Battletech Goes All Gothic

Battletech has a new look, and it’s all a bit Sisters of Mercy

Revealed yesterday by Catalyst Games Lab, the next Battletech release will have a decidedly grimdark edge. Entitled BattleTech: Gothic,this reimagining sees aa bunch of venerable old mechs getting a 40k-esque makeover, with plenty of pointed arches, ribs and the like. Try to imagine the bastard-child of Notre Damme and a Gundam, and you’re in the right headspace.

Judging by some of the reactions to the concept that I’ve seen, the whole idea is a a tad marmite. However, regardless of your opinion, I think it’s fair to say the introductory box set looks pretty swish. As well as a rulebook, a universe primer, maps, punch boards, record sheets et al, it also includesAlpha Strike, Battlefield Support and Pilot cards.

The starter set also includes all-new, all-spikey versions of BattleTech classics such as the UrbanMech, Firestarter, Scorpion, Phoenix Hawk, Rifleman, Marauder and Atlas. Sadly, it doesn’t include one of my personal favourites, the Warhammer (oh, the irony…), instead, we get the wooden spoon that is the King Crab. But let’s focus on the positives for now. Each of these mechs are rocking the runway with this season’s must-have gothic heads, back, and bas relief options to give your mechs that Grimdark flourish.

BattleTech: Gothic is the first release of Catalyst’s new Continuum Series, which aims to explore different versions of what the BattleTech universe could have been. Now, I’m old and I don’t like change, so whilst this Grimdark approach to Battletech—which is one of all-time favourites games—isn’t doing it for me, I am quite intrigued by the wider concept. I look forward to seeing what Catalyst have in store for the future.

See the Catalyst Games Lab website for more details.

Images courtesy of Catalyst Games Lab