Why is Battletech Such a Great Game?

[@Fryepod3628]

*They want you to love battletech as much they love battletech* So true. Being passed down I feel a strange obligation to keep the torch going.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's an obligation that is mostly fun to carry out.

[@dopeskone]

I got back into Battletech a couple years ago after not playing since the 90s. Rediscovering the setting has been great.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's been so great to see many rediscover a love for it.

[@Pistol-ve6ji]

me to!

[@khyronkravshera7774]

I got into Battletech in the 80’s 1st edition and never quite got out of it. The I am definitely more into it now than I was just a few yr ago.

[@abucket14]

I'm in the same boat, I read a few novels growing up and played the old Hero Clix game. I completely forgot about it and after discovering that I loved tabletop games with Warhammer late 8th Ed, I relearned of the game and have been stomping around Inner Sphere ever since.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

Same here.

[@MrBrad9]

They don't change the rules every year, no codexes to buy, lots of different options on how to play the game, relatively inexpensive to get started, you can 3d print mechs if you want (I buy them to support the game) you can make the game as easy or as complex as you like. you can play classic, Alpha strike or the RPG. you can use the mechs for all of them. when you buy BT mechs they come with Alpha Strike cards and the Mechs are heckin' Awesome! painting the mechs is another aspect of the hobby as well as terrain building. You can play one offs or a full campaign.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Agreed!

[@TheBallisticzero]

I got a shit ton of soldiers that I've gone past by and be like "ya fokin cappellan! I swear!" Then they come back and be like "what was that from?" Now I have a small covenant of mechwarriors that play every Saturday, no fail (mostly. I'm looking at you Spc Lucky 😑) All in all, it has been awesome, especially those who just jumped from 40k over to our table. Fun times indeed! Also, got 2 guys that started learning bagpipes just to annoy ppl... wonder why?

[@genericname42]

You can tell this was made with passion it truly is a wonder that the algorithm pointed me to you.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you for watching.

[@GojiKaichou]

I started playing BT back in 86, one of my game group friends was in scouts with me, and brought his box set for us to play on a camping trip. Since then, I've been a fan.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's awesome. A lifelong love.

[@phrozac]

In the early 90s I was obsessed with Battletech! I had the boxed sets of Battletech, Citytech, and Aerotech, the Merc's Handbook and Mechwarrior RPG sourcebook, The Phoenix Hawks' Inception, a few Ral Partha figures, a couple Technical Readouts, and about all the novels that had been released at the time. I currently have a framed Warhammer blueprint hanging in my office. I'm almost ashamed to admit it but I only ever played the tabletop game a couple times, though I've put hundreds of hours into the video games over the decades. It's the rich lore(and the mechs) that I found so enthralling. Here's to another 40 years of chaos in the Inner Sphere!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well put. Thank you so much for sharing your story. The classic blueprint posters are awesome. We have them scattered around the house here.

[@nerdfatha]

Getting back in the game after not playing it since I was 12 in the 90's. Was floored to find my FLGS has a thriving BT community. I'm so stoked to get back into this great game!

[@bruced648]

I've been playing since it's inception as Battledroids. our campaign has been raging since 1991 and still going strong. Long live the Highlanders! free Northwind!

[@roshee5573]

Same here but it died at our club when FASA went belly up

[@chrisgibson8863]

My father passed a love for battletech on to me when I was a kid. To be fair he didn't have to try very hard, I remember looking at some of his painted mechs and standing over his shoulder when he played MW2 and all the video games. I pray that I'm able to pass the game on to my daughter as well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

We all do what we can.

[@robpacyna3511]

After years of not playing table top games, I’m now coming back to Battletech over any other table top game. Mostly due to KZbinrs like you that have fanned the flames of those fun days of painting, gaming and the socializing!🤟🏻🍻

[@MechanicalFrog]

Welcome back, Mechwarrior. Life is cheap, Battlemechs aren't.

[@memnarch129]

Best Battletech moment. Friend was running a RPG and we where a Merc company. I had wanted an Atlas to start, I was in my late teens early 20s at the time, but got a Battlemaster instead. Knowing that a Assault can get pasted as easy as any other mech I wasnt going in gung ho. Well the DM wasnt having it and ragged me about "pussy footing" around my 85 ton assault Mech and just so happened to have put a Atlas on the opposing side. I said "Ok you want me to take a risk" So I ran my Battlemaster up toe to toe with the Atlas. We ended up with a Conga line of Friendly behind Atlas, Me nose to nose, enemy mech behind me, another friendly behind that one, enemy in behind that friendly and finally in the rear another friendly. So it comes to rolling attacks. Going what the hell I fired the PPC at point blank range and actually hit the Atlas. Next came the hit location. PPC goes to 12, Headshot. GM uses a Edge to force a reroll. PPC goes to 12, Headshot, again. This is a veteran pilot in the Atlas and has 2 edge so uses it to force another reroll. Can you guess what the third one was? Thats right PPC goes to 12, Headshot for A THIRD TIME. At this point he claims the guy has 3 edge and the entire table calls shenanigans but he wont budge. So I reroll and hit a torso I think. The Atlas was dropped couple rounds later but we couldnt salvage it. Yeah might not have been a happy ending, claiming the atlas, but I can say I went point blank with a atlas hit with a PPC and got Headshot THREE TIMES IN A ROW

[@MechanicalFrog]

Epic story!

