GMG Reviews - Battletech: Alpha Strike 2-Player Starter by Catalyst Games Lab
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- It's just about here! The new 2-Player starter set for CGL's mass-combat version of the 1985 classic mech-duel game Battletech sets the game around the return of the Clans in 3050, with the Jade Falcons taking on the Northwind Highlanders in a temperate city-scape. Let's check out the box!
Big thanks to Catalyst for the complimentary advance copy of the Box to review.
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So this box is actually set in 3151, and the short story is going to give us one of our first glimpses of the fate of the Jade Falcons after the events of the novel Hour of the Wolf and the ilClan sourcebook. I'm as excited for the story as I am for the minis, the cardboard terrain, the counters, the support cards... OK, the whole box...
That's interesting, since some of the mechs are weird for that era. By 3151, no one owns Warhawks anymore except the Scorpion Empire, and they don't sell them. The majority of that model were destroyed during the War of Reaving/Jihad, and so were their factories.
Whoever is piloting it is using a one of a kind relic, maybe even from the Invasion era.
@@joshuaturnquist5538 Might as well take place in 4176, people Still just want mechs to play Clan Invasion and SW with.
Also a short civil war 3152 regarding the ultimate blend of Clan and Inner Sphere societies of Rasalhague Dominion ( Rasalhague IS + Clan Ghost ) Bear. It was regarding to Join or not Clan Wolfs ilClan? Alaric as the leading lord of the 3rd Star League. Clan Wolf won over Jade Falcon in the bid to rule.
Are all mech cards the same era? Can I mix the alphastrike cards from lanceboxes, starter sets and so on or are they different eras?
@@DrTransDickables Most of then are written vaguely enough that they can fit into many eras, but outside of a handful referencing pre-existing fiction they're original characters so you're not breaking canon by using them against each other.
I've recently joined the pilot card writing team, my work will be in one of the forcepacks out later this year. Most of the pilots in that set were written with the ilClan era in mind but only a couple explicitly reference events in it, one is explicitly in the Civil War and one is a character from Jihad fiction.
alpha Strike has been the best skirmish game I've played, as someone who's only been wargaming a few years. so awesome to see a new starter set, because this game is absolutely amazing.
Sure he got a few lore things wrong, but I think it is nice to have a non-battletech expert review it. Really communicates how the average tabletop player or new to Battletech player will perceive it.
After being in the hobby for a decades now, I just got into Battletech a couple months ago (Alpha Strike in particular) after playing the video games for years and it has been an absolute blast. It's a super fun game that plays pretty quickly, with tons of options, deep and interesting lore, and a fantastic community.
I preordered one of this box a few weeks ago and it looks to be a great product and awesome way for new players to get into the game. Being able to get everything you need to play (FOR TWO PLAYERS! including terrain!) for 80 USD at full retail is an absolute steal. Compile that with all the unit stats free on Master Unit List if you want a different variant, or a lower skill pilot, and boxes of 4-6 mechs being 20-30 dollars, this game is super affordable and easy to get into for new players.
Where did you preorder it from?
@@spoilerwarning28 Atomic Empire’s website. They tend to put preorders on stuff pretty early, and I always have had good luck with them/good service.
Only thing missing a ruler or measuring tape of some sort. They did a good job with this box. Looking forward to adding this one.
Jay vs Ash Battletech games (both classic and Alpha Strike) are so much fun. This boxed set is very tempting; thanks for this solid review.
Plastic minis pair so much better with card terrain than hefty metal ones.
Totally agree that the cardboard box itself is great for all of these BT sets. They're just deep enough to stand up your mechs inside. Find yourself some pluck foam, and you've got a pretty nice transport/storage case. 👍👍
Considering how much their stuff is, Catalyst really gives you your monies worth of stuff in their boxes
I am impressed by the contents of this box. I am very tempted to get it, and use the terrain with Aeronautica Imperialis and vice versa.
Been wanting to indulge in some mechwarrior 3 nostalgia since I got back into miniatures, this might be the push I needed. I love those cardboard buildings.
An excellent review! Catalyst, listen to this man. Print more.
Can't wait for this to hit store shelves. I already have Commanders edition rule book but there is just so much in this starter set that makes it worth buying.
Love this starter, got it on pre-order. I'd really like to see more Alpha Strike games that use scenarios, maybe involve movement and tactics. I used Middle Earth SBG scenarios to create some new Alpha Strike ones, at least in rough draft form, but it'd be neat to see somebody who does games for a living try their hand at more advanced scenarios for this game. Something more than just shooting at each other, maybe a little running.
Where were you able to pre-order it?
This is so awesome. My whole game group is waiting for this
Alpha Strike baby! Looking forward to grabbing this box when it hits the shelves. Thanks for the preview.
I have the classic starter, but the extra goodies like the terrain sold me. Plus I don't have Alpha Strike yet.
This looks good. Been playing mechwarrior 5, will pick this up to give the tabletop version a go.
