BATTLETECH: Clan Invasion Box Set (FULL REVIEW)

[@goingforgold_8536]

"This would be be the equivalent of GW releasing a 1000pt-1500pt box set for $50" When I heard that, I blacked out, then had a dream I heard some crazy shit on this video, came back to rewatch it, had to be emitted to the ER due to extreme dehydration from crying tears of sadness knowing that would never happen. Great vid, got a new sub here!

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Lol glad you enjoyed! Thank you also for the super thanks!

[@joshuaharper8957]

Jesus loves you

[@stalelemonproduction]

I'm a long time warhammer player that wanted to get into something a bit more accessible for my friends to join me with and battletech being so generous with not only the plastic models but the cut outs as well was a huge win for it. I got all 3 starter boxes for the cost of a "start collecting" warhammer box and I'm very happy

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

hope you enjoy it!

[@ZaynethFlow]

@@nerdyOveranalyzed😅😅i😊😅😅😅😅😅I😮I

[@macabrederek9179]

Hope to hear more as you get experience in the Clan mechs. As a Clan main, I would offer some advice about this box set. The original invasion mechs were designed with Elementals in mind. Many traditional IS players often lamented how the mechs weapons were heavily geared into the arms, but this was a purposeful design choice by the Clans to have Elementals ride into the fray on their Omnimech counter parts. Mechs like the Nova are amazing delivery systems that allow you to deploy them in the enemy line swiftly, and really force your opponent to not take up certain positions. Often times I find the threat of the elementals are more impactful than the damage they actually do, with that 3 jump movement making them very difficult targets. I will also note Elementals are a key unit in they help off-set the staggering cost difference in BV compared to their IS counterparts, especially in the initiative phase. When played against the AGOAC box set, they really showcase this as an initiative sink, allowing you to capitalize more effectively on the speed and firepower the typical Omnimech has over a typical IS mech. The sheets also come with some relevant IS mech upgrades to help balance out the slanted BV. Lastly, there is some debate about how to implement Clan Honour rules, as playing to them strictly puts an additional challenge on the Clan player. What my own group has experimented with (to admittedly mixed results) is either free upgraded pilots (3/4 from a 4/5) if you follow the Honour Rules, or an Initiative Bonus so long as the rules are adhered to (Also giving incentive for to player to continue to play honourably). I hope this offers some insight, and trust this knowledge will assist you in your assimilation into The Clans.

[@certanmike]

the book even says if running clan honor free pilots or 10 to 15 % more BV for them but most players just ignore the honor rules

[@nemamiah7832]

If you about to face Elementals on the table and want your opponent to have fun with them, do not bring artillery of any kind. If you hate Elementals with passion and want your opponent to never use them again, bring Long Toms. The catch is the damage distribution. Normally, when you hit an Elemental point, damage is assigned to a random model. So you could theoretically hit them multiple times without killing anyone, just whittling down armour on different dudes. The artillery damage applies to every single one of them, meaning if a Long Tom shell falls in the midst of a full star of Elementals, you might just wipe out 25 dudes in one go.

[@zraal3759]

An aerospace fighter or conventual fighter with bombs is another option.

[@KillerOrca]

Artillery; "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN"

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Heh heh, I'll have to keep that in mind!

[@SupermarketZombies]

Artillery is also very effective against battle armor on Alpha Strike fyi. Probably their best counter

[@nemamiah7832]

@@SupermarketZombies I haven't even read the rules for AS, so... I honestly can't tell.

[@lexington476]

4:22 that is one thing very nice about battletech, really nothing becomes obsolete games rules wise (unlike GW stuff). I have maps from the early 90s I can still play on that fit with the current maps. My favorite map from the early sets is Scattered Woods, pretty much a flat map with little bits and pieces of light and heavy Woods scattered evenly and thinly throughout the map, I think there is one or two hills on it but they're like level one. I like that map because it really breaks up the line of sight without hindering movement too much, you really get in close in that map.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Yep very true. I do appreciate the fact that there's no "flavor of the month" like there is in 40k

[@lexington476]

@@nerdyOveranalyzed or enemy of the year... Back in like 2000 and 2001 they had the Third War of Armageddon, my Army was there... Imperial Guard, mostly foot infantry with a couple armored fist mechanized infantry squads with some armor support and a few hellhounds. Still have all those models too.

[@Defsnot_Momskowerkor]

Fan since 93, Cauldron Born is the best clan mech. 65 ton, 86kmph, takes down Timberwolf (Mad Cat) 75 tonners all day sir. I swapped the gauss rifle for 2 ERPPC's downgraded from LB10X to LB5X and dual LRM10's. I like jump jets too. Glad to see Battletech still lives 🛐

[@ELPMCFlashFrame]

I'm loving the way you break down the value of these boxes. Keep up the great work Otto.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Hey thanks so much! Glad you found value in it! :)

[@deathwatch1169]

Im actually slowly starting to get into tabletop thanks to a humble bundle that's given me PDF's of practically all the rulebooks or so that I can tell along with tech readouts and the like. So it's kind of perfect timing to get some insight into boxes i could get!