[@tnh723]

we could have been neighbors. in 1988 my brother, cousins, and childhood friends bought the boxed set because we recognized the WHM cover art from our Macross addiction. at 11 years old we were already D&D veterans. we spent countless hours designing our own mechs, reading the fluff, making our own desings, loving the work of Duane Loose & all the other artists. we grew up, went separate ways, but played anything Battletch over the following decades. from video games, VGL, CCG, the awesome 12 years of CLIX with thousands of players worldwide (I was a battlemaster), and the newer renaissance of PC games. and now the renewed interest sparked by the GW fiasco. I dig all your videos and look forward to sharing our appreciation for this game, universe, and community. cheers

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you for sharing your story and the words of encouragement. We have to do our part to keep Battletech going.

[@randomnetsurfer]

I have never been "good" at strategy games. From chess, on up, I don't have the tactical mind. So when I was playing a 1-v-1 game of BattleTech, 2 mechs vs 2 mechs, I was losing from the start. I don't remember the lineup except that the opponent had an Awesome and Griffin. The Awesome was in front and got into partial cover, and I was basically *done for*. But I fired an SRM6. And *somehow*, the gods were on my side. Hit with a 12, #missiles-hit was another roll of 12, and my hands were shaking during each missile location roll... but ALL SIX hit in the head. The Awesome went from undamaged to dead in one weapon hit. It was the only reason I won. It's literally the most lucky win I've ever had in any TT game, and that's why I remember it. I remember the terror of rolling the six dice for the locations... and hoping ... somehow ... beyond any reasonable reality... that somehow ... I would kill it. And it happened!

[@KillerOrca]

Big. Stompy. Robots. With just enough realistic world connections that you FEEL like you could be in the universe. All the crazy things that happen are just human things. Its insane and wacky but groundedly so.

[@brianfrazee584]

I never discovered the tabletop game as a kid, but around '93 or so I found the budding online PvP Mechwarrior 2 grand council ladder! Back when lag was real on 14,4k modems lol. Most fond memories of those years were spent in a class 1 Blood Spirit Timberwolf. I enjoyed the nostalgia trip you went through here, thanks!

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's excellent. I know several people who got into the game through the PC games like Mechwarrior 1&2. I remember playing the original Mechwarrior on my father's 486/66 and just being in awe that it brought the game to life.

[@concernedearthling3353]

The best part of this video is the part about passing the passion on to your son. Old school battletech player here, really love this IP.

[@AndyAttrition]

I was 11 when i first met BT, and in those 28 years that followed Bt made me meet my best friends in life. Some disappeared but most of them a still with me. we are still playing, still organising cons, still thinking about campaigns to play, mechs to try out, lore to discuss. BT made me meet people that are so inspiring, so kind and so wise beyond their years. BT enforced my way into my current profession which i really enjoy, brought my closer to my dad and helped creating memories that i will cherish my life long. I would not be who and where i am today without Battletech and the people that shared it with me. And thats why i will always love this game...

[@MechanicalFrog]

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@Kahrak]

Ive been drawn into it in the last year by the mech designs and video games. Then i got lost in the lore of the world and really just began to enjoy the setting. I think the fact that its not some future perfect human race helps a lot. Its just humanity being humanity along with all the stupid and greed it comes with.

[@randomnetsurfer]

Also, despite my shite memory and mental problems, I can stat so many of the 3025 mechs from memory, due to the love I have for the setting. When they showed up in the novels, I'd go open the TR to look them up and hope that the book was accurate to the stats. Even now, when @mechfrog was doing his audio drama, when they mentioned a mech or vehicle I'd not memorized, I'd go to Sarna and look it up so I could have an image of what they were... the fact that it's ALL available is just amazing to me. And for each vehicle or mech, it's got its own lore and history.

[@mensrea1974]

I had a collie for 13 years named Morgan. Whenever people would ask me where the name came from I'd always asked them, ever heard of the Kell Hounds? I haven't played since FASA fell but it will always be my favorite world and the board game that started all for me when I was a nerdy 13 year old kid.

