GMG Reviews - Battletech UNIVERSE by Catalyst Game Labs

Battletech is a 40 year Space Opera that spans almost a thousand years. The rise and fall of empires, the expansion into what will become known as the Human Sphere and the ascendance and ebb of Mechwarrior technology as it is created, destroyed, rediscovered and abused is a tale that covers DOZENS of books across four decades.
With the new players coming to it for the first time through their model kits and partners like Barnes and Noble and Target reaching a new audience, this book seeks to make all of what I just described more approachable. How does it do? Let's find out!
Check out the old PRIMER here: bg.battletech.com/wp-content/...
Big thanks to Catalyst for the complimentary copies of the books to review.
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Intro and Outro music used via Creative Commons "Benji" by Dyalla

[@audioweasel6997]

You hit the nail on the head. Battletech can be as close to historical gaming as a fictional universe can get.

[@Redshirtdraper]

The Mechwarrior 2 videogame start-up sound is an amazing touch, havent heard it in decades. Took me back to my Dads office playing PC games when i was a kid lol

[@omegavulture8379]

Some say that the mettle a periphery mercenery could, nay, SHOULD be measured by the lenght of his 90s moustache.

[@ShroudedSciuridae]

BattleTech doesn't have tourists, they have new blood. Welcome MechWarrior!

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

lol then I was definitely mid-instructed hahaha

[@BlackBaneWH]

The Mech start up from the collector's edition *chef's kiss*

[@JimCrimmins]

On the heels of their monster kickstarter that certainly brought in new players, this offering makes so much sense.

[@Subcomandante73]

CGL has turned against the original fans. It will be interesting to see how long they last if they keep on down this road.

[@worlds-in-conflict]

This is a great idea! Personally being a lapsed player who came back I have huge gaps in my knowledge of the history. But on that clan list....I DEMAND JUSTICE FOR CLAN WOLVERINE!!!!

[@mattj1871]

Similar. Played SO MUCH in the 90s. All the novels. Hell, I collected (and even played a lot) the BT CCG! A good 2/3rds of the lore I used to know has been lost to time.

[@euansmith3699]

That talking box is awesome.

[@MidgardSurvival]

Another excellent and informative review! Your coverage of the Battletech universe is much appreciated. You are the go to source for non GW games. Side note, your set design is awesome. From the lighting, to the artwork on the walls, right down to sound quality. You are a consummate professional and your videos are not only informative, but a joy to watch.

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

That’s so kind of you to say! Thank you so much!!!

[@televiper11]

Battletech is awesome and I’m so happy it’s getting popular again.

[@Kevin.Mitchell]

That looks great! As someone who has rediscovered Battletech a few years ago through Alpha Strike after playing the original as a kid in the 80s, there's a whole lot of lore that has passed me by. While I don't need to know the lore the enjoy playing the game, I can see having this book will inspire me to paint up new forces and try different eras. Great overview - thanks!

[@scottwolf3973]

Age of Winters is one of the best albums ever! Hell ya. Nice. Nice book review too, thanks.

[@jamesbarantor7094]

Don't call yourself a tourist, anyone interested is a fan and it's fine to not know things or get things wrong especially at first since there is so much. Great review and thank you for it!

[@ChubbsMcgoo]

Only tourists barge in and demand things to be changed.

[@jamesbarantor7094]

@@ChubbsMcgoo If it's something toxic that needs changing I'm all for it. Things evolve over time, BT definitely has and it wouldn't be what it is today without all the iterative changes of fans and creators joining and leaving and changing things. Change can be scary but can also be good.

[@ChubbsMcgoo]

@@jamesbarantor7094 define toxic? Toxic being space Marines as only being male? Or that the Rommel tank is named after a Panzer commander? I disagree on changing things because they are "toxic" if it's toxic then don't partake but don't change things that people enjoy because YOU don't like it or disagree with it.

