I played Battletech in its heyday, since 1987--I was 7!--and I feel like Battletech has gone another direction. I haven't actually played since 2003, and I really just miss the old Succession War days, the classic mechs, overheating when you fire a small laser, etc. It was all about strategy vs. firepower.
If anyone wants to see what a real Truebirth/Freebirth would be like, then I reccomend that you watch "Soldier" with Kurt Russel - it portrays the balance perfectly between trues and frees (and is also a pretty damned awesome movie)
Weirdly enough the final battle is a lot like Tukayyid - unconventional tactics from a less well equipped force surprising the hell out of the enemy that has every advantage. The only thing missing is more soldiers on Kurt Russel’s side.
I think it's a great concept but the 90s, man. I wasn't really into Pacific Rim, but I think a Battletech movie or TV show could do really well if they paid deference to the source material.
They tried, but they realized they couldn't possibly work the scope of the setting and the shades of grey in the different factions into a 13-episode season.
It was a Summoner/Thor. Said so on the toy's box. Two things that speak volumes to the quality of the series is how much they changed the Summoner's animation model from how it should look, and the fact they made the Hunchback IIC a common mech of the Falcon frontline forces...
@octoslut Magnetic tethers are essentially muscle wire bundles (like the same stuff that allows mechs to move) that allow a mech to operate in Lo-G environments. If they ever float off, they put energy to the tether, and snap back to the surface they're attached. As for jump jets, they require time to build up reaction mass. Mech dont use fuel at all (except low tech versions). They can jump for as long as needed, but only until the reaction runs out.
Where in gods name did you find these old battletech episodes? i thought they had disappeared from the face of the planet. YOu must tell me! I love this old cartoon!
I just read that last night. Hopefully he can turn it around. I've never read any books past 3067 tech, and I would really like to see what they do with gameplay and storylines becoming more interesting...Other than WOB taking Terra or the Republic of the Sphere Dark Age. Maybe that's where they are going with the HPG cutoff; It will probably end up with 5th Succession War and loss of major tech--right where we started in the early 31st century. I liked that storyline a whole lot better.
I can't believe I never noticed Ciro isn't standing with the cast in the opening titles. That should have hinted his character was going to get killed or change sides....
Not the best audio quality, but I can make due. Thanks for uploading this series! I like how the show makes a point of saying the protagonists basically cannot beat the Clans in a straight up Mech fight. Even when they came up with a pretty decent strategy, the tech gap simply brought the clans over it. The protagonists only got away by shear luck. It's far better than a show where they barrel through easily.
Well, not "back" back, but I recently saw an article in which the original founder of Fasa has recently purchased the rights once again. As for the Battletech movie, I've heard about it, and seen articles, but I've no idea as to the progress of it. No, I'm not kidding about the lava cannon. There were some other real departures from canonical BT, but that was the one that most stood out (the mech that used it had an energy shield, too.)
The Hunchback IIC was actually used for garrison units--and not popular due to its very limited ammunition for its twin Ultra AC20s (5 shots) The Inner Sphere Hunchback was unpopular due to its light armament, limited maneuverability, sole reliance on medium lasers and the one short range AC 20.
I should mention that the "Mechwarrior" games are based on the boardgame "Battletech". "Battletech" released in the early-to-mid eighties, and continued until the death of FASA in 2000, after which Wizkids picked it up. Sadly, it hasn't regained the popularity it once had.
Case in point. I like some of the Project Phoenix re-dos, since we're discussing old designs that have been revamped. Project Phoenix really had some merit. Sadly, though, I think timing will probably condemn that entire tech readout to some obscure, cobweb-filled part of Battletech history.
@Bluecho4 Add to that, even when massive reinforcements show up, its pretty likely this would have been a turkey shoot for the clanners. The only thing that saved them here was Clan military protocol
I remeber when this series came too childrens channel wich I recorded on VHS(wich was worthless to begin with) The series was really good but sadly never seemed to survive past season one! Anyone know how to get them on DVD?
This was one of the major goofs of the series: The mechs take alot to overheat, and overheating does not equal explosion. However, if they redid the series right now, it'd be fucking awesome.