[@richardbell7678]

Part of the fun is the sort of things that the setting will support. Me and my friends get together play out a mercenary company campaign with RPG flavor added. My mechwarrior, Ingundus Tancred comes from a deep periphery world that, if it was not visited by pirates, would have no trade, at all. The trade relationship with the pirates began by accident. In order to make room for more loot (foodstuffs, actually), the pirates abandoned a useless, worn out tank. Despite being a complete piece of junk, the hulk surrendered enough salvage for the repair of several tractors, so the raiders were welcomed the next time that they showed up. In exchange for manufactured goods, the locals bring out the easily hidden valuables that raiders would never have time to search for-- beer, wine, hard liquor. Ingundus managed to get recruited by the pirates and taken off planet. Ingundus will never tell anyone anything about his home world, because if nobody knows anything about it, they can never send him back there.

[@KillerOrca]

Sounds like standard dealings with the Marian Hedgemony to be honest.

[@richardbell7678]

@@KillerOrca I finally realized the comparison to the practice of Roman Army of Gaul getting paid by taking stuff from the locals, due to the lack of coin. If that was deliberate-- Brilliant! If not, happy accident! In the fourth century AD (IIRC), lacking the coin to pay the army, the administrators determined how much and of what goods the army could requisition from each household and posted this on the lintel of each house's front door. As Rome collapsed, barbarian raiders quickly figured out that if they only took what was indicated, the people gave it up willingly, without a fight. At the time, the only difference between a group of barbarian raiders and a unit of the Roman army was an officer that spoke Latin, so the locals assumed that they were paying their taxes and never noticed the Fall of the Roman Empire.

[@johnmiddleton4291]

My mom was the exact same way about D&D and wouldn't let it anywhere near the house. Luckily some enterprising game store clerk suggested Rogue Trader and The Realm of Chaos - Slaves to Darkness books to here instead! I'm sure he thought he was being pretty clever that day. I got in Battletech in 1994 with my friends from my first job after high school.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The gaming bug finds a way. Heck or moral panic.

[@KillerOrca]

There's some absolutely glorious irony in that.

[@Locusthorde3000]

I got a few friends who like RPG games together to play Battletech A Time of War who've mostly never played/heard of battletech. On our discord one of my friends who wasn't familiar with BTech had talked with their mom, and their mom was like "Oh battletech? I love it! I've read a ton of books, and even watched the cartoon as it came out." I think I incidentally got a friend into something that they can bond and talk about with their family about, without realizing.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That is awesome!

[@KG-jm1zl]

For me, since I'm a Bullets, Beans & Bolts detail kind of player. Battletech is the perfect game for me, it allows for all types of game play. From just simple 1v1 one off battles to entire campaigns where not keeping that slow ass Coolant truck & ammo truck alive just so you know you'll get another reload of LRMs on the next resupply

[@MechanicalFrog]

Flexible gameplay, and flexible ruleset. Hard to beat.

[@frankw7266]

It's more than just a game, it's become a brotherhood. Myself and 3 friends started playing in our very early 20's back in '91, and we've been playing the first Saturday of the month for the past 31 years (yes, we're in our 50's now)... it long ago became our "poker night" that everyone still looks forward to. While a few other people have come & gone in our group, us "core 4" are still there... through marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and everything in-between. It's hard to believe that my son is almost 10 years older than I was when we started this, all grown up with his own family.

[@mimief7969]

My dad used to play, both the video games and the mini game, I got into it myself with MW4 and MechAssault and the Dark Age stuff. It's been fun ever since.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Awesome! It's a family tradition now.

[@Stradus07]

In the early 90s my dad brought home his computer from work. And installed on it through MS-DOS was the original mechwarrior video game. I was hooked and got mechwarrior 2 ,3 and 4 when they came out and a super sidewinder joystick to really get into the cockpit. 20 years later i got my friends into warhammer 40k tabletop. And have now just ordered my 1st battletech minis because im addicted to mini painting lol

[@MechanicalFrog]

We played the original Mechwarrior so much it got us banned from the computer because my dad needed it for work.

[@Stradus07]

@MechanicalFrog same thing happened to me lol. I didnt know how to actually beat the game back then so my save file had the main character at like 110 years old and maxed out on cbills

[@phildicks4721]

I love the Lore. A few weeks ago I saw a Battletech Meme that pointed out Battletech had been playing the Game of Thrones since 1984, and I had to agree. I agree about the fans of the game. Of all roleplaying games I've played and GMed in the last 40 years, Battletech has the least toxic fan base. We fans do want others to love the game.

[@shaunhall960]

Came back to see this video again... You really encapsulate what the game is all about. Thank you.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's one of the videos that I plan on revisiting now that I can up the production value.

[@shaunhall960]

@@MechanicalFrog Looking forward to it.

[@Brigand231]

Yep, the WHM-6R on the cover of the box is what first drew my interest.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Never underestimate the drawing power of the Warhammer.

