Battletech: Unboxing and First Look - Alpha Strike Counters Pack

[@charlesk8492]

The altitude counters would be for aerospace units, while I believe (but am not entirely certain) that the elevation counters are for VTOLs. Appreciate the unboxing video, nice to get a closer look at what's in there than the promotional images allow. Definitely need to pick up one of these packs.

[@Thearmedpainter]

I didn’t even consider Aerospace. The rules for those seem…different lol! So can’t say I’ve actually fielded or faced any aerospace stuff yet.

[@charlesk8492]

@@Thearmedpainter Yeah aerospace definitely takes a bit to figure out and get used to, and I've found it extends the length of games as well. Still, similar to using artillery with poor skill ratings, if you're just playing without concern for winning or losing it can lead to some fun, wacky situations.

[@Tinytraveler]

I just recently got the AS boxset, simular terrain and tokens and I really really thought it was great. Yeah sure its not top notch, but you bust that boxset out, put a mat down and setup those little buildings, trees and tokens, the board looks so good straight out. That's what makes it work, its cute, its durable enough, its well displayed and printed. I had fun watching this video, keep at it, lovely work. Subscribed!

[@Thearmedpainter]

Thanks for the comment and the sub! I know some people aren't thrilled with the card stock stuff but honestly, its a good value and a nice starting point for a lot of people. Glad I'm not the only one who shares the same view :).

[@tibour007]

This is a must buy, the cheat sheets alone are worth it. I like the buildings, templates, and water as well.

[@Thearmedpainter]

Fortress has them for less than $20 bucks as well, HELL of a deal imo. The cheat sheets + water + trees ins a win-win-win in my book :)

[@rfblast8122]

I just got the AS box set and this looks like a great addition. I was originally not interested in it because it's titled "Counters" which I don't need, but know that I know it has terrain, it's much more useful. I hope CGL or someone else puts out a pack of _just_ cardboard terrain flats, 'cause that's what I need. Even better if they conform to BT hexshapes so I can use them both hexed and non-hexed games - AS, BT and many others.

[@dubuyajay9964]

Ooh, buildings!

[@bruced648]

I just received 2 packs that I ordered. what a great value! buildings, tokens and trees... oh my! the extra card stock cheat sheets and measuring tokens round out a good addition to the Alpha Strike box set.

[@CanadianFabe]

I don't have it yet but I do wish the measuring weren't double side with terrain on the other side. rather they had them separate so you didn't have to choose having a measuring tool or more terrain.

[@Thearmedpainter]

If I recall the measuring tool isn't double sided with terrain, it is the large blast and strafe that are. If I recall correctly they also included two of the measuring tool as well. To that I would agree, slightly. If you don't field artillery or use strafe often at least that makes those templates useful. I very rarely use artillery and have never used anything that would use strafe so I found the addition of those being double sided to be nice rather than having templates that will sit in my bag and largely go unused.

[@Thearmedpainter]

110% :)

[@PostalService85]

Can confirm: Altitude counters are for Aerospace, and would be quite useful.

[@Thearmedpainter]

I’ve not actually faced any aerospace stuff on AS (nor used any units). I think because it’s not something typically used (and excluded at my local tournament I go to) I’ve not actually paid any attention to the rules/units for Aerotech stuff.

[@PostalService85]

@@Thearmedpainter My Brother is a Rasalhague Player and wanted to bring Shilones to the battle, so we went and learned the rules. They're a fun addition, and certainly change the way you do movement and facing.

[@jamessmith5666]

The only thing this pack as well as the AS box is missing, and I think this is a pretty obvious omission, it a couple double sided paper maps with grass on one side and city streets on the other.

[@Thearmedpainter]

A double sided hexless mat for intro style AS games would have been choice. You’re spot on!

[@bryanwooden9245]

The trees are exactly the same as the AS box set, I just put it together recently. Still a good value, but not new.

[@Thearmedpainter]

Yeah I noticed once I went to film the other day. Some of the taller ones had me thinking there was some new ones in there, whoops!

[@wesguemmer4181]

The scale of the models has increased so has the scale of the hex maps changed too? Would it matter?

[@Thearmedpainter]

I don't think the hex maps have changed at all. The models are larger but the hex bases are still approximately 32mm flat to flat. The larger terrain stuff doesn't line up well when applied to hex maps unfortunately, I stopped trying to make my terrain designs work for classic =/ was a huge headache.

[@Joric78]

I play AS on hex mats, so it's a shame they don't have a CBT equivalent pack.

[@Thearmedpainter]

I think it's a little harder to do 3d card style terrain for classic given everything needs to conform to a hex grid. I've seen token packs and such with punch outs for terrain for the hexes though so that's at least something. I also imagine most CBT players probably wouldn't need the tokens either, most of the CBT folks I've come across seem to have the rules dialed in pretty well even so far as to have big tackle box things to handle mass dice rolling too lol.

[@Joric78]

@@Thearmedpainter I do think the hex overlay on these particular roads, rivers, buildings etc would be difficult to line up and would dictate their positioning. I've got some hex based 3D printed buildings and other terrain pieces which work well though. They just take up a fair bit of space and are a pain to lug around (I only have motorcycles and a treadly, no cars).

[@m101ic3]

So, i just got the 60 dollar battletech main set, the map has hexes. Will these be compatible with that map? I was looking for a cheap way to enhance the 2 maps i got when my son and i play. Is there anything I can get that is like this for hex maps? Mainly buildings and terrain options. Thanks for any help provided!

[@Thearmedpainter]

I’m not sure what options there are for classic unfortunately. You may have luck with Thunderhead Studios’ HexCity line for terrain.

[@m101ic3]

@Thearmedpainter Thanks, but looking for affordable too, I don't have a 3d printer. Did find some cards took printable ones, so I'll look into making some of those! Wish the pack would have worked, cheap but decent quality! Thanks for your hands on review!

[@matthewpena3932]

Very cool Justin, I plan on getting one. So you brought up C3 and that page freaks me out a bit. Are you down to do explain C3 in a video?

[@Thearmedpainter]

I could try…lol! But I also don’t use c3 because it’s complicated and can really give a feelsie badsie for the person having to face it :p C3i is much easier to work with though.

[@SupermarketZombies]

I had an interesting time using it at SAII. Ran a Brutus, Schiltron, Jes, and Fire Moth R for the C3 unit