[@greysonjones5429]

I got the same humble bundle. For the basic rules you probably want the Tech Manual if you're interested in making your own stuff, but aside from that the rest is optional.

[@gruberjens4354]

Alpha Strike rules on hex maps is the best way to play BT in my opinion. Fast to play, easy to learn and easy to set up. I love this game 😎

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

It's a great game! So many ways to play.

[@KillerOrca]

Your hope was ratified for the Alpha Strike box, I got mine about a week back and all the mechs are REALLY nice. Admittedly we've seen many before, a lot of them are from the Lance and Star packs, but its still solid.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

My order got cancelled! D: I had to reorder and the new one is on it's way!!

[@melvinlemay7366]

You noted that the minis in this boxed set are improved compared to that of agoac. You also expressed the possibility that this indicates an increase in production value that will benefit future projects. I think something which really demonstrates this is comparing the old and new beginner box mechs. The griffins in particular since they offer an apples to apples comparison. Not that the old one was bad but there are some clear improvements. Almost all of the mold lines have been moved to corners or other hard to notice places. Everything is far crisper with the details being sharper. It's great and I'm glad to see things improving.

[@StigmaNYC]

So happy when I got this for my introductory box set just a few months ago. Just found the Alpha Strike box set last week I have them all including many lance/star packs, the Wolf Dragoons, some Clan salvage mystery boxes, and even the Elemental pack, I’ve played just under 20 classic games. Looking forward to Alpha Strike battles and vehicles soon. Fun time to be a tabletop gamer.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Heck yeah! Glad you're enjoying!

[@JakeAbinett-px9ps]

Such an awesome video mate! What Clan mech would be the best to replace the Grendal with? Would love to know what the best starter Clan mechs are overall as well.

[@metalblizzard6024]

Im new to BT (coming from 40k/AoS) and ypur channel has been extremely useful. Sub!

[@lexington476]

5:02 okay, I need the link 🙂. where did you get that colored reference sheet? I need to go spend some money 😀.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

"Battletech Quick Reference by Paolo Gubellini & The Goblin"

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent box set. Go Jade Falcons!

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Caw caw! :^)

[@Prich319]

Two little nitpicks: First, the Executioner has MASC as a standard piece of equipment, so it's movement can be bumped up to 4/8/4 if you're willing to risk actuator damage. The second is that elementals only really need transport if you don't have an omnimech for each point you bring, since they double as transport for battle armor.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

yep very true!

[@derekburge5294]

Fantastic breakdown, good sir. For new Clan players, please know that you will almost never get to play a whole star of mechs if your opponent plays IS. You will always be outnumbered; this is fine. Learn zelbrigen! It's fun and will give you lots of opportunities to shake your fist and call your opponent an honorless surat when they learn to exploit zelbrigen.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Thanks for your comment Commander! o7

[@khornetto]

Great and informative video! Thanks! By the way, where can we get that quick reference you show in the video? :O

[@xenofett7008]

The updated designs are a massive and much needed improvement from Battletech miniatures in the 80s & 90s.

[@jameswright2623]

Hello my favorite jelly man it is good to see you again. Hopefully we can show more 40k players the more affordable way to play war games and in turn show GW why they should make their prices more affordable.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Hey hey! Good to see you too. Spread the word! :^)

[@jameswright2623]

@@nerdyOveranalyzed I already have and will continue to do so! X3

[@Spartaner251]

Nice, i'm looking forward to a comparison of the AGOAC Box, Clan Invasion Box and Alpha Strike Box

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Oh? What about at 1:38? Or did you want me to give me a more in-depth opinion?

[@Charistoph]

That's a difficult comparison. But if you're looking as to what to get first to start in the game, go with AGoAC. 8 Mechs that are used no matter what your group is playing in terms of Tech Level and/or Era. It's only a little more expensive than the Clan Invasion box, and has the rules that the Clan Invasion box does not come with. If you already have Total Warfare, or access to it, than it's more about what models you want more. I still recommend getting both when time allows unless your local group is vehemently Succession Wars/No Clans players. I haven't taken a deep look at the Alpha Strike box, but getting the same number of 'Mechs as both AGoAC and Clan Invasion is not a bad value, other than the Wraith being a late comer to the party when compared to the other Inner Sphere 'Mechs. It does come with resilient cardboard buildings like the old DropZone Commander combo boxes did (and those DZC buildings will work, too, if you have them), which just adds to its value. I can't say how robust the rulebook is, though, as when someone brought it to look at, I was busy with other things. My first guess is that it will have more than the Quick Star Rules, but less than the Commander's Edition.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Nice video as always!