[@rotwang2000]

1) Big stompy robots 2) It has been tweaked and fixed over the years, but the core rules are mostly similar to the original game and a lot of original material is still valid today. 3) Big stompy robots. 4) It has an interesting and dynamic universe with colourful factions and a strong narrative line. Also you have so much choice you can be quite unique in your unit choices. 5) Big stompy robots 6) The game is currently in a golden era. 7) Big stompy robots

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent list.

[@voodoochild1975az]

Fantastic, balanced rules. Lore as rich and deep as anything. A mountain of fiction supporting it. A passionate community. The rules haven't really changed since the 80s. They absolutely nailed it the first time. EASY to see why this game has gone for decades and is in a new golden age as I type this. Have you SEEN the quality of the miniatures we get now?!? ;) It's happy days to be a BattleTech player. Good on Catalyst.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a great time to be a Battletech fan.

[@mr.gunzaku437]

I own a lot of Battletech novels, and (I'll be honest), I never thought the BT universe was all that low tech during the Succession Wars Era. I found 3rd edition at a Waco game store called Paper Heroes back in 1992. I never could find people to at until I was 16 and those guys turned out to be A--holes. I swore off of it for almost a decade due to that and lack of players. I got back into it a few years ago but there's still a lack of players in my area. A solid game with even more stable rules. It's a great game where every inch is a game of strategy, even filling out the record sheet! Lol!

[@colbyboucher6391]

Some SUPER early BattleTechnology issues were the biggest promoters of the idea, like an issue trying to explain that LRMs are so inaccurate because they're basically just dumb rockets. Which of course was retconned pretty quickly.

[@Battletechfan]

Even if the Inner Sphere is shown as a dystopia with giant mechs, I suspect that most of the galaxy was actually very peaceful and possibly even stable and prosperous. Without anyone having absolute control, it was a somewhat balanced universe. Having so many systems it becomes impossible to bring chaos everywhere. So in a way that seems like a great universe to live, as long as you stay away from war zones. In my role playing games, a mechwarrior is not just a gun for hire. Characters really try to solve problems, make lives of people better and happier.

[@MechanicalFrog]

With additional reflection, I think the existence of chaos gods and daemons in 40k that will actively rip you apart and obliterate your soul is something that makes Battletech a far better universe in which to live.

[@Battletechfan]

@@MechanicalFrog In Battletech budget is limited, so it has to be mostly restricted to military targets, except in those shady moments of dirt that each house has.

[@ZackHeise]

The drawing of the Timberwolf in the urban setting is amazing

[@MechanicalFrog]

A good friend of mine created that and it is one of my favorite pieces of Battletech art.

[@drizztthedrow2525]

Nice video. I started in the early 90s with the same box set but haven't played table top for like 25 years. Been playing every PC game made but now in my late 40s I am wanting to get back into it

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is definitely going through a resurgence. I bet if you asked your local game shop owner if anyone else has brought up Battletech, they might be able to hook you up.

[@TheTrueAdept]

I joined the franchise via Mechwarrior 4 and Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries. I occasionally go back to Mercenaries, because I _loved_ Duncan Fisher's commentary. ;) Then got into collecting the tabletop via the Dark Age stuff (which, most of my 'rolls' were Republic of the Sphere, oddly enough)... and then I eventually got into Alpha Strike where I made my own freaking Mercenary 'Mech Company with some tank, infantry, and air support. All for less than 1500 PV mind you. Also, there is a saying for Battletech: you come for the Big Stompy Robots, you stay for the _setting_ itself. ;)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Agreed! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@rowbot5555]

I like battletech because it's a mech game that has extensive rules for how those mechs fit into the rest of the military as well as, very importantly to me, the ability to design and build your own fighting force

[@MechanicalFrog]

Dang right.

[@terranceroff8113]

Over the years I've given likely a couple hundred miniatures away all custom painted to the colors and heraldry of the person recieving them. Everything from an chromed exterminator (yes chromed.!) To say it was a pain to pull off is an understatement painted up in the colors of the SLDF 50th division (did it that way to reflect the null sig system..now I'd use a 3 printer and just have it be made of clear plastic) . They have the mini and one day a roll book appears.. but the mech.. yea, that's what grabs 'em still to this day.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Never underestimate the appeal of a mech mini.

[@colbyboucher6391]

The thing about BattleTech is they could do a way better job of presenting it to people, even now. There are so many little time-saving things people can do to speed the game up a bit. Starting pilots at 3/4, shrink the range bracket to-hit mods to +1 +2 +3, Consolidate all the to-hit / location rolls without affecting probability much at all, Show people ammo types early because they make the game more interesting and autocannons WAY better Present some sort of an objective very early as part of the base rules, or even just the forced withdrawal rules, something other than a backstabbing free-for-all which is BattleTech at it's worst. It's little stuff like that that makes me kinda wish Catalyst was willing to adjust the rules a *little* bit to make the new player experience a bit less"Oh, those five weapons I rolled through all missed again, where's the strategy here?"