@robspartan117 zell is still in effect if the IS retreat, the only record of zell not being in effect and as such, no code of honour would be during huntress :)
majority of the mech the inner sphere guys are useing are wolfhound (zero) Ax-man (Adam Steiner) and either centurions or clints and that vet is in the mauler.
@iHateSpoilerz Not exactly. My brothers and I did a test on this a long time ago, Clan Mech vs IS Mechs. Clan Mechs can pretty much take on any IS equivalent Mech, and any up to 20-25 tons heavier than itself. The Mauler, like the Vulture/Mad Dog, is a long range unit. However, the V/MD packs pulse lasers for close range. It's also far faster than the Mauler, which makes it harder to hit. Verdict, They'd be about toe-to-to with each other, but my money would be on the V/MD.
the only 'Mech I could not identify in my childhood 9and still cannot to this day) is Malthus' 'Mech. Something like a cross between a Summoner, a Hellbringer anD a warHawk...
@xxMachineGunKellyxx I like how those CJF mechs jump down when the dropships are descending. I'd be laughing out loud if they busted their actuators from that. *CRUNCH* "whoops, that was dumb!"
@Siolfor80 Oh,ok. The My Mauler weapon configuration was in Mechwarrior4. Stuffing Clan/ER weapons in your mech allows you to own other Clan mechs. Figures,lol
Actually read the tech manuals...there were many mechs designed after the original designs...Phoenix IIC, Griffin IIC, Atlas IIC, Marauder IIC, Jenner IIC, Shadow Hawk IIC, Locust IIC, etc...These were all manufactured before the creation of the Omnimech by the clans. These types of creations were actually the precursor to the actual Omnimech chassis.
I think that they should of started in the series in the beginning. So the people who do not know Battletech know what it is all about. I have just started reading the books and they are wonderful. BTW- I used to play battletech and if I read the books before hand, it would of made a lot of sense then. labelashavoc (:~>?=
It should be noted that the original founder of FASA and his new company now have the rights to Mechwarrior and other FASA interactive titles again. This happend recently (december 6th) and if you do a search you can read all about it.
I have to agree with the Doctor on that: Aidan Pryde is given god-like luck, and so many of the fight scenes defy anything resembling normal gameplay (by that I mean the *original* board game, not the Mechwarrior PC games). I enjoyed The Jade Phoenix trilogy at age 15, when I didn't know what good reading was. Seriously, Michael Stackpole and Robert Keith Jr. are both much better authors, in my opinion. They also contributed MUCH more to the development of the Battletech universe.
@Significantpower Mechs can operate in spaces, just need jump jets or magnetic tethers (both mentioned in the books). The clans in the series didnt act like mercs, they always go to a planet and ask, "With what will you defend yourselves?" How the IS planet leaders respond is up to them. If the more illegal groups saw an advantage (since the clans operate on a caste), the illegal groups could get away with what they want.
@SwordlordRoy Super late comment (sorry about that) but this cartoon was known for basically throwing the canon to the winds. Battlemechs in space, Clanners acting like mercs, you name it.
This new company is Smith & Tinker, I believe. Seems to be out to develop gaming on teh internets instead of the "old fashioned" tabletop pnp stuff. I always loved the rich universes on those FASA IPs. Should be interesting.
@iHateSpoilerz Yeah, that tends to make a HUGE difference. Given this fight takes place before the Inner Sphere got it's hands on enough CLan Tech to tip the balance, the Vulture/Mad Dog was a beast of a machine. The Timberwolf/Mad Cat even moreso.
Why couldn't the Hunchback have been developed until after the crusade? The Hunchback had been around *before* the Exodus, neh? If that's the case (and it's possible that I've gotten the dates wrong), then there's no reason it couldn't have come about before the invasion. The real question is, why was it serving with front-line mechs?
@SwordlordRoy The Falcons were always notable for their lack of adherence to Clan ideals when fighting "lesser" warriors. It's only a minor breach if your opponent can barely be considered a warrior at all, quiaff?
