning Points: Galtor]]'', ''[[Historical: Reunification War]]'', and ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''.
−
:''[[Ostscout]]'' : Reseen
 
  
−
* HWR-00-Mk. II Monster  Heavy Weight Destroid
+
==Alphabetical List of the "Unseen"==
−
:''[[Stone Rhino (Behemoth)|Behemoth]]''
 
−
 
 
−
* MBR-07-Mk II Spartan Main Battle Destroid
 
 
:''[[Archer]]''
 
:''[[Archer]]''
−
 
+
:''[[Battlemaster]]''
−
* MBR-04-Mk VI Tomahawk Main Battle Destroid
+
:''[[Black Python (Viper)]]''
−
:''[[Warhammer]]''
+
:''[[Conjurer (Hellhound)]]''
−
:''[[Warhammer IIC]]'' :Reseen under a new agreement
+
:''[[Crusader]]''
−
 
+
:[[Galleon]] Light Tank ([[Technical Readout: 3025]] image only)
−
* MBR-04-Mk X Defender Anti-Aircraft Defense Destroid
+
:''[[Glass Spider (Galahad)]]''
−
:''[[Rifleman]]''
+
:''[[Goliath]]''
−
:''[[Rifleman IIC]]''   :Reseen under a new agreement
+
:''[[Grand Crusader]]''
−
 
+
:''[[Griffin]]''
−
* SDR-04-Mk XII Phalanx Space Defense Destroid
+
:''[[Griffin IIC]]''
−
:''[[Longbow]]''  
+
:''[[Horned Owl (Peregrine)]]''
−
 
+
:''[[Howler (Baboon)]]''
−
* Zentraedi "Glaug" Officer's Battle Pod
+
:''[[Incubus (Vixen)]]''
 +
:''[[Jenner IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Locust]]''
 +
:''[[Locust IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Longbow]]''
 
:''[[Marauder]]''
 
:''[[Marauder]]''
 
:''[[Marauder II]]''
 
:''[[Marauder II]]''
−
:''[[Marauder IIC]]''   :Reseen under a new agreement
+
:''[[Marauder IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Nexus]]''
 +
:''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''
 +
:''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Phoenix Hawk LAM]]''
 +
:''[[Raijin]]''
 +
:''[[Rifleman]]''
 +
:''[[Rifleman IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Samurai]]'' AeroSpace Fighter
 +
:''[[Scorpion]]''
 +
:''[[Shadow Hawk]]''
 +
:''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Stinger]]''
 +
:''[[Stinger LAM]]''
 +
:''[[Thunderbolt]]''
 +
:''[[Valkyrie]]''
 +
:''[[Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)]]''
 +
:''[[Warhammer]]''
 +
:''[[Warhammer IIC]]''
 +
:''[[Wasp]]''
 +
:''[[Wasp LAM]]''
 +
:''[[Wolverine]]''
  
−
===From ''Dougram''===
 
−
* Dougram
 
−
:''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' :Reseen as of ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 
−
:''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]'' :Reseen under a new agreement
 
  
−
* H8 Roundfacer
+
==Origins of the "Unseen"==
−
:''[[Griffin]]'' :Reseen as of ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
+
Below, the "Unseen" are divided into categories based on their original series or creator.  Each unit is listed by its BattleTech name first, followed by the model and/or name used in its original series (where applicable).
−
:''[[Griffin IIC]]'' :Reseen under a new agreement
 
  
−
* F35C Blizzard Gunner
+
===''Super Dimension Fortress Macross''===
−
:[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|''Scorpion'']]
+
*VF-1 Valkyrie
 +
This Mecha from the ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' series normally transformed into the three combat modes recognized in BattleTech by [[LAM|Land Air 'Mechs]].  Within the BattleTech game this one vehicle was split into distinct non-transformable 'Mechs models and LAM models.  The LAMs, true to their artistic origin, could transform into aerospace fighter, hybrid, and 'Mech mode.
 +
:''Wasp'' - VF-1S
 +
:''Wasp LAM'' - VF-1S
 +
:''Stinger'' - VF-1A
 +
:''Stinger LAM'' - VF-1A
 +
:''Valkyrie'' - VF-1S
 +
:''Phoenix Hawk'' - VF-1S Super Valkyrie
 +
:''Phoenix Hawk LAM'' - VF-1S Super Valkyrie
 +
:''Crusader'' - VF-1A Armored Valkyrie
 +
*Destroids
 +
:''Rifleman'' - ADR-04-Mk.X Destroid Defender
 +
:''Archer'' - MBR-07-Mk.II Destroid Spartan
 +
:''Warhammer'' - MBR-04-Mk.VI Destroid Tomahawk
 +
:''Longbow'' - SDR-04-Mk.XII Destroid Phalanx
 +
*Zentradi Tactical Pods
 +
:''Marauder'' - Glaug Commander Type
 +
:''Marauder II'' - Glaug Commander Type
  