[@MechanicalFrog]

There are many "house rule" ways to speed up play. The flexibility to do so without completely breaking the game is a plus for the game.

[@rowanisking1617]

Thank you for letting me know this game exists and I will play. Thank you

[@MechanicalFrog]

Happy gaming!

[@zinc327]

I’ve recently gotten into battletech from 40k and have just gotten lost in the source books, games and even the goofy cartoon show. I understand how sentimental this game can be for some, as 40k is for me, especially how obscure this game is even in wargaming circles, let alone the general population. Even the Reddit page isn’t a complete dumpster fire like all the other pages are! Long live the Calderon Protectorate! ;)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Welcome to the fray, mechwarrior!

[@yourseatatthetable]

I've been playing and collecting BT/MW since 85... It's most assuredly in the top ten of tabletop systems.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Agreed. It just works.

[@Daium]

Discovered the licence with Mechwarrior Online, I wish I had more people near me sharing the interest I have in the pc games (MW, HBS Battletech) and the lore in general. Would love to try the original tabletop game one day

[@MechanicalFrog]

Have you looked into MegaMek? It's basically computerized version of tabletop, and there are people online who play.

[@BattleBound]

I love how you talk about it. Clearly you have a passion for the game. Do you want to be on Battletalk? Love to have ya.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you. Hit me up on Twitter, I'd like to know more.

[@BattleBound]

@@MechanicalFrog will do, what's your Twitter handle?

[@MechanicalFrog]

MechFrog12

[@TheBallisticzero]

@@BattleBound collab!?

[@BattleBound]

@@TheBallisticzero tryna collab with erry'body up in hurr

[@riggermortisfpv526]

Ive been playing since 1989, Im keeping that torch lit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Doing your part!

[@rburt3]

Some people online might be tired of this story, but I started playing with a couple of friends back in the late 80's/early 90's as teens in high school. We grew up and in 1995, much to my surprise, I was suddenly a dad. My last game of BattleTech was against one of those same friends while my newborn son slept in a baby swing near the table. Fast forward after 23 years away from the game, and I'm playing my first game of Alpha Strike with my son, now himself the same age as I was on that final game long ago. It has been a blast getting back into a hobby and universe that was such a huge part of my youth. With the KS, rejuvenated vigor of CGL, and the steady influx of new product and players, it is an amazing time to be a fan of this franchise.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Great story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@ProBloggerWorld]

Another factor is emotions and sympathy. People feel at home and attached to certain houses or ideologies. This is both good and bad. During my stint with Mechforce I saw people lose their temper when losing. Frustration played quite a role during playing, we all have missed the PPK or heavy AC20 for a 3, pilot check etc. and some folks threw their dices through the room out of frustration. Also friendship were on the line and quite a few people clothed themselves like warriors with their house patches on their “uniform”. On one hand, this gave the real world chapter fights some story and flavor, on the other side it was way too much too handle. I remember quite a few folks from House Kurita, who were so in character all the time, that they lost touch with reality. You simply could not talk with them during breaks (“Takashi didn’t allow us to talk to you.”) and some would rather resort to seppuku than talking about strategies after the fight. Extremes, but not uncommon.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The persistence of poor-sportsmanship and people who take things too far is always a concern in any hobby.

[@televiper11]

Very inspiring video. I’m debating starting a BattleTech club for new gamers to bring the next generation into the game.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's awesome. I used to supervise the after school gaming club when I was still a teacher.

[@televiper11]

@@MechanicalFrog How was that experience? Did you end up with any dedicated gamers coming out of it?

[@Paehrin]

I was eyeing the tabletop game for a wwhile now, having discovered tthe licence through Mechwarrior Online, then Battletech and recently Mechwarrior5... and then, I gave and bought the introduction box (the one with 8 minis) last saturday. Perused through the rules, and the day after, I was playing my first game with a friend. The game isn't finished (though things aren't going so well for me^^), but I'm having a blast (and he is too even though he knew nothing about it)! So glad I got it, and I'm already considering getting Clan Invasion (or maybe just the complete rulebook per se)

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's awesome to hear. Welcome to the fray.

[@johnk5165]

Watching your video had brought back memories. Love this game. Haven't played in years. Time to bring it to the kids!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely.

[@afitz34]

Just played again after a near 20 year pause. I had a blast! There were some added things that were not there in the past-like individual design quirks for battlemechs, but it added flavor. Looking forward to the next opportunity.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah there's all sorts of fun things to add. Welcome back to the fray, mechwarrior!

[@Jason-gu2kj]

What a great video, especially since we're in the same age group. Take care!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you! Happy gaming.