@SasNolan True, their animation studio was definitely higher-grade, but I always hated how everyone had the back of their head shaved. Then there's the little story of how Playmates (maker of Exosquad toys) blatantly ripped off the Madcat/Timberwolf design for a "Heavy Assault E-Frame". There are toy catalog pictures of it out there online. Thankfully, they were sued before they could get away with it.
@TheFrostedLlama My favorite is actually an AC/20 combined with a gauss rifle... its like bringing a grenade launcher to the gunfight at the OK corral...
If I remember correctly, in a 1:1 mech fight, clanners will usually win, but it's not really how the show has it where they can't even get one. Didn't the IS win only because of other things, like that they have more troops, they used better combined arms forces, and homefield advantage?
they should Remake the series too bad they made no second season left the end of the season takes back Somerset but the population was taken by the clan
I just noticed that, the clanners launched mad dogs(vultures), Mad Cats, and I don't know the clan names but around 16:55 there are two damn-ugly Lokis fighting captain beard.
Of course I come look in the comments and as usual I spot a couple IS/Clan supporters upset. It doesn't matter in the end whether Clan has better tech or not, both have solid mechs and all that matters is the pilot's skill in the end. I love both Clan and IS but yes I favored Clan more thanks to the iconic Timber Wolf/Mad Cat. Honestly if it wasn't for Mechwarrior 2 I wouldn't of gotten into battletech to begin with, or at least not as early as I did.
"we need to soften them up from range"
"we need to close up that gap"
old stiener is a tact god
I played Battletech in its heyday, since 1987--I was 7!--and I feel like Battletech has gone another direction. I haven't actually played since 2003, and I really just miss the old Succession War days, the classic mechs, overheating when you fire a small laser, etc. It was all about strategy vs. firepower.
Reading the Blood of Kerensky brought me here. All 3 books were in a charity shop so I picked them up on a whim. (And enjoying them too!)
this a great series, i saw it when i was a kid in spanish and now is helping me to improve my english, life is quite funny
good thing the hunchback mrk II didn't open up with his auto cannons
If anyone wants to see what a real Truebirth/Freebirth would be like, then I reccomend that you watch "Soldier" with Kurt Russel - it portrays the balance perfectly between trues and frees (and is also a pretty damned awesome movie)
Weirdly enough the final battle is a lot like Tukayyid - unconventional tactics from a less well equipped force surprising the hell out of the enemy that has every advantage. The only thing missing is more soldiers on Kurt Russel’s side.
"I know a lot of things, Dr. Nakamura."
Man, that Martinez is slick.
THEY ATTACKED MY HOME PLANET!
PGI, NERF CLANS AGAIN!
+Denchie Dean BAHAHA!1!! X'D I just laughed so hard I cried!
They made one mistake: They attacked MY HOME PLANET.
Yeah, the Clan's only mistake. Not underestimating ComStar or them get easily conned into invading Tukayyid or anything.
it's hilarious listening to all the mechanical sounds, plus I love the old pinball startup sound they use every once in a while for the axeman hahaha
fun fact, most of these sound effects is used in modern shows and movies atm, and also the game MW: O
Haha yeah i know i heard te old piball startup tune in there
I think it's a great concept but the 90s, man. I wasn't really into Pacific Rim, but I think a Battletech movie or TV show could do really well if they paid deference to the source material.
They tried, but they realized they couldn't possibly work the scope of the setting and the shades of grey in the different factions into a 13-episode season.
Oh man this used to come on just after or two shows after War Planets, one of the shows that fit my highlight Sunday mornings on UPN.
Whoa, those are some crazy jumpjets on that thing at the start.
It was a Summoner/Thor. Said so on the toy's box. Two things that speak volumes to the quality of the series is how much they changed the Summoner's animation model from how it should look, and the fact they made the Hunchback IIC a common mech of the Falcon frontline forces...
RiskoVinsheen Salvage?
Hehe, that fghter craft is using the Speeder bike sound xD
Ashame I never watched this show back then.
I started playing battletech tabletop in ´92....
My favourite ´Mech was a Kodiak........armed with 24 AK2/Ultras XD
Ak2s?
"Why do people hang out on this Kerensky Forsaken Rock?"
Wait, did Adam and his Strikers take the fallen Mad Cat as salvage? Guess I'll find out next episode!
