Science Fiction Combat Book Game
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Template:InfoBoxBook The BattleTech Science Fiction Combat Book Game was a series of six books published by 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 Ace of Aces and 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:
| “ | 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 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! |
” |
Gameplay
The books, together with their respective BattleMech stat sheets, provide a combat system where each player is required to possess one book. To play, one would give the book to one's opponent and receive his book in turn. Combat was conducted by going to a specific page in the books that described a situation for the enemy 'Mech and gave certain options on how to proceed, depending on the capabilities of one's own 'Mech. Players would then go to the new page indicated by their choice. The new page indicated combat results and further possible actions. The gameplay thus had no random element.
Each book included 64 numbered sections, a rules section, and a loose pilot/stat card.
Canonicity
Since the books were published under a valid license, they are an official BattleTech product yet they are not among the named canonical 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.
SHD-2H Shadow Hawk
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2101; ISBN = 0-917037-50-2
The Shadow Hawk depicted on the cover bears the emblem of House Steiner's Lyran Commonwealth. It is supposed to be a regular SHD-2H model, but the book completely omits the head-mounted SRM-2 launcher despite it being clearly visible on the cover art. The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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, 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. | ” |
GRF-1N Griffin
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2102; ISBN = 0-917037-51-0
The Griffin depicted on the cover bears the emblem of House Davion's Federated Suns.
The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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. Rangs is your advantage but will that be enough to defeat this opponent? | ” |
WSP-1A Wasp
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2103; ISBN = 0-917037-50-9
An illustration from within the book (section 63: "Medium Range Firing Missiles") suggests that the SRM-2 launcher is mounted in the right hip area of the 'Mech.
The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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? | ” |
WHM-6R Warhammer
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2104; ISBN = 0-917037-53-7
The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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? | ” |
LCT-1S Locust
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2105; ISBN = 0-917037-54-5
The Locust depicted on the cover bears the emblem of House Kurita's Draconis Combine. This is somewhat odd considering that the LCT-1S variant of the Locust is normally associated with House Steiner instead. The Locust combat book is the only one not to feature the standard version of its 'Mech.
The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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 guns stripped out and replaced by a pair of hefty SRM 2 packs. Your next opponent has a nasty surprise waiting for him... | ” |
RFL-3N Rifleman
- Production code: Nova 595 - 2106; ISBN = 0-917937-55-3
The individual text part on the back cover reads:
| “ | 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 lasers 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... | ” |