[@kentellis5384]

I too have a great love for the game and positive influence from it long time ago. The Apex was when I was in my late 30s and my 12-year-old son watched me build a 6 ft x 8 ft City for a gaming convention to battle in it was epic. Six players had folders designed with different strategies and objectives to take, with three factions on the board so there's a lot of cutthroat fighting. love the game and I'm in my 50s now.. I trie to pick up a game at our local game store to pass it on to the next generation.

[@TurboWulfe]

BT is awesome TT and online. Great vid. 😎🤘🍻

[@johnderowin6845]

This is a really good video I got into battletech earlier this year through the mechwarrior games and then got lost and embraced the lore. Tried to get the miniature game but none of my game/hobby stores carried it, tried buying online but money is tight right now. So i decided to make my own pen and paper rpg version with a whole homebrew rule book, a intricate story and accidentally made the mechs a little too overpowered. Now me and my friend group have almost weekly sessions of them just causing mayhem and destruction on what ever battlefield that I throw them in next.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you for the compliment and sharing your story. It's so awesome that Battletech has been such a positive influence on so many.

[@lukedudley5030]

Loved this game since the mid 80s :-) greatest game especially when in my first game I 1 shot a marauder with a valkyrie :-) ammo explosions are so much fun :-)

[@Battletechfan]

Life is cheap. That is the only way to deliver a punch with a Stalker, by frying the mechwarrior inside.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Toasty warm.

[@MADSAHAD]

Battletech, how we love thee....

[@MechanicalFrog]

1...2...3...

[@floriangallus7760]

I'm Kind of a late bloomer regarding battletech. I really got into it just last year being in my early thirties. I didn't switch over from 40k though. I was kind of Interested in battletech since my childhood in the late 90s when I bought MW2:Mercs and was fascinated by the box Art and especially the intro which haunted me for the next 20-or so years and sparked my love for Mechs and Dropships and settings with a similar feeling to it. I never really played more than a few missions of the game though. From time to time afterwards I wanted to get into the setting, but didn't find a starting point and was very intimidated by the vast and long running lore. Then during lockdown, through a combination of HBS Battletech and Tex Talks Battletech I finally found an entry point and started diving into it head first, playing the latest video games, reading novels and most recently painting mechs. Also my first mini-painting-experience whatsoever and It's huge fun.

[@MechanicalFrog]

What a cool story. I've heard similar tales where the seed was planted long ago, and only over time the stars aligned to grow into a solid and worthwhile hobby. Thank you for sharing it!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Great vid, thanks for sharing your Battletech backround!

[@squidcultist0022]

I just got into it like a week ago coming from 40k, for me its the low cost and easy entry (especially compared to 40k) the grounded setting, ruleset thats flexible but applies to all factions so theres not really powercreep. A whole lance costs like 20$ when one 40k mini can be twice that. And of course, BIG STOMPY ROBOTS.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior. If you have questions, feel free to respond here.

[@1987MartinT]

A rare case where fearmongering led to something positive. It's a shame that your parents wouldn't let you play Dungeons & Dragons, but it's awesome that you got to play Battletech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Things have a way of working out. However, I do want to play D&D some day.

[@1987MartinT]

@@MechanicalFrog I can totally recommend it. Just make sure you find a good group. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people who have given up on D&D after trying it once, due to playing with bad groups.

[@KyleBroxonJames]

As a kid in the 90's I remember playing the collectible card game. I never even knew there was a tabletop game!

[@MechanicalFrog]

The card game was fun! I still have a paper bag full of cards just in case it comes back...

[@JERRYR708]

Filling in the bubbles and hope to ace the test.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's all we can do.

[@peterhessedal8539]

Though I haven't really gotten to play the board game in several decades, battletech is still my "happy place." If I am trying to fall asleep and letting too much work stuff take over my brain, I just try to move my thoughts to a scenario where I am trying to take out a planetary militia in a small city with only a medium lance.

[@MechanicalFrog]

When people say happy place, I cannot help but imagine the scene from Happy Gilmore...

[@frocat5163]

I'm not sure I should watch a Dirty Bird's video on BattleTech... ;-) I got into BT with the 3rd edition boxed set re-release and the 2nd edition CityTech boxed set. Most of my friends were getting into 40k at the time, so no one had a lot of cash to spend on 'mechs. We still played it fairly regularly, always using the construction rules to build the most amazing 'mechs we could. One of my favorites was a Timber Wolf variant with a Gauss Rifle in each arm. I tweaked that thing for hours until it was impossible for me to ever have extra heat to bleed off while still being able to do a ridiculous amount of damage. My friends _hated_ that 'mech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Gauss Rifles were a great way to ruin someone's plans...

[@shaunhall960]

The Marauder is my favorite miniature, legal or not. ;)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Harmony Gold can go fly a kite.

[@vulturesuc4]

Enjoyed your vid :)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you!

