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Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) announces the return of novels for Classic BattleTech, MechWarrior, and Shadowrun. The re-launch of these perennial lines will include an amazing selection of authors--including New York Times' Bestselling Author Michael A. Stackpole. Lake Stevens, Washington -- Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) announces the return of novels for Classic BattleTech, MechWarrior, and Shadowrun. The re-launch of these perennial lines will include an amazing selection of authors--including New York Times' Bestselling Author Michael A. Stackpole. "The triumphant return of three of the most seminal adventure gaming book lines heralds a great next step for all the brands," David M. Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager for Catalyst Game Labs said. "We're really excited to bring these novels back to thousands of eager fans who have been waiting patiently for their return." "An estimated 25 million people having played a game or read a novel set in the BattleTech Universe since its inception almost 25 years ago," Stansel-Garner continued. "Throughout that time BattleTech alone has inspired over a dozen video games, a cartoon, a collectible card game, a collectible miniatures game and several toy lines. Additionally, it has amassed one of the largest fictional universes in the sci-fi genre, with over 170 gaming products and almost 100 full-length novels (with much of that translated into over a dozen languages world-wide). Tie that together with the hundreds of thousands of copies of Shadowrun's 120 game sourcebooks, video games, and 50 novels (also translated into numerous foreign markets)... we have a lot of eager fans chomping at the bit for these new books." Bestselling author and owner of InMediaRes Loren Coleman will return to pen more novels in the Classic BattleTech line. "In 1994 I read through the Warrior trilogy in a single weekend. I've been a devoted fan ever since. I expect to feel much the same way as I pick up the new storyline installments. Working with top writers on a compelling storyline is one of my greatest joys as a writer. Coming back to it now--and with Mike back on board as well--it's like our favorite park has just been reopened. I'll bring the green army men. He'll supply the fireworks." Look for the first MechWarrior novel, A Bonfire of Worlds by Steven Mohan, Jr. in November 2008, followed by the first Classic BattleTech novel, Shadows of Faith by Loren L. Coleman in December. The first of the all-new Shadowrun novels will appear in January 2009. About Catalyst Game Labs Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality gaming products that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes, presented in a form that allows both beginning players and long-time veterans to easily pick up our games. Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming product with all the benefits of an electronic interface and community, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player. For additional information, visit www.catalystgamelabs.com. About WizKids, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com. |
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Return of BattleTech and Shadowrun Novels! |
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27 Jun 2008 |
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Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) announces the return of novels for Classic BattleTech, MechWarrior, and Shadowrun. The re-launch of these perennial lines will include an amazing selection of authors--including New York Times' Bestselling Author Michael A. Stackpole. Lake Stevens, Washington -- Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) announces the return of novels for Classic BattleTech, MechWarrior, and Shadowrun. The re-launch of these perennial lines will include an amazing selection of authors--including New York Times' Bestselling Author Michael A. Stackpole. "The triumphant return of three of the most seminal adventure gaming book lines heralds a great next step for all the brands," David M. Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager for Catalyst Game Labs said. "We're really excited to bring these novels back to thousands of eager fans who have been waiting patiently for their return." "An estimated 25 million people having played a game or read a novel set in the BattleTech Universe since its inception almost 25 years ago," Stansel-Garner continued. "Throughout that time BattleTech alone has inspired over a dozen video games, a cartoon, a collectible card game, a collectible miniatures game and several toy lines. Additionally, it has amassed one of the largest fictional universes in the sci-fi genre, with over 170 gaming products and almost 100 full-length novels (with much of that translated into over a dozen languages world-wide). Tie that together with the hundreds of thousands of copies of Shadowrun's 120 game sourcebooks, video games, and 50 novels (also translated into numerous foreign markets)... we have a lot of eager fans chomping at the bit for these new books." Bestselling author and owner of InMediaRes Loren Coleman will return to pen more novels in the Classic BattleTech line. "In 1994 I read through the Warrior trilogy in a single weekend. I've been a devoted fan ever since. I expect to feel much the same way as I pick up the new storyline installments. Working with top writers on a compelling storyline is one of my greatest joys as a writer. Coming back to it now--and with Mike back on board as well--it's like our favorite park has just been reopened. I'll bring the green army men. He'll supply the fireworks." Look for the first MechWarrior novel, A Bonfire of Worlds by Steven Mohan, Jr. in November 2008, followed by the first Classic BattleTech novel, Shadows of Faith by Loren L. Coleman in December. The first of the all-new Shadowrun novels will appear in January 2009. About Catalyst Game Labs Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality gaming products that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes, presented in a form that allows both beginning players and long-time veterans to easily pick up our games. Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming product with all the benefits of an electronic interface and community, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player. For additional information, visit www.catalystgamelabs.com. About WizKids, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Now available is the cover art for Tactical Operations, as well as some wallpapers based upon it. As always you can find them either on the product page, or in the gallery. |
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Tactical Operations Cover art and Wallpaper |
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24 May 2008 |
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Now available is the cover art for Tactical Operations, as well as some wallpapers based upon it. As always you can find them either on the product page, or in the gallery.