[@jamesbarantor7094]

I've enjoyed both of the games you've mentioned since the 80s and they've both changed loads since then. They change because otherwise they die off like so many other fandoms/games/etc. It's not me making the decisions, maybe if YOU don't like the decisions made YOU shouldn't play them any longer? But don't call someone a tourist for being new which was my original point.

[@ChubbsMcgoo]

@@jamesbarantor7094 The point I am making is that fans are loving and accepting of the thing, while tourists are not. This guy is not a tourist, he is a fan. Because tourists do not accept the thing as is because they demand change. Like the example that I gave with space Marines. Tourists will demand female space Marines because they don't accept the established lore and feel the need to undermine it. They don't accept the space Marines as a brotherhood and feel the need to subvert it with demands of self insert representation rather than acceptance of the lore and characters. I understand that art changes and production techniques change as technology changes and influences both of these things. Technology also influences designs of games. And I disagree that if things don't change they die off. Battletech rules and design wise has changed very little since it's inception. And it's lived for almost 40 years now. I'm not talking about the art or miniatures I'm talking about game design. And my point is that things don't need to change for the sake of change as change is not always for the better. But what I am talking about are groups of tourists who will tell you that a beloved tank in a game with established lore of almost 40 years no longer exists in the lore because of its named after a historical figure who they don't like. Because you can get the Patton tank. But not the Rommel. That my friend is what a tourist is. The people who super impose 21st century politics into the 31st century or 41st millennium are tourists. And that my friend is something toxic that needs to change.

[@Bellerophon3]

You convinced me to give it a go with the Alpha Strike box, so super excited for this book to get a proper intro to the universe of Battletech. Trying to research its history using wikis and lore-KZbinrs was not the easiest introduction 😂

[@MKmaki6094]

I feel you man

[@gamingwiththeguysminiatures]

I remember being at a Gen Con in Milwaukee where FASA held a huge ceremony/event for the marriage between Davion and Stiener. And the realistic battle damage demos of the game. If a mech got drilled, physically through, with a power drill in the location. If a reactor blew they would smash it with a hammer. It was AWESOME times.

[@Bruce-Zatarra]

Your interaction with Randall will become a part of BattleTech history.

[@mattj1871]

I've forgotten probably 60-70% of what I used to know about the BT Universe. This'll come in handy.

[@OM45678]

Thank you for covering this, as a fairly new BT fan I'll certainly be looking to pick this up now!

[@arcangellord5372]

Excited for the universe book

[@12neef]

Saturday morning review! 🎉🎊🥳

[@itsallfunandgames723]

I'm really looking forward to picking this up, along with some of their force books as well. Catalyst has really revamped their book line for the game.

[@RattlerNxt]

That special edition is so cool!

[@AaronCahall]

Thanks for the great review! We're excited to get this book (and the amazing Precentor Martial Edition!) out into the world.

[@bluemoonlunalla9747]

Thanks for the review of this book, looks like a great stepping stone for new players or even players who haven’t got all the setting yet, this will be a big recommend for new and returning players

[@leeflorence3838]

Fantastic review of a great book. Forget anyone slinging exclusion, You get it, So started 5 years ago or 40, YOU ARE A true Battletech Fan. Great thoughts on the deepness of our hobby. I loved that you included the Remembrance. Warmed my heart so much thinking about all the years I spent with a lot of dear people AND about what those who made it possible felt at the same time, Some of the legends I have had the great fortune of meeting over the years at conventions. (Stackpole is a super friendly, down to earth dude. At Gencon last year, HE was the dude counting people coming and going from their LARGE enclosed booth area. This legend there before me just chilling, smiling and having a great time meeting and greeting fans. My brain nearly failed.) I grew up with this stuff in the 80s and 90s, I read it ALL, So its a big part of my memories, near all of them filled with fun, laughter to the point of tears and sore ribs, and LOOOONG nights with paper and books everywhere with the hits channel on the radio. Pouring over the books, their INSANE art, and making your own mechs on and old 386 to print em out of a dot matrix, Well that was living to us country nerds with naught else in range to do much with. So, A Belated WELCOME! Welcome to one of the biggest and best hobby communities out there, It's filled with some of the kindest, most creative, and fun sons a guns on the planet. I hope you find adventure and awesomeness among some of them. : }

[@cspo]

the Doom mask would look dope on an Atlas.