[@archerbascha8757]

I really hope they bring back aerotech back in this new battletech generation. It was overlooked for a while now.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That would be really cool.

[@helmsscotta]

In the early 1990's, I one-shotted another player at maximum range with a Gauss rifle. Head. Crit. Dead. I will never do better than that. There is no point in continuing to play.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Peak Battletech

[@valruhn9213]

Great Video

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@xenofett7008]

I haven't played Battletech since the mid 90s. I enjoyed the gameplay but wasn't crazy about the blocky American mech designs. Recently I thought back on the game sessions with old friends and looked up Battletech only to be pleasantly surprised at the greatly improved mech redesigns by Cataylst Game Labs. Needless to say I'm hooked on Battletech now.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's great to hear. I'm a fan of both the classic Ral Partha mechs as well as the re-imagining that Catalyst has been undertaking.

[@colbyboucher6391]

Funny thing is the very first art in Battledroids was actually pretty good, but only because it was the same artist that worked on Macross and Robotech, when they lost that things got pretty oof

[@JohnDoe-oh7gf]

I'm making my pilgrimage rewatching vids of the "MechFrog" which I've seen but did not bother to login to leave a like. (I do hate the google machine xD ) . But good content deserves some attention. The art, the mechs, the redesigned art and mechs. Big stompy robots and not that "peacock-bs mecha on skates". How I wish we had a good ammount of animation in this style. Don't get me wrong there is sometimes good mecha anime but japan style is not the way. Cheers

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a little cringe for me to look back at the old stuff as the production value has gone up so much in the past year. I appreciate your dedication though. ;D

[@JohnDoe-oh7gf]

Its also a very great way to look how you improved. Like looking at a mini you first painted

[@fredlandry6170]

Because the universe of Battletech is so freakin awesome!

[@VelcroSnake93]

Say what you will about Far Country, but it's one of the relatively few BTech novels I can think back on and actually remember specific things from. A lot of the other ones just kinda blend together and aren't super memorable.

[@MechanicalFrog]

*bird noises*

[@rigmerkrel8339]

I still have my original battletech from 1982.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Keep it. Much treasure!

[@johnwalton287]

Trying and failing to get my friends into this game. 40k die hards won’t budge and sadly don’t realise they are missing out on a superior game with much more stable rules and more in-depth strategies

[@MechanicalFrog]

Maybe showing them some really atrocious battletech fan art will help?

[@johnwalton287]

@@MechanicalFrog it can’t hurt at this point!

[@michaelallen3894]

Who doesn't love giant stompy robots blowing up stuff? 😂

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't.

[@harvestblades]

Thanks for sharing your history with this amazing universe. Now you mentioned getting into itbin your early teens & I know you have some mech-tadpoles at home so my question is this....How are or have you introduced your kiddos or other kids to the OG BT? I know kids develop at different rates especially when it comes to reading comprehension. I know CGL has the quicksand ruleset out & while it seems overly simplistic & loses some great parts of the game like heat & torso twist would you recommend that quick start & maybe making some house rules to make it appropriate to my kids and their friends or woukd Alpha Strike be a better option? I have a ten year old son that loves the MW franchise & played around with my old Heroclix units so he is chomping at the bit as I just received the Armored Combat box & of course I couldn't not get CI!

[@MechanicalFrog]

My 8 y/o either likes playing Alphastrike or a very small 1v1 or 2v2 with the classic rule set as he will get burnt out by the end of it.

[@harvestblades]

With my ten year old that's the same as we often don't get started until after the bjj. Still after 5 months since my comment we are still going strong with this hobby. We have picked up AS which is great for doing more simplified larger battle & my son who just turned 11 two days ago is really wanting to start painting which for me the picking colors here's & actually painting cause me more stress & anxiety then about anything else. Also I gave him the Atlas from AS as his first mech and the way his face lit up was awesome. He has some other mechs, but wanted that first one to really be something he cherishes & always remembers. I also just had a friend reach out to me tonight that lives out of town asking what a mech is after seeing my fb posts of us playing & hearing his son use the term mech. Well I had a chance to explain the term & how I use it pointing them to this hobby, this video & channel It's always a great feeling when we can share something we are passionate about especially when it is something parent & child can bond over & I hope they find that.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

I really like the fact that 'Mechs are rarer than people think. (They're also overrated.) I've been playing a combined-arms force without them. This has some players complaining, unfortunately. ("BattleMechs are supposed to be the focus!" -as if Star Wars is just lightsabers.) I'm pleased to say I've been doing well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Combined arms can sure throw a wrench into plans if your opponent is expecting the same ol' mechs.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

@@MechanicalFrog Absolutely. Tallying the cost, infantry can put more firepower on the table for less expense.

