Editing Science Fiction Combat Book Game
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
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.
Latest revision
Your text
Line 1:
Line 1: − {{ApocryphalProduct}} {{InfoBoxProduct {{InfoBoxProduct − | image = GameBookPack.jpg + | image = | name = BattleTech Combat Books | name = BattleTech Combat Books | type = Game books | type = Game books Line 8:
Line 7: | primarywriting = Dennis Greci<br />[[Karl Hiestermann]]<br />James Rosinus | primarywriting = Dennis Greci<br />[[Karl Hiestermann]]<br />James Rosinus | pages = 34 | pages = 34 − | cover = [[Doug Shuler]] + | cover = [[Dough Shuler]] | interiorart = | interiorart = | illustrations = Doug Shuler | illustrations = Doug Shuler − | publisher = [[Nova Game Designs, Inc.]] + | publisher = Nova Game Designs, Inc. | productioncode = (see article) | productioncode = (see article) | year = 1987 | year = 1987 | ISBN10 = (see article) | ISBN10 = (see article) | ISBN13 = | ISBN13 = − | MSRP = US$ 6.00 + | MSRP = ? | content = | content = | era = [[Succession Wars era]] | era = [[Succession Wars era]] Line 25:
Line 24: }} }} {{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]]''. + The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''' was a series of six 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 (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]]''. − − 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== ==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: + 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: {{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== − 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]]. ==Gameplay== ==Gameplay== − 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. + Each book includes a loose pilot/stat card, a rules section and 64 numbered sections. 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 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). + 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). ===BattleTech Combat Book Expansion=== ===BattleTech Combat Book Expansion=== Line 55:
Line 49: 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 59: {{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 67: {{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 75: {{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 83: {{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 88: 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.
| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
{{InfoBoxProduct | {{InfoBoxProduct | ||
| − | | image = | + | | image = |
| name = BattleTech Combat Books | | name = BattleTech Combat Books | ||
| type = Game books | | type = Game books | ||
| Line 8: | Line 7: | ||
| primarywriting = Dennis Greci<br />[[Karl Hiestermann]]<br />James Rosinus | | primarywriting = Dennis Greci<br />[[Karl Hiestermann]]<br />James Rosinus | ||
| pages = 34 | | pages = 34 | ||
| − | | cover = [[ | + | | cover = [[Dough Shuler]] |
| interiorart = | | interiorart = | ||
| illustrations = Doug Shuler | | illustrations = Doug Shuler | ||
| − | | publisher = | + | | publisher = Nova Game Designs, Inc. |
| productioncode = (see article) | | productioncode = (see article) | ||
| year = 1987 | | year = 1987 | ||
| ISBN10 = (see article) | | ISBN10 = (see article) | ||
| ISBN13 = | | ISBN13 = | ||
| − | | MSRP = | + | | MSRP = ? |
| content = | | content = | ||
| era = [[Succession Wars era]] | | era = [[Succession Wars era]] | ||
| Line 25: | Line 24: | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{TOCleft}} | {{TOCleft}} | ||
| − | The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''' | + | The '''''[[BattleTech]] Science Fiction Combat Book Game''''' was a series of six 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 (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]]''. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==From the back cover== | ==From the back cover== | ||
| − | On their back cover, all combat books | + | 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: |
{{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== | ==Gameplay== | ||
| − | Each book includes a loose pilot/stat card, a rules section and 64 numbered sections. They provide a | + | Each book includes a loose pilot/stat card, a rules section and 64 numbered sections. 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 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 | + | 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). |
===BattleTech Combat Book Expansion=== | ===BattleTech Combat Book Expansion=== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 49: | ||
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 59: | ||
{{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 67: | ||
{{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 75: | ||
{{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 83: | ||
{{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 88: | ||
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]] |