@octoslut Magnetic tethers are essentially muscle wire bundles (like the same stuff that allows mechs to move) that allow a mech to operate in Lo-G environments. If they ever float off, they put energy to the tether, and snap back to the surface they're attached. As for jump jets, they require time to build up reaction mass. Mech dont use fuel at all (except low tech versions). They can jump for as long as needed, but only until the reaction runs out.
Where in gods name did you find these old battletech episodes? i thought they had disappeared from the face of the planet. YOu must tell me! I love this old cartoon!
I just read that last night. Hopefully he can turn it around. I've never read any books past 3067 tech, and I would really like to see what they do with gameplay and storylines becoming more interesting...Other than WOB taking Terra or the Republic of the Sphere Dark Age. Maybe that's where they are going with the HPG cutoff; It will probably end up with 5th Succession War and loss of major tech--right where we started in the early 31st century. I liked that storyline a whole lot better.
I can't believe I never noticed Ciro isn't standing with the cast in the opening titles. That should have hinted his character was going to get killed or change sides....
I think I better get a bowl of cereal.
Cool use of the speeder bike sound effect from Return of the Jedi; when the aerofighter swoops over the Clan mechs at 09:00.
summoners and timberwolves are my favorite mechs, the right weapony combos with speed and armor.
Not the best audio quality, but I can make due. Thanks for uploading this series!
I like how the show makes a point of saying the protagonists basically cannot beat the Clans in a straight up Mech fight. Even when they came up with a pretty decent strategy, the tech gap simply brought the clans over it. The protagonists only got away by shear luck. It's far better than a show where they barrel through easily.
Well, not "back" back, but I recently saw an article in which the original founder of Fasa has recently purchased the rights once again.
As for the Battletech movie, I've heard about it, and seen articles, but I've no idea as to the progress of it.
No, I'm not kidding about the lava cannon. There were some other real departures from canonical BT, but that was the one that most stood out (the mech that used it had an energy shield, too.)
centurions. what I liked is that the wolfhound is a light mech and the centurion is a heavy yet they're both actually the same size!
the Aidan Pryde's story.
One of the well written set of books this side of original's Dune books.
2:00 they just don't make jump-jets like they use to. xD
The Hunchback IIC was actually used for garrison units--and not popular due to its very limited ammunition for its twin Ultra AC20s (5 shots) The Inner Sphere Hunchback was unpopular due to its light armament, limited maneuverability, sole reliance on medium lasers and the one short range AC 20.
Great episode, brings back loads of great memories!! Thanks for the uploas. Shame the audio is a bit messed up on this one tho.
If Val is an officer and Captain, then he cant get dishonorably discharged.
I should mention that the "Mechwarrior" games are based on the boardgame "Battletech".
"Battletech" released in the early-to-mid eighties, and continued until the death of FASA in 2000, after which Wizkids picked it up.
Sadly, it hasn't regained the popularity it once had.
Case in point.
I like some of the Project Phoenix re-dos, since we're discussing old designs that have been revamped. Project Phoenix really had some merit. Sadly, though, I think timing will probably condemn that entire tech readout to some obscure, cobweb-filled part of Battletech history.
@Bluecho4 Add to that, even when massive reinforcements show up, its pretty likely this would have been a turkey shoot for the clanners. The only thing that saved them here was Clan military protocol
yes that Hunchback is a second line mech but its armed with four lasers two on the arms and two in the cheast and two BIG missiles. way?
I remeber when this series came too childrens channel wich I recorded on VHS(wich was worthless to begin with) The series was really good but sadly never seemed to survive past season one!
Anyone know how to get them on DVD?
It kind of looks like one, aye, but I do not think it is, unless Malthus, along with other Clan MechWarriors was fond of customising his 'mech
Too true. Thats why my mercs always steal the very best. My arsenal is always kept chockfull of clanner weapons :)
I remenber when a was a child saw this cartoon and nown i known a game named "Mechwarriors" several models of mech in the cartoon appear in the game
I love when stiener cuts off the hunchback's arm, instead of hitting it somewhere useful.
