BattleTech TCG (1996)

About this game

GAME SYSTEM This entry is to allow for discussion/rating of the game system as a whole. It is not for a specific product or release. Versions will appear on the individual item pages. Set in the Battletech universe, this collectible card game has each player customizing her deck with mechs, vehicles, 5 types of resources, and characters and locations from the BT universe. Play is similar to magic - draw a card, play cards, tap resources and build. Players play resources which they tap to build their units. Once built, units attack the opponents units, resources, or deck. Each point of damage to the deck scraps a card from it. Once a player's deck runs out of cards, he loses the game. There were several expansion sets including: Mechwarrior, Counterstrike, Mercenaries, Arsenal, Commanders & Crusade. A compendium of the entire card set is downloadable here: Battletech Card List.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.5/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.