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Thanks! Happy you enjoyed!

[@maciejmazur2622]

I absolutely loved the idea and the form factor of Battle tech - everything fits in a box, tons of value and combinations, no measuring ect - and then i played a game. 2 mechs per side = 4,5h game. Snooping online im not the only one who noticed this, oh welp - maybe i check out Alpha strike, but smaller footprint, grid based game was what i was after.

[@certanmike]

the game gets faster at higher tech and even more mechs once you have rules down

[@CaptScrotes]

The exhausts ARE fun to paint up

[@dakkath414]

Your point about Total Warfare vs The Battlemech Manual reminds how much I'm hoping CGI makes a companion book to TBM to cover things like infantry, vehicles, protomechs, LAMs, etc.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Ye, the orginization right now is not the best.

[@certanmike]

total war has all but lam and true aerospace

[@warlok363]

LAMs, Tripods, and nukes are in the Alternate Eras book.

[@jadegecko]

I'm reminded of the Mechwarrior 2 Prima strategy guide, where the Gargoyle is described as 'a strange toy robot grown large'

[@cablecing]

As a clan player I apricate this video and again good work I do think you might want to explain justttttttt a little bit more on how the IS vs Clan points slightly work maybe even using the 2 iconics atlas vs Timberwolf(madcat) in bv (prime vs D ) just to show how much clans can really cost and hopefully it wont scare people... My analogy is kind of like Chaos Space marines to regulars space marines. while yea the normals are well cheaper why play cheaper marines when you play crazy ass marines. either way love the video KEEP IT UP

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Hey thanks for the feedback it helps a lot! I'll keep that in mind for the next one I do!

[@swordmonkey6635]

Omni technology within the BT universe is more about the speed and ease of switching weapons and equipment of a mech. The modular design allows the engineers and mechanics to "plug and play" different weapons and equipment in a fraction of the time an IS equivalent job. No major teardowns and retrofitting is required with omni technology. Weapons "pods" can be removed in a maintenance area allowing damaged weapons and equipment to be switched out in a matter of hours or days rather than IS weeks and months.

[@warlok363]

Pretty solid vid, but the pilot cards are written with Classic in mind. They can be used in AS if you do a little biylt of conversion from the AS:CE though.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Oh damn. Let me put a correction into the description

[@shadewolfe3131]

Im curious if you could change the Mongrel to anything else in the same general power level, what options would you consider?

[@ohiodoesntexistordoesit]

been wanting to give the tabletop a go and as I am a clan fanboy scrub this was useful AF information

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

lol. Glad you found it useful! Best of luck crushing the Freeborns!

[@MrRyamEros]

Question from a Noob! I have the Essentials box and am struggling to find the Record Sheets for the Legend Killer and the Yen Lo Wang. The base mechs are readily available.

[@drewslater6790]

Do you have one of these for the Alpha Strike box??

[@Kingofdragons117]

Will you be reviewing the lance/star packs in the future?

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

If these are popular I don't see why not! :)

[@moonman6359]

The gloves are a good touch.

[@mikeh5871]

The Mongrel (Grendel) is actually tricky in lore. Yes they did not use it as MUCH as others until the fight with Comstar, because of its value per ton and versatility its actually one of the most produced lore wise. I use the Mongrel in about 80% of my clan fights because of these reasons. So dont under sell it! Diamond Shark was a MASS producer of mechs and all houses took those plans and use the Mongrel as a work horse similar to a Nova.

[@Xeno426]

Sure, the Grendel is a great design, I just personally find it a poor fit for the "Clan Invasion" box set. It should have been in one of the Clan star sets instead. Something actually used during the invasion (not just the last battle of it), like the Ice Ferret, would have been a better choice IMO.

[@Anjin-qg3ie]

I am new to playing the tabletop. However I have been playing battletech,and mechwarrior video games since the early 90s. My favorites are the timberwolf, the marauder, and the other unseen mechs. (Im a huge macross/robotech fan). I am having a hard time figuring out which faction, and timeframe, i woild need to play, to use these mech. Can you help?

[@lalopacheco2614]

There’s a website called master unit list where you can see the battle mechs from each faction and the era they used them it’s pretty helpful

[@lexington476]

3:51 why are you wearing surgical gloves turning the map over?

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

That's not me! That's my As-Tec! :^)

[@Usersunited]

Thanks for the content.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying!

[@boneshaman8912]

The problem I have found with using sheet protectors and dry erase markers is its easy to accidentally or on purpose rub off damaged.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Would always print again!

[@Brofisticus]

For a more accurate and comedic comparison, take a look at the price difference between these starter box sets vs. Kill Team.

[@Panax07]

The Grendel is an odd. I wonder why they did not go for the Mad Dog/Vulture or the Summoner/Loki, both of which are more era appropriate.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Yeah, agreed. It's a bit of the odd man's out.