−
* T10B Blockhead
+
*Returned
−
:''[[Wolverine]]''
+
:In December of 2011, BattleTech's line developer ruled that the ''[[Ostscout]]'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', and ''[[Ostroc]]'' were sufficiently different from their inspiration (Regult Scout Pod, Regult Battle Pod, and Regult Heavy Missile Pod, respectively) to be removed from the "Unseen" list.<ref>http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg326119/#msg326119</ref>
  
−
* F4X Ironfoot
+
===''Crusher Joe''===
−
:''[[Thunderbolt]]'' :Reseen as of ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]'' and ''[[Historical Turning Points: Galtor]]''
+
:''Locust'' - Ostall
 +
:''Samurai'' AeroSpace Fighter - TR-5 Harpy
 +
:Galleon Light Tank (3025) - Galleon
  
−
* F44A Crab Gunner
+
*Returned
−
:''[[Goliath]]''
+
:The ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]'' version of the Galleon was ruled, in December 2011, to be similar enough to the original that it should be removed<ref>http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg326119/#msg326119</ref>, however, that decision was reversed in November 2014.<ref>http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg987134/#msg987134</ref>
  
−
* HT128 Bigfoot
+
*Other units of note
−
:''[[Battlemaster]]''
+
:While inspired by Crusher Joe images, the following have never been "Unseen":
 +
::''Sparrowhawk'' AeroSpace Fighter - TR-5 Harpy and SR-5 Siren
 +
::''Corsair'' AeroSpace Fighter - SR-5 Siren
 +
::''Leopard'' Dropship - Minerva
  
−
===From ''Victor Musical Industries''===
+
===''Fang of the Sun: Dougram''===
−
These have been temporary Unseen, until becoming Reseen.
+
:''Shadow Hawk'' - Dougram
 +
:''Griffin'' - Soltic H8 Roundfacer
 +
:''Scorpion'' - F35C Blizzard Gunner
 +
:''Wolverine'' - Abitate T-10B/T-10C Blockhead
 +
:''Thunderbolt'' - Hasty F4X Ironfoot
 +
:''Goliath'' - Abitate F44A Crab Gunner
 +
:''Battlemaster'' - Soltic HT-128 Bigfoot
  
−
:''[[Nexus]]''
+
===''Victor Musical Industries, Inc.''===
−
:''[[Raijin]]''
+
These images by Victor Musical Industries, Inc. were created for BattleTech but were removed to prevent the possibility of future legal issues.  Note that while the IIC images (with the exception of the Jenner IIC) are obviously inspired by images taken from ''SDF Macross'', they were removed only because they were created by an "out-of-house" source.
−
:''[[Grand Crusader]]''
+
:''Nexus''
−
:''[[Howler (Baboon)]]''
+
:''Raijin''
−
:''[[Incubus (Vixen)]]''
+
:''Grand Crusader''
−
:''[[Jenner IIC]]''
+
:''Howler (Baboon)''
−
:''[[Horned Owl (Peregrine)]]''
+
:''Locust IIC''
−
:''[[Conjurer (Hellhound)]]''
+
:''Incubus (Vixen)''
−
:''[[Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)]]''
+
:''Jenner IIC''
−
:''[[Glass Spider (Galahad)]]''
+
:''Horned Owl (Peregrine)''
−
:''[[Black Python (Viper)]]''
+
:''Griffin IIC''
−
:''[[Stone Rhino (Behemoth)]]''
+
:''Shadow Hawk IIC''
−
:''[[Bane (Kraken)]]''
+
:''Conjurer (Hellhound)''
 +
:''Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)''
 +
:''Glass Spider (Galahad)''
 +
:''Rifleman IIC''
 +
:''Black Python (Viper)''
 +
:''Warhammer IIC''
 +
:''Phoenix Hawk IIC''
 +
:''Marauder IIC''
 +
:''Stone Rhino (Behemoth)''
 +
:''Bane (Kraken)''
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 00:22, 11 November 2014

Unseen refers to certain imagery, namely the visual appearance of a number of iconic BattleMechs, that has not been depicted in official publications since 1994 for legal reasons.
To wit, only their visual appearance may not be officially used anymore; the units as such (particularly their names and game stats) remain part of the BattleTech canon and are even frequently mentioned in novels and fiction. Neither the images nor the units they represent were retconned out.