This was one of the major goofs of the series: The mechs take alot to overheat, and overheating does not equal explosion. However, if they redid the series right now, it'd be fucking awesome.
@robspartan117 zell is still in effect if the IS retreat, the only record of zell not being in effect and as such, no code of honour would be during huntress :)
majority of the mech the inner sphere guys are useing are wolfhound (zero) Ax-man (Adam Steiner) and either centurions or clints and that vet is in the mauler.
@iHateSpoilerz Not exactly. My brothers and I did a test on this a long time ago, Clan Mech vs IS Mechs. Clan Mechs can pretty much take on any IS equivalent Mech, and any up to 20-25 tons heavier than itself. The Mauler, like the Vulture/Mad Dog, is a long range unit. However, the V/MD packs pulse lasers for close range. It's also far faster than the Mauler, which makes it harder to hit. Verdict, They'd be about toe-to-to with each other, but my money would be on the V/MD.
Is this show on DVD now?
im digging the color on the mauler lol
Well when the clans invaded in 3050 there was a 300 year tech difference between clans and the IS.
If that Mauler was equipped with 2 ER Large Lasers, 2 Gauss Rifles and LRMs, it could have easily smoked that Vulture and Hunchback II.
the only 'Mech I could not identify in my childhood 9and still cannot to this day) is Malthus' 'Mech. Something like a cross between a Summoner, a Hellbringer anD a warHawk...
they should make a new show, with mechwarrior online out it would probably be more popular.
that Mauler at the start was bullying the Elementals n_n
that sounds like such a cliche
"they made one big mistake, they attacked my home planet!!" XD
@xxMachineGunKellyxx I like how those CJF mechs jump down when the dropships are descending. I'd be laughing out loud if they busted their actuators from that.
*CRUNCH* "whoops, that was dumb!"
@Siolfor80 Oh,ok. The My Mauler weapon configuration was in Mechwarrior4. Stuffing Clan/ER weapons in your mech allows you to own other Clan mechs. Figures,lol
Actually read the tech manuals...there were many mechs designed after the original designs...Phoenix IIC, Griffin IIC, Atlas IIC, Marauder IIC, Jenner IIC, Shadow Hawk IIC, Locust IIC, etc...These were all manufactured before the creation of the Omnimech by the clans. These types of creations were actually the precursor to the actual Omnimech chassis.
Good job i like you video n_n
well, it's a Hunchback IIC; Maulers don't like getting hit with 2 AC20/Ultra.
"How do you know I didn't make copies" Always gets them.
I think that they should of started in the series in the beginning. So the people who do not know Battletech know what it is all about. I have just started reading the books and they are wonderful. BTW- I used to play battletech and if I read the books before hand, it would of made a lot of sense then. labelashavoc (:~>?=
It should be noted that the original founder of FASA and his new company now have the rights to Mechwarrior and other FASA interactive titles again. This happend recently (december 6th) and if you do a search you can read all about it.
This is amazing
Yes, but they're still breaking it because there's one medium (Hunchback IIC) and one heavy (Mad Dog).
I have to agree with the Doctor on that: Aidan Pryde is given god-like luck, and so many of the fight scenes defy anything resembling normal gameplay (by that I mean the *original* board game, not the Mechwarrior PC games). I enjoyed The Jade Phoenix trilogy at age 15, when I didn't know what good reading was.
Seriously, Michael Stackpole and Robert Keith Jr. are both much better authors, in my opinion. They also contributed MUCH more to the development of the Battletech universe.
finally some one with mercenary sense
@Significantpower Mechs can operate in spaces, just need jump jets or magnetic tethers (both mentioned in the books). The clans in the series didnt act like mercs, they always go to a planet and ask, "With what will you defend yourselves?" How the IS planet leaders respond is up to them. If the more illegal groups saw an advantage (since the clans operate on a caste), the illegal groups could get away with what they want.
Um.... the Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) can run at 86kph without taking hardly any heat at all.
@SwordlordRoy Super late comment (sorry about that) but this cartoon was known for basically throwing the canon to the winds. Battlemechs in space, Clanners acting like mercs, you name it.
Wonderful!