[@Charistoph]

The Ice Ferret/Fenris would have fit in to the same weight slot much easier, and the Mongrel could have taken its place in the Heavy Striker Star. It may have been that the Mongrel was ready to be produced first. *shrug* Still, a lot of those Lance and Star Packs remind me a little bit of Pokemon, gotta get more in order to get them all.

[@WigglesTTH]

what is with the gloves?

[@ero9841]

For any new to the clans there is old stigma against them that you might run across. It's not big deal now but alot older guys who had to go threw it. Don't let that stop anyone from picking them up.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Agreed Clans look fun!

[@certanmike]

the 3025 only players bug me as the games in that time frame are slow

[@imscary2]

Originally Clan mechs did not engage in melee, that is what elementals were for. Clan warriors also fought man to man with lesser numbers to gain more honor. I dont know how they do it now.

[@Szoki86]

If you don't care about indirect fire or you have another mech to fill that role, Timber Wolf A is the monster you are looking for.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

It looks pretty great!

[@andreasell1830]

Where i can find the avaibility for all the mech ?

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Xotl Rats

[@gamerhalim4717]

In Indonesia 🇮🇩 they sell about 1.350.000 Rupiah

[@setsunachiame]

this box is so good i have 2 of it

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

xD Right on!

[@Teachermook]

Ok your avatar is just too neat. But.... i have to qdmit a part of me wants to see it driving a battlemech now....

[@Lycan3303]

$18 at Walmart right now

[@Xeno426]

You won't need six more for the Elementals, you'll only need two more. Remember, Elementals--like all Infantry--ignore the attacker movement mod penalty. It doesn't matter if they walked or jumped that turn, they don't apply any movement mod penalty. They only have to worry about their own unit's Gunnery, the target's movement, range, and any intervening terrain penalties. Oh, and there was a *lot* of moaning when the Grendel was announced for the box set. It just didn't make sense for the "Clan Invasion", and the issues of availability during the invasion proper were brought up. I would have shot for a mech more generally used during the invasion, like the Mist Lynx, Ice Ferret, or even Shadow Cat instead (despite the latter also seeing limited use outside a single Clan). Personally, the choice of the Executioner for the assault unit was a poor one. It's notable for getting slammed by the BV fringe cases (MASC + JJ = excessive BV for capability), and would have thought something like the Dire Wolf or even Warhawk would have been better choices since they are more iconic.

[@certanmike]

well its more of shots AT them as jump movement is harder to hit

[@Xeno426]

@@certanmike Yes, but target to-hit mods are represented by the number on the die. The die color is used to record the attacker's movement. Attacker mods have only three mods: +1 (walk), +2 (run), +3 (jump). Hence three dice colors. Since infantry do not suffer attacker to-hit mods, they don't need to worry about dice colors. Jumping just adds +1 to the Target to-hit mod over whatever the number of hexes moved would usually indicate. For example, moving 7-10 hexes is a +3 to-hit mod. Jumping 7-10 hexes would be a +4 to-hit mod (+3 for the 7-10 hex movement, +1 for jumping).

[@VictorSteiner]

Best value is buying them all twice!

[@QwertyCaesar]

These were just 50% off at Barnes and Noble. I missed the sale though 😭

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

D:

[@QwertyCaesar]

@@nerdyOveranalyzed Should've called off of work to go get them instead of going in yesterday. Would've even saved me money in the long run. The lesson is clear - tabletop gaming takes precedent over your job.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

@@QwertyCaesar xD lol

[@inuboy867]

You should make a Battetech GMV with the Outro song to promote your channel, it would be awesome?

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Hmm, maybe~ lots of other things to improve!

[@Heatx79]

LMAO thumbs up 👍 if not just for the first 30 seconds

[@Heatx79]

Then you had to say something like; black and white reference sheet made it hard to read. I don’t remember seeing you in my trailer park, but I can read.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Lol thanks. My eyeballs need to see color!! The ref sheet we found was also single sided which was a bonus.

[@AGS363]

We now have IS and Clan. So we still need Comstar....

[@MilitaryStyx]

There are always the force packs for them, but I want to see some more ILclan stuff. I don't feel like cgl is giving their era enough love

[@MutantHeadcrab]

Looks like you're being haunted by the ghost of Stefan Amaris. You might want to get in contact with your local ComStar Preceptor about it.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

D:

[@AlxParrish]

While battletech is great, and my favorite tt game... comparing bv to 40k pts is a little like comparing apples to oranges.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

How so? :o

[@LEGIOXIII13]

All you did was increase the points per model and sell less of them cheaper.

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Huh?

[@1337w0n]

But Christmas is over...

[@nerdyOveranalyzed]

Onto 2023!

[@smokeymoe842]

Oh hell no I'm not supporting woke catalyst 😑