[@lorcannagle]

Oh, there's an idea. I've done skulls, Kabuki and Tengu masks and have at least three more unpainted...

[@MKmaki6094]

That's a badass idea... villainous even, can't believe I never thought of this

[@cspo]

@@MKmaki6094 they say the Atlas is absolute power. and absolute power corrupts absolutely (now you have your orders, do your duty) ;)

[@Tboysupreme]

Cool. This is definitely a book for me. I am a noob when it comes to BT. The people I play with have been playing for decades and know the lore and everything. So far I have not been able to get my head around the setting. So this will help.

[@kierdalemodels]

I wish I’d added that to my KS order!😖Will have to get it anyway when it’s available. Thanks for the vid, it looks great!

[@samlam4598]

Thank you for this video! I'd like to say that I had been following your YT channel for some time already when you discovered BattleTech. It actually reminded me of my own experience of discovering the game as a teen back in the 90's. It has been very exciting and fun to watch your journey through BattleTech and your enthusiasm. And you're right, BattleTech is very much about the stories unfolding on the game table. To me, it's more than a game; it's a lifestyle. P.S.: I hate Falling PSR checks! XD

[@tomtricity]

The blueprints they sold back in the FASA days were so cool. I hope they bring those back.

[@VelcroSnake93]

They are releasing some updated blueprints in a pack this year. BattleMech Technical Blueprints Volume 1 Massive firepower combined with unparalleled levels of armor protection make the BattleMech the ultimate war machine of the 32nd century. Top saFactors have compiled technical blueprints for four of these dreaded juggernauts: Phoenix Hawk, Warhammer, Timber Wolf, and Dire Wolf.

[@luapssor]

Got 4 of them in a poster tube , just waiting to get framed.

[@Ascalante80]

I NEED THIS COLLECTORS EDITION ❤❤❤

[@RoamGaming]

I am watching this while 3d printing a 28mm scale King Crab. Good time GMG!

[@Grithertime]

I think in some respects a mismash of mechs is plausible, salvage and keeping it running appeals in some respects to the diverse world that is Battletech.

[@jonathanwhyborne3031]

This is not a product for me, but watching your enthusiasm made me smile!

[@lorcannagle]

I'm so glad I ordered the fancy edition in the Kickstarter. I'll probably end up getting the regular one as well...

[@TheNoobPainter]

I was last into Battletech in the mid-90s as a kid and came back into it with Alpha Strike in the past few years. (Your videos helped. 👍) I've been wanting something like this to catch me up on the setting without novels to pour through and wiki-deep dives. This is perfect for folks like me. Though your mechwarrior callsign can now be "Tourist" to tweak people off.

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

That’s such a good idea.

[@jojo-oe7mv]

I need this book. Trying to work more of the role playing into my games.

[@tmorton42]

Nice job. Again, there are thousands of games available. Those with heart stand out.

[@grendelb3298]

I used to play Battletech in the late 90s-early 2000s. Trying to get back into it is still hard for me. I need this book.

[@sonofsega816]

This book looks awesome! I can't find any information other than this video on when or where it will be released, not even on the Catalyst site.

[@OldJobobo]

subbed because you are a fellow The Sword fan. and battletech

[@Ont525]

Can’t wait to get this.

[@Wonko-bj4jx]

If you can find a copy of "Shrapnel: Fragments from the Inner Sphere" from 1989 you may dig it, an anthology of Heavy Metalesque art and short stories by various authors. The forward by Weismann is neat to see his inspirations for the setting.