What's the name of the new company? *IS* it Wizkids, or did the guy starts something new entirely, and buy the rights back from Wizkids?
How in any universe does a Centurion beat an axeman?! Ever?! Especially a custom Steiner model?!
@GeneralThornton I am leaning towards the original tron movie sound fx, but they all bikes.
you wont find anything better, i can tell you that. i have been looking for good quality vids for forever.
Recorded from an old tv in the early 90s onto a VHS tape.
This new company is Smith & Tinker, I believe. Seems to be out to develop gaming on teh internets instead of the "old fashioned" tabletop pnp stuff. I always loved the rich universes on those FASA IPs. Should be interesting.
@iHateSpoilerz Yeah, that tends to make a HUGE difference. Given this fight takes place before the Inner Sphere got it's hands on enough CLan Tech to tip the balance, the Vulture/Mad Dog was a beast of a machine. The Timberwolf/Mad Cat even moreso.
have to say my favorite mech was a highlander, the wardog after that.
Why couldn't the Hunchback have been developed until after the crusade? The Hunchback had been around *before* the Exodus, neh? If that's the case (and it's possible that I've gotten the dates wrong), then there's no reason it couldn't have come about before the invasion.
The real question is, why was it serving with front-line mechs?
@SwordlordRoy The Falcons were always notable for their lack of adherence to Clan ideals when fighting "lesser" warriors. It's only a minor breach if your opponent can barely be considered a warrior at all, quiaff?
Why does Nicolae's mech (and other thors for that matter) look different to the official summoner?
@SasNolan True, their animation studio was definitely higher-grade, but I always hated how everyone had the back of their head shaved.
Then there's the little story of how Playmates (maker of Exosquad toys) blatantly ripped off the Madcat/Timberwolf design for a "Heavy Assault E-Frame". There are toy catalog pictures of it out there online. Thankfully, they were sued before they could get away with it.
@TheFrostedLlama My favorite is actually an AC/20 combined with a gauss rifle... its like bringing a grenade launcher to the gunfight at the OK corral...
wolf dragoons beg to differ.
This could be the worst rendition BattleTech yet.
"You already gave him your 'Mech, why not just give him your SOUUUULLLL?"
is this from a DVD or VHS?
Given the quality .. definitely VHS
If I remember correctly, in a 1:1 mech fight, clanners will usually win, but it's not really how the show has it where they can't even get one. Didn't the IS win only because of other things, like that they have more troops, they used better combined arms forces, and homefield advantage?
I am me; driving a blood kite.
yeah funny that and later on the bushwacker is just as tall and an ax man and such...but hell its a cartoon :P
4 mechs, one of them a Mauler, just got whooped by what appears to be a Vulture and a Hunchback... Pathetic =(
Great series but it did´nt survive past season one wich was sad!
::nod in absolute agreement::
How on *earth* did they get a Centurion to fly THAT far?
they should Remake the series
too bad they made no second season
left the end of the season takes back Somerset but the population was taken by the clan
Was it too expensive to animate? Apparently that was the fault of the cartoon Dungeons and Dragons.
It was a mix of expenses, lack of an audience (only people who were already fans watched it), and the Harmony Gold/FASA legal battle.
I've also heard that the toys did not sell very well which cut off another source of funding.
fucking harmony gold every single time
I just noticed that, the clanners launched mad dogs(vultures), Mad Cats, and I don't know the clan names but around 16:55 there are two damn-ugly Lokis fighting captain beard.
@depholade its not retrating, its regrouping
Of course I come look in the comments and as usual I spot a couple IS/Clan supporters upset. It doesn't matter in the end whether Clan has better tech or not, both have solid mechs and all that matters is the pilot's skill in the end.
I love both Clan and IS but yes I favored Clan more thanks to the iconic Timber Wolf/Mad Cat. Honestly if it wasn't for Mechwarrior 2 I wouldn't of gotten into battletech to begin with, or at least not as early as I did.
Pause at 10:26 Mech Sizing fail lol how'd that Mauler get so big?
and i, old clan enemys, am the furious genyosha.
noone defeats the dragon....
meanwhile on vhs...
Fairly certain it's a Thor.