The term is alternatively used to summarily refer to the real-world imagery as such, to the particular in-universe designs (and subvariants) in question, or as an adjective.

The list of "Unseen" has repeatedly changed over time, with some individual designs put on and removed from the list several times.

"Unseen"

Main article: Unseen lawsuits

When FASA created the BattleTech boardgame in 1984, the designers licensed the rights to use pre-existing Mecha from other IPs, namely the Japanese anime series' The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Fang of the Sun Dougram and Crusher Joe as visual representation of several 'Mechs and other units within the BattleTech universe (under new names and with BattleTech game stats devised entirely by FASA). However, during a series of lawsuits in 1994 FASA found out that Twentieth Century Imports (TCI), from whom FASA's rights to the images derived, might not have been in a legal position to provide these rights to FASA in the first place. The lawsuits were settled out of court.

As part of the settlement agreement, FASA forfeited the right to use the images henceforth. As this affected many core designs which have been described as the bedrock of the BattleTech universe at the time, this was a serious blow to FASA. All existing products featuring pictures of the "Unseen", be it on the cover or in the rulebooks—effectively most if not all BattleTech publications—had to be discontinued, and while numerous other designs remained that could still be depicted, this massively affected the BattleTech line.

Beyond the specific artwork covered in the "Unseen" lawsuits, FASA decided to treat all designs as "Unseen" that had been developed out-of-house, such as the designs made for FASA by Victor Musical Industries, Inc. As a result, there are two unofficial categories of "Unseen" images:

  • Images to which FASA found they might never have legally acquired the rights to, and which they are not allowed to use or show;
  • Images which were never contested and to which FASA did obtain the rights, but which, being out-of-house artwork, are not used on general principle.


"Reseen"

In 2003, Technical Readout: Project Phoenix was published that postulated upgrades and newer versions for most of the "Unseen" 'Mechs from the in-game year 3067 forthwith. Dubbed "Reseen," these evolutions were sufficiently visually different from their parent designs that they could be depicted. Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade continued with "Phoenix" upgrades for the remaining "Unseen" 'Mechs, and the "Reseen" Samurai first appeared in AeroTech 2 Revised Edition and then in Technical Readout: 3039.

To wit, the "Reseen" did not replace the "Unseen" or retcon them out. They are new, additional designs with new art, meant to gradually replace the "Unseen" as the timeline progresses.

The term "Reseen" is also applied to designs that were "Unseen" at one point, but were taken off the list again. For the purposes of this article, these designs will be referred to as "returned."


25 Years of Art and Fiction

On 24 June, 2009, it was announced that Catalyst Game Labs would resume use of the original "Unseen" artwork for these designs. The announcement did not mention whether or not Catalyst Game Labs had secured the permissions needed. [1]

Shortly after the return of the "Unseen" was announced, the BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction PDF was pulled from circulation. Managing editor Randall Bills made a statement on Catalyst Game Labs' website on August 10th, 2009 explaining the move. Twelve designs, originating from Macross, were again pulled from circulation and will remain "Unseen", due to their exclusive distribution rights (outside of Japan) belonging to another company (Harmony Gold).[2]

Since the article was written, further clarification was given that most of the images previously declared "Unseen" would remain "Unseen" in order to avoid the possibility of future legal issues.

During this period of time, "Unseen" images were added to several other products in the production queue and were not removed prior to initial distribution. This was not a declaration that the images would be used again and they will be removed when the product is updated. These products include Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, Historical Turning Points: Galtor, Historical: Reunification War, and Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade.