[@MKmaki6094]

I'm gonna eat this lore book up so bad

[@brendanrobertson5966]

12:30 PGI hired the voice actress from MW:2 to record all those lines for MechWarriorOnline. I'd have to check, but they also used it for MW:5

[@ShimmeringSword]

Bailey Wolfe is the voice actress for those, not the original.

[@johnmiddleton4291]

This looks cool. Hopefully there's a chance to at least get a pdf of the extra book that comes in the deluxe box later on.

[@PoodlesWithGuns]

Lol. The huge canvas of probably one of the best albums ever made.

[@GuerrillaMiniatureGames]

Between it and Dangerdoom… whew what a body of work for someone gone too soon.

[@Ascalante80]

Thank for this New Video

[@WeOnlyEatSoup]

This is a pretty cool idea

[@ronaldlewis9399]

Never apologize to Clanners. It's a Mad Cat.

[@blackseven]

Thank you for this video and the honest disclaimer in the beginning. I'm not sure that saying Battltech covers 1000 years is the best way to put it. The main playable narrative goes 200 years at a stretch (3000 AD to ~3150). You can stretch it back to Star League (2700s) but the period between 2700 and 3000 is not extensively detailed. (Extensively meaning multiple novels and tech readouts covering every 5 to 10 years)

[@giantlobsterboy644]

I gave up on battletech for having too many mechs. It was a tough choice. I decided to embrace the Macross Saga (Robotech) and Heavy Gear.

[@Ranzarok]

I've played BT since "Battledroids" and your entry into the game didn't bother me in the slightest. BT is like every other TT game with heavy lore. It's there to enjoy. Some folks play and have zero ideas about the Houses, Clans, etc. It's great fun to fight over a battlefield using 20-30 ft walking tanks. :) Thanks for the review.

[@dl1977au]

Which body part do i need to sell to get the purchase the collector's edition.

[@ogremark5]

I read the four page background in the Battledroids book in 1984, so I'm good, right?

[@Moondog66602]

The sword and mfdoom? Good taste

[@jacobwilliams1285]

I wish you would show us some more pages from the book so I can have an idea of what it looks like. This is very general. I would love to see some of the artwork inside but your video barely shows anything. And a table of contents page.

[@hectorc7080]

Battletech was one of my favorite brands on the latest 90´s. early 2000´s... Sadly I lost interest with the timeline after the Civil Fed War resolution and all the Wizkids Mechwarrior stuff. But the universe and lore is huge, lot of good novels and I loved the game (even though it was very time consuming). The good thing is that you dont really need fancy minis to play, you can have epic battles using only paper. Now that Catalisys provides good minis, is a good time to be a BT fan.. Welcome! BTW: can you put the link to buy the book?

[@verysilentmouse]

Jealous I'm getting mine in the KS

[@kippbeard5624]

Is that MF DOOM inthe background

[@MKmaki6094]

The illest

[@eopatcjo]

Aww yeah battletech!

[@8moebius8]

Seems like a coffee table book.

[@worlds-in-conflict]

GET OUT OF MY CHAIR!

[@euansmith3699]

😆😆😆

[@torymiddlebrooks]

Damn it, Jay! Let the man have this!

[@ArthurBugorski]

7:04 "...MadCat symbol!" ...you dezgra! 7:06 "sorry, Timber Wolf" ...much better.

[@shinankoku2]

Yeah, but is Buckaroo Bonzai still canonically alive in the Battletech universe? Because I want to play Team Bonzai …

[@yukigono]

He's around in Late Succession Wars and the Clan Invasion.

[@korvusknull1447]

What is old is new again. BT since the first box set in the way back.

[@odinulveson9101]

Want this book. However Im into details and get kinda disappointed when not taken into account when did before SO is the following ( for now )included?? 1: Will the Aurigan Coalition periphery state with their Arano, Espinosa houses be explained deeper and current status in 3151/2? The faction from BT The game 2: The Free Rasalhague Republic even current Rasalhague Dominion dosent have Neo-Norse ( Norse paganism ) listed as a major religion group. I didnt see it listed in neither Beginner or AGoAC boxes maps. Is that detail listed even explained and survived in current settings years?? 3: Are the Mason family from MW5 with Ryana, Fahad, Interstellar Expeditions and others with their stories and involvments around the other Helm memory core woven more into canon and explained, deepened? Masos father MIHGT have a link to the Clans.