Definitely getting this box at some point in the near future. Just learned that a new flgs has battletech on Tuesdays so going to check it out.
Good gawd I'm dying for this box. What a great spread of mechs! All except you, Timber Wolf...
I mean putting the Mad Cat and Atlas in the starter is a no brainer… they’re the iconic silhouettes of the IP. :)
would love to see going to the classic underdogs for that box set, I know I will, Clan Ghost Bear and Free Rasalhague Republic.
Great review. Looks like a great starting point for new players. As well as a good addition for veterans.
I've done the expanding foam trick on some FDM 3D prints that I was worried were a little too flimsy before. Worked well, just got to be careful not to over do it or else it could expand so much that it could bow the walls or, as in this case, potentially pop open the connection points.
factoid. When you buy a box of plastic mechs for BattleTech, they always come with the Alpha Strike cards. That is because you are actually buying the cards, and the Mechs are "tokens" that come packaged with them. Why? Because IronWind Metals has the contract to make the miniatures for BattleTech, but that doesn't mean you cannot include plastic "tokens" bundled with Alpha Strike cards.
And here you thought you were buying the mechs.
I don't mind. I love Alpha Strike, so I love having them. I also play with the optional rule for rolling to-hit for every single point of damage (this triples the critical hit odds, which I like), and I play on hex maps by cutting movement rates and ranges in half.
Love Alpha Strike. Never going back to classic BT. Still gonna get this box though.
Amazing box, can't wait to get one over here in Germany.
Almost a perfect beginners box! 1 map missing, and will be perfect. Absolutly worth it.
So far all of my personal catalyst reviews are coming up the same: great box set with a lot of bang for the buck, and very high quality print and minis begging to be painted.
I'm really impressed with BattleTech's rebirth under Catalyst so far. This box too.
One of the pledge levels for Return of the Clans was to be mentioned in a book or whatever. Of course they have too many people that got that level, so it will take them years to use all the names.
Just remember; when I'm the one playing the Clans, the Clans ARE the 'good guys'!
You should paint them Smoke Jaguar, the ultimate good guys 😆
Damn it, Ash, now I have to put this on my Christmas list :)
Man Vor the Maelstrom was so good, miss that game, definitely looking forward to this box set though.
Been waiting for this. Great video.
Wow, this boxset looks awesome. I'm definitely picking this up. Was looking for a neat way to get into Alpha Strike. Battletech was my first wargame ('88) but prefer the Alpha Strike approach to the setting.
It is nice when they give us everything we need to get started in a nicely presented and packaged box, quiaff?
I just picked up the Essentials box from my local Target today. Up until now I had little interest in BattleTech. After getting the essentials and opening the box and seeing everything, the Alpha Strike box is definitely on my short list. I'm impressed by the quality of everything including the box itself!
Great video man thanks
I don't have any interest in mech games but a great video and what's classy product. Really hope it lands well.
I recently snagged my box from the local game store. It’s so cool!
such an easy day 1 purchase
They make great starter sets
Not only is this a great value for the Alpha Strike player to start, but it's a fine addition to the overall addiction that the Total Warfare player has. The "Core Battletech" as said in the video uses the same minis. The only thing different is the record sheet versus card and maybe it is on hex base if that's what you like.
Still for the price given, you get Clan forces, Inner Sphere rides, buildings that might fit on hex maps and terrain pieces. Which all mesh well with the other boxed sets in the game's library. Solid deals all around.
I had skipped all these BattleTech vids and now I'm interested...
Ahh, Northwind Highlanders, my first Inner Sphere love. Gotta get this box at some point, even if I can't find anyone to play with as has been the problem in the past.
excellent review, your making me take it up again after 25 years
🤪
No battlemat, not that it's a deal breaker at all especially with those buildings! But a brand new person to this would may want something to play on.
Yeah, that almost seems like an oversight. They give you a bunch of everything EXCEPT something nice to play it on.
I have now watched two reviews for this box set and in both they have commented on how they like new poses on the mechs, including (at least some of) the Warhammer, Timberwolf, Phoenix Hawk, and Nova, despite those four being reused models from earlier product.
As impressed as I've been with all the BattleTech boxes this is BY FAR the best one so far!
Anybody trying to decided where to start should definitely start here.
Well...I just got an AWESOME suggestion in my DMs for what Clan to paint my mechs as...can't wait to simultaneously; surprise, delight, and anger everyone 😃
RIP Vor. Wish it had been revived.
Saturday arts and crafts with Ash 😂. I hope I’ll be able to pick up a copy, we don’t usually get enough for all here in my neck of the woods.
I don’t have the heart to tell some one how they should hobby but I could be cool to show off some of the clans and sphere forces who get less of the spotlight, we’ve got wolfs and falcons everywhere and com-star and davions also make a lot of appearences. Looking forward to seeing this stuff on the table.
For factions I say Clan Wolf and Free Rasalhague Republic.
