I’ve even adopted the hex grid for the game designs I do. So much of Battletech scratches the game design and play itches that I have, that I really should pick up the “core” game… but I still don’t know anyone to play with. My wife would probably be game, at least for a battle or two, but with a toddler and a four-month old, it’s not likely to be something we do any time soon. *shrug*

I remember once, years ago, my Dad deployed a Yellow Jacket helicopter that landed a lucky head hit on my 85 ton ‘mech from across the map with a gauss rifle as the opening shot of the game. Grrr…

Still, there’s nothing like sitting down at a big table and putting down the maps and spending an evening flanking, falling back, jump jetting and blasting the hell out of everyone else.

It has been years, but very fond memories. I didn’t get into the pc gaming series too much – I always hoped for a straight port of the tabletop game that you could play online (as it is near impossible to get together with likeminded people these days).

Interesting that you write all of this because it is the main inspiration for me to turn my little dice game into a program. The game is just tons of fun and the challenge for me is getting the same spirit of the game into program form. Part of what makes the game fun is the interaction between players – the same thing that makes most board/card games fun – that is hard to capture on a computer screen.

The system is against that sort of fun – as you mentioned – blockbuster titles always follow certain formulas. The good news is when many stray from that formula they do get widespread praise (when done right) – the bad news is that most of them have to put out their titles with small support and budgets (meaning lower quality graphics, etc. for the most part), which doesn’t expose the game to the mainstream. Because it isn’t exposed fully to the mainstream gamer, more games like those aren’t built with big EA/Activision budgets.

I think the Lion King called it the “Circle of profits”, or something like that.

http://www.tellurian.de/blog/media/MWAN_3.jpg

It is hard to see, but the base also serves to show hitpoints and heat ratios and stuff like that, making pen and paper obsolete. A really good idea!

Lately I have seen mechs painted in colorful and highly detailed patterns, not handmade, but by default from the factory. Some people like to paint their miniatures, but mine always looked… hum…^^.

I barely have the time for tabletop gaming and not many fans interested, but if I ever have children, I will buy them tons of little mechs!