[@autumnlotus6250]

personally i prefer just playing in Era's. forcing specific armies in specific galaxy regions just unnecessarily limits your ability to play the game

[@KillerOrca]

Oh God my wallet...

[@harrycross9051]

Sorry Ash but David Day isn't a very good Tolkien source, he may be a good artist but a lot of stuff he wrote was outright fanfiction he made up. Tolkien's son had a personal grudge against him! Love the battletech content but sorry Day just annoys me as Tolkien fan

[@theriotartist]

ALL CAPS

[@euansmith3699]

How many more Caps could there be? None. None more Caps.

[@bshean72]

The Atlas is the face of Battletech more than any other mech

[@giantlobsterboy644]

I like the old song better than this crappy pop music. Humpin' naked laydies Humpin' naked laydies Humpin' naked naked naked Laydies!

[@JRufu]

uh oh.. he said the J word..

[@dancingowlbear]

Anyone who calls you a tourist isn't worth paying attention to. Welcome to Battletech and please enjoy your stay for as long as you like. Battletech is for everyone.

[@DarkKnightCuron]

Question: Does the book mention Blaine Lee Pardoe?

[@SavageBruski]

If CGL drops all the politics, they will have an awesome reception from the old school Battletech gamers and new ones.

[@DarkKnightCuron]

Agreed

[@zachhughes9149]

Don’t hold your breath

[@SavageBruski]

@@zachhughes9149 I'm not. I just play the OSR equivalent and use mechs from other sources now.

[@clanorangechicken6648]

The most important thing to know about Battletech is that The Clans are superior.

[@BuddyX74]

No such things as tourists! If you were a tourist, you would say “Oh, that’s nice. What’s next?” Fans say “That was awesome! What’s NEXT?!” I’m just getting back into Battletech after 25+ years. Imagine my surprise when I learned F.A.S.A.’s two biggest properties were owned by Topp’s now! I can’t stand “true” fans who are, like, “Yeah,you may like it now, but I was playing back in yada, yada, yada…” If we relied on the “true” fans, so many awesome games would be lost to the ages. Games, like so many other things, require fresh blood to instill life into these labors of love. Good for you!

[@BadgerRobot]

Don't let hobby gatekeepers prevent you from having fun.

[@Subcomandante73]

Nah, cannot support CGL any more as they actively hate on their own player base.

[@DarkKnightCuron]

Same, man.

[@threeohm]

Battletech Baby! The book looks great. I'll keep an eye on it when it's out for sale. Needs to be on my shelf.

[@durnaxe8708]

Them selling the Sarna Wiki is kind of lame. Also doubt they have Blaine in that remembrance book after the shit they pulled on him. Man, if ONLY CGL was not currently on the warpath against battletech fans I would pick this up.

[@ShroudedSciuridae]

They did extend the offer to him, he declined.

[@durnaxe8708]

@@ShroudedSciuridae Oh right. That's after they canceled their contract with him over the word of a lying criminal stalker (who he had a restraining order on) and then wanted him to do it for free.

[@raymondarrastia366]

Selling the Sarna Wiki?

[@ShroudedSciuridae]

@@durnaxe8708 First off, he only ever had writing credits. So there was no contract or employment to break, he never worked FOR FASA/WizKidz/CGL he was merely a freelance writer. The entire situation could have been handled better by all parties involved, but at the end of the day CGL simply decided not to continue the relationship with him because of some of the press he was attracting. Nothing more, nothing less. You'll notice he still has business relationships with several people that work for CGL.

[@DarkKnightCuron]

Yeah, they did Blaine dirty.

[@revengexmoon2087]

Boycott Catalyst Games.