Watching some plays of this game has been eye-opening. This game's mechanics look beautiful in action. The use of Mech speed, the very neat Patrol mechanic, the armor/structure system, construction...everything in this game seems to maximize the breadth of the tactical decision space and trade-offs while minimizing the effect of top-decking. It's a dream for a wargamer looking for a compact alternative to take anywhere.
However, it shouldn't be revived as a TCG. TCGs are a difficult market to sustain, especially for small companies. Constantly expanding card pools, balancing and banning, maintaining a tournament scene; these are far too capital-heavy for a universe of games maintained by the community, for the community. Doesn't help that the TCG market has heavily entrenched giants.
As a one-box card battler, this would slot very nicely into the board-game-alternative space, but with a built-in audience. Something great to whip out with a BattleTech buddy for a brain-crunching game night when a full table isn't available for wargaming, or just to teach anyone curious about a smart game that doesn't require oodles and oodles of miniatures and bits like the Kickstarter frenzies in the board game space.
Then, it'd be easily expandable. Maybe a core set for the Succession Wars, that can easily play 2 or even up to 4 people with a single box purchase. Maybe a Clan Invasion expansion that's standalone and can do the same, or be mashed together with the core set. Various mech, faction, and period expansions. But expanded in the same style as the wargame: Optional, experience-enhancing, variety-providing. Nothing more, nothing less. And each box has a set card list. It'd also be cool if the game were singleton, avoiding copies in favor of flavor, even if stats end up being similar.
AVOID the Fantasy Flight LCG route. They built those games on the assumption that each core box and expansion would provide one player with options for tournament play at their local game store. Every single LCG has had a short life span and been canceled with a whimper. Keep the spirit of tabletop BattleTech alive: One purchase should be able to play at least 2, up to 4 people for a reasonable price between $30-$50.
And, of course, the game could stand to benefit hugely from an aesthetic overhaul. With the newest generation of BattleTech art along with more sensible card layouts that better convey information and allow that art to shine, this could really be a looker on any table
... keep reading on reddit ➡
I won't support anything less.