Alphabetical List of the "Unseen"

Archer
Battlemaster
Black Python (Viper)
Conjurer (Hellhound)
Crusader
Galleon Light Tank (Technical Readout: 3025 image only)
Glass Spider (Galahad)
Goliath
Grand Crusader
Griffin
Griffin IIC
Horned Owl (Peregrine)
Howler (Baboon)
Incubus (Vixen)
Jenner IIC
Locust
Locust IIC
Longbow
Marauder
Marauder II
Marauder IIC
Nexus
Phoenix Hawk
Phoenix Hawk IIC
Phoenix Hawk LAM
Raijin
Rifleman
Rifleman IIC
Samurai AeroSpace Fighter
Scorpion
Shadow Hawk
Shadow Hawk IIC
Stinger
Stinger LAM
Thunderbolt
Valkyrie
Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)
Warhammer
Warhammer IIC
Wasp
Wasp LAM
Wolverine


Origins of the "Unseen"

Below, the "Unseen" are divided into categories based on their original series or creator. Each unit is listed by its BattleTech name first, followed by the model and/or name used in its original series (where applicable).

Super Dimension Fortress Macross

  • VF-1 Valkyrie

This Mecha from the Super Dimension Fortress Macross series normally transformed into the three combat modes recognized in BattleTech by Land Air 'Mechs. Within the BattleTech game this one vehicle was split into distinct non-transformable 'Mechs models and LAM models. The LAMs, true to their artistic origin, could transform into aerospace fighter, hybrid, and 'Mech mode.

Wasp - VF-1S
Wasp LAM - VF-1S
Stinger - VF-1A
Stinger LAM - VF-1A
Valkyrie - VF-1S
Phoenix Hawk - VF-1S Super Valkyrie
Phoenix Hawk LAM - VF-1S Super Valkyrie
Crusader - VF-1A Armored Valkyrie
  • Destroids
Rifleman - ADR-04-Mk.X Destroid Defender
Archer - MBR-07-Mk.II Destroid Spartan
Warhammer - MBR-04-Mk.VI Destroid Tomahawk
Longbow - SDR-04-Mk.XII Destroid Phalanx
  • Zentradi Tactical Pods
Marauder - Glaug Commander Type
Marauder II - Glaug Commander Type
  • Returned
In December of 2011, BattleTech's line developer ruled that the Ostscout, Ostsol, and Ostroc were sufficiently different from their inspiration (Regult Scout Pod, Regult Battle Pod, and Regult Heavy Missile Pod, respectively) to be removed from the "Unseen" list.[3]

Crusher Joe

Locust - Ostall
Samurai AeroSpace Fighter - TR-5 Harpy
Galleon Light Tank (3025) - Galleon
  • Returned
The Technical Readout: 3058 version of the Galleon was ruled, in December 2011, to be similar enough to the original that it should be removed[4], however, that decision was reversed in November 2014.[5]
  • Other units of note
While inspired by Crusher Joe images, the following have never been "Unseen":
Sparrowhawk AeroSpace Fighter - TR-5 Harpy and SR-5 Siren
Corsair AeroSpace Fighter - SR-5 Siren
Leopard Dropship - Minerva

Fang of the Sun: Dougram

Shadow Hawk - Dougram
Griffin - Soltic H8 Roundfacer
Scorpion - F35C Blizzard Gunner
Wolverine - Abitate T-10B/T-10C Blockhead
Thunderbolt - Hasty F4X Ironfoot
Goliath - Abitate F44A Crab Gunner
Battlemaster - Soltic HT-128 Bigfoot

Victor Musical Industries, Inc.

These images by Victor Musical Industries, Inc. were created for BattleTech but were removed to prevent the possibility of future legal issues. Note that while the IIC images (with the exception of the Jenner IIC) are obviously inspired by images taken from SDF Macross, they were removed only because they were created by an "out-of-house" source.

Nexus
Raijin
Grand Crusader
Howler (Baboon)
Locust IIC
Incubus (Vixen)
Jenner IIC
Horned Owl (Peregrine)
Griffin IIC
Shadow Hawk IIC
Conjurer (Hellhound)
Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)
Glass Spider (Galahad)
Rifleman IIC
Black Python (Viper)
Warhammer IIC
Phoenix Hawk IIC
Marauder IIC
Stone Rhino (Behemoth)
Bane (Kraken)

References

  1. ↑ Catalyst Game Labs website, "Catalyst Game Labs Brings Back “Unseen”"
  2. ↑ Catalyst Game Labs website, "Sometimes Things Just Don’t Go As We Want Them To"
  3. ↑ http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg326119/#msg326119
  4. ↑ http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg326119/#msg326119
  5. ↑ http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/the-unseen-a-reseen-iic-explanation-and-a-list-(updated-december-2011)/msg987134/#msg987134

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