[@Wildcat144]

Hey, just started watching you, and love how you're gaining popularity. Though, from one Battletech content creator to another, I emplore a single piece of advice. Keep politics away from your hobby. Sadly seen two other such Battletech content creators fall into that, and it saddens me. Keep the great work, I'm loving the weapons videos and love how it is portrayed. No Guts, no Galaxy, mechwarrior.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you for the encouragement. My days dabbling in politics are long behind me and I have the scars to prove it. I'm just here to talk mechs.

[@Wildcat144]

@Mechanical Frog you will travel far, my friend. If you ever need art, give me a shout. I've done work for Tex Talks, Baldermort and a few others. The more Battletech content the better!

[@papaversomniferum5247]

One of the greatest tabletop games, IMO and many others it’s better gameplay and smoother playability compared to the giant “Warhammer” lol before I started playing I found that statement to be hard to believe, but straight up battletech is more enjoyable than warhammer, you take turns are the same time pretty much, instead of alternating, and while it seems easy, the steps are quit thorough and well thought out, which should be said about a game decades old!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Agree!

[@dreammirrorbrony1240]

Headshots

[@tiagodagostini]

The only thing I dislike in BT is that the rules are a bit outdated, based on a time where competitive play was not envisioned. The 2 dice system and modifiers result in very predictable and stiff patterns of movement (since a +1 is a HUGE difference on a roll)

[@Anderson_101]

I was going to do it, but I’m going to ask first, may I share a (long) Mechwarrior epic story with you?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Go for it. 😀

[@jessicashtebs831]

Kill the meat. Spare the metal. Welcome to Battletech, where life is cheap, and heat levels are life.

[@MechanicalFrog]

And always blow off the Panther's right arm.

[@jessicashtebs831]

@@MechanicalFrog And the Griffin's right side.

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@jessicashtebs831 Amen.

[@JewishFrog]

Don't look for frogs. 🐸

[@MechanicalFrog]

O_o

[@Kilian2]

Great video! Where are the miniatures @4:56 from? They look amazing.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Those are from Wave 1 of the recent Clan Invasion Kickstarter

[@gruberjens4354]

If my gf ever finds out how much I spend on the clan invasion kickstarter I am not only dead... I'm super dead XD

[@MechanicalFrog]

My 2nd wave box should arrive today. I don't remember what is in it. Should be fun.

[@Shadowbusa117]

Battletech is best. Battletech is number 1 in all of Kazakhstan.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Very nice...

[@Shadowbusa117]

​@Mechanical Frog lmao, but yeah I love this game. I feel the damn passion the creators put into it when I play with my group. I grew up playing mech assault and mech warrior but I genuinely never knew about miniature war games at the time. This tabletop game has become an important part of my life because I get to experience my nostalgic childhood in one of the best ways possible. Is best!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@Shadowbusa117 That's so cool to hear. I love it.

[@radec1744]

Hi i am looking to get into either battletech dropzone commander or CAV but i am not sure which one to pursue could you give me some reasons why you might suggest battletech over something like dropzone commander?

[@MechanicalFrog]

I don't know much about the other games, but with Battletech you know there is going to be a community that is intensely passionate and will keep the game alive through thick and thin. The rulesets (Classic and Alphastrike) just work and you don't have to worry about updates that mess up armies or require purchasing new manuals every year.

[@demcrusher7086]

Thinking of getting into Battletech. Is it similar to Reapers C.A.V?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Looks like the same scale, but I haven't played C.A.V. so I couldn't speak on gameplay similarities.

[@demcrusher7086]

@@MechanicalFrog thank you brother

[@richilkhanmcguthrie7674]

i can tell u played as long as i have maybe lololol

[@kassar7146]

It's ok. Great is a bit much imo.

[@MechanicalFrog]

*gasp*

[@DarkDragonRus]

They tell you that bravest people fight inside of their mechs but it is a lie. Bravest people don't have a mechs but still fight.

[@Marauder1981]

Although BT gave me joy for decades I have to say it´s a bad game. It´s way to cumbersome and complex. It would work great as a computer game but managing all those sheets and number columns just ate too much time. No one wants to play it anymore since people tend to have less time nowadays. Unfortunately the BAttletech PC Game is a horribly dumbed down version of Classic Battletech. The best version is stil Megamek but yeah.... Then there is the trouble with Harmony Gold and the splintered brand itself. I often thought about building my own brand, make Tabula Rasa and start a totally new Battletech brand. But unfortunately I lack the money to start a company.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It definitely reflects a time when gameplay could occur at a slower pace. I will concede that.

[@tarron3237]

Stompy robots. Nuff said

[@FoxyPercival714]

Is battletech the same as mechwarrior?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Mechwarrior generally refers to the video game series that is set within the Battletech universe. There is also an RPG game similar to D&D that uses the Mechwarrior name.

[@keeganpenney169]

Battletech > 40k