For some reason all the things i get for BT right now seems to contain a Archer for some reason... I got one with the one of the boxes for the kickstarter... there was one in the Dragoons box(that ofc got painted up like Jamies) and now there is going to be one here... One more and i got a full lance of archers...
lore grognard here, Jezebel Youngblood is a not a real backer, but rather the fictional daughter of Jason Youngblood, the character you play it the Crescent Hawks video games from '88 and '90
It would have been hilarious if some Battletech fan had named their daughter Jezebel Youngblood; and then she had gone on to by a top-tier kickstarter backer.
**sees Atlas**
"Looks like a support lance almost, maybe a recon lance"
A House Steiner loyalist, I see
Ah man, I had a Neo-Soviet force for Vor: Into the Mealstorm, can you do a video about it? I have fond memories of that game
Shard and Union, friend had the Zhykee
The Warrior cards are based on the Prior Kickstarter supporter for Clan Invasion.
What faction do i wanna see you play? Northwind Highlander. Scots in Spaaaaaaace!
I would love see you try Dropzone Commander and compare the two games to see which is better.
They're pretty different games but I'm pretty interested in DC, I've only ever used the terrain they've produced and not the game itself
I think it's cute that you think anyone in battletech is the good guys. That being said, FedSuns for life.
As someome interested in BT this def is what im looking for downside is i have no idea how hard it is to play as i always here mixed things on BTs rules
Alpha Strike is very straightforward. If you can play other TT games, Alpha Strike is no biggie.
Classic BattleTech (CBT) is a bit chunkier but once you get the hang of it (read: memorize the range modifiers and hit location tables) it runs faster. Frankly, the sheets look scarier than they are. There are free downloads on Catalyst's website that have pre-filled sheets for the mechs in the boxes so you can print and play without mucking about too much. It does require you force build before the game though (not unlike Sigmar/40k tbh) so it can be a bit much to quickly slap out some minis and play CBT compared to AS
Paint up the Inner Sphere as Free Rasalhague and the Clan as Ghost Bear - something a bit different.
That's what I have been doing with my pre-Alpha Strike models!
you could prob modge podge matte the buildings to protect them and dull the shine
I see some custom tokens coming in the future ;-)
Maybe do some Operation Bulldog SLDF 2 stuff
“I love locusts”
That’s fine but you need to supplement your diet with raw vegetables.
It's the kind of game that I would play, I just hate essentially every single mech design. Would probably proxy in something from Dropzone or the like
Go Merc heh.
Better to get this or the clan invasion expansion that includes alpha strike cards?
No game mat in this one? Considering the terrain, that looks a little weird of a choice.
Have they changed the Alpha Strike rules at all since it was launched? I remember seeing people complaining that it was too simplified and that it lacked replay-ability. That said, it definitely looks intriguing.
Not that I know of, but caveat emptor people who love the simulation crunch of CBT are definitely not the target market for Alpha Strike so your mileage may vary. :)
The commanders edition makes alpha strike pretty good in my opinion. Lots of options including many different things like environmental conditions for example. If you like mini games where you have a more open field of combat like Warhammer or Warmachine then Alpha strike i is the BT equivalent. If that's an interest for you then the CE book will give you a lot of mileage and replayability.
With what I said in mind this box is an alpha strike intro box. Mileage will be limited on its own, but the book plus the box will be enough for most people altogether. More mechs or 3d terrain like the stuff from steel warrior studios or others will just be perks and add ons.
@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames I have played classic Battletech and know how crunchy it can be, lol. Would this be a good to introduce someone into skirmish wargaming then? Been looking for a simpler ruleset to play with my son.
Must...have...box
✌✌✌✌
hehehe! I am such a grognard, all the stuff he gets wrong about the mechs I am commenting out loud.
How bad is that Warhammer? 3 dmg for 2 PPCs seems kinda bad damage wise. Ofc, the Warhawk's 4 CERPPC is only 5 so idk.....maybe its just the new damage model feels kinda odd to me.
Then how does that game do health? 70t mech with 5 pips of health? Seems insanely weak honestly.
I can't find this box set anywhere. Can someone point me to someone who sells them in the USA?
It comes out later this fall.
Strangely, we pay this box about 80CAN, so around 60USD before taxes.
It’s tagged $79.99 USD on the back 🤷♂️
@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames $80 seems very reasonable considering the contents, more minis than the other boxes, and inflation.
@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames What I am saying is even if it is "made in USA" (well china but designed by an american company), for some reason, it is cheaper in Canada than it is in the USA. you retail price is 80USD, our retail price is 80CAD.
Do you have Alpha Strike how to play vid
Here you go! As close as I’ve got! Let's Play! - Battletech: Alpha Strike (2022) by Catalyst Game Labs - PART 2
th-cam.com/video/pWm2HvhJ4js/w-d-xo.html
@@GuerrillaMiniatureGames thanks!
Love battletech, starterset looks great, but ever since the Blaine Pardoe fiasco I can't in good conscience support em. Feels bad man.
Blaine is a scumbag, good riddance stay out of the fandom