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Lake Stevens, Washington (May 23, 2008) - Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) is pleased to announce the latest title in the Core Rule book series for Classic BattleTech: Strategic Operations. Randall Bills, Managing Developer for Catalyst Games Labs said, "This newest title will bring a level of detail and depth of play the fan base has been demanding for ages. In fact, when we originally scheduled Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations, we had envisioned it being a single book. As we began to compile the information and rules, we quickly realized that we had written enough for two volumes! With Strategic Operations, players will now have the ability to create on-going campaigns using the rules for combat across an entire solar system, link-scenarios and repair, maintenance, salvage, and customization of individual ’Mechs and other units. Heck, that barely just scratches the surface of everything that is in this beefy new rules book! For even more added value, we’ve included a series of rules that will allow you to use the miniatures you already have to represent large-scale actions such as planetary invasions, in the same amount of time as you would play a regular game! We’ve really pulled out all the stops on this one." David Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager for Catalyst Games Labs said, "Veteran and new players alike will love these companion volumes we are adding to our Core Rules line-up. Fans have already enjoyed Classic BattleTech Total Warfare (our main rules book) and Classic BattleTech TechManual (our "gear" book). With Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations releasing this summer, and the announcement of Classic BattleTech Strategic Operations, I am really excited about how well rounded the game will be. The newest books are going to be incredibly well received amongst the ever-growing Classic BattleTech player community.” Classic BattleTech Strategic Operations will be released in Q4 of 2008, with a MSRP of $49.99. You will be able to find it at your favorite Game Store, or through BattleCorps.com (http://www.battletecorps.com.) About Catalyst Game Labs Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality gaming products that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes, presented in a form that allows both beginning players and long-time veterans to easily pick up our games. Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming product with all the benefits of an electronic interface and community, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player. For additional information, visit www.catalystgamelabs.com.
About WizKids, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Classic BattleTech: Strategic Operations |
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23 May 2008 |
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Lake Stevens, Washington (May 23, 2008) - Catalyst Game Labs (An InMediaRes Productions, LLC company) is pleased to announce the latest title in the Core Rule book series for Classic BattleTech: Strategic Operations.
Randall Bills, Managing Developer for Catalyst Games Labs said, "This newest title will bring a level of detail and depth of play the fan base has been demanding for ages. In fact, when we originally scheduled Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations, we had envisioned it being a single book. As we began to compile the information and rules, we quickly realized that we had written enough for two volumes! With Strategic Operations, players will now have the ability to create on-going campaigns using the rules for combat across an entire solar system, link-scenarios and repair, maintenance, salvage, and customization of individual ’Mechs and other units. Heck, that barely just scratches the surface of everything that is in this beefy new rules book! For even more added value, we’ve included a series of rules that will allow you to use the miniatures you already have to represent large-scale actions such as planetary invasions, in the same amount of time as you would play a regular game! We’ve really pulled out all the stops on this one." David Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager for Catalyst Games Labs said, "Veteran and new players alike will love these companion volumes we are adding to our Core Rules line-up. Fans have already enjoyed Classic BattleTech Total Warfare (our main rules book) and Classic BattleTech TechManual (our "gear" book). With Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations releasing this summer, and the announcement of Classic BattleTech Strategic Operations, I am really excited about how well rounded the game will be. The newest books are going to be incredibly well received amongst the ever-growing Classic BattleTech player community.” Classic BattleTech Strategic Operations will be released in Q4 of 2008, with a MSRP of $49.99. You will be able to find it at your favorite Game Store, or through BattleCorps.com (http://www.battletecorps.com.) About Catalyst Game Labs Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality gaming products that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes, presented in a form that allows both beginning players and long-time veterans to easily pick up our games. Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming product with all the benefits of an electronic interface and community, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player. For additional information, visit www.catalystgamelabs.com.
About WizKids, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Technical Readout: 3075 As any of the authors, artists--and especially the fact checkers--can attest to, the amount of work required in a TRO is far in access of what it appears to be. There just don't seem to be that many words on the page compared to some of the other large sourcebooks... and they certainly shouldn't be as difficult to do as a big rulebook? (And we all know how difficult THOSE are, thanks to numerous blogs...) And yet they rank up as some of the most difficult to produce. And we've done nine Technical Readouts in six years (from new, to revised, to upgrades)...so I'm pretty exhausted (as are everyone involved) when it comes to TROs. However...we now had a Jihad we were kicking off...and new technologies and new designs beginning to appear. Also, I'd had in the back of my mind for ages to be able to publish Historical: Liberation of Terra--one of the single coolest and largest battles in all of BattleTech history, as the valiant General Aleksandr Kerensky dropped hundreds of ships and thousands of 'Mechs and troops into the Sol system to wrest Terra from the Usurper as the Star League fell. And if you're going to do that right, you really have to start 200 years before that and do Historical: Reunification War, when the Star League was founded and immediately went to war against the Periphery States, sowing the seeds that would ultimately be their demise centuries later. And to do that right, you've got to finally provide real details and game stats on a swath of "primitive" units (in the same vein as the Mackie) that first appeared scant decades before the Reunification War and would've been used during that conflict. That way players have a chance of using the actual 'Mechs and vehicles (as well as other supporting units) in use at that time. So, as the plots developed for further Jihad books and as we discussed future products, I began to see an "all new" Technical Readout that would allow us to advance the storyline as never before in a TRO (perhaps as much as the original Technical Readout: 3050 during the original Clan Invasion). Now remember, by the time this rolled around I had 8 TROs in 5 years and was already thinking about the need for TRO: 3039 to finish the introductory product line for CBT we had in the Introductory Box Set and Starterbook: Sword and Dragon. Yet the more I thought about it, the more I got excited. As did everyone involved. Not just about brand new designs (the first seen since 2002 in TRO: 3067), but the concept of fusing of an "Age of War" TRO with a "Jihad" TRO. Not only would we be able to explore new Jihad designs, but we'd be able to travel back to the very beginning and explore an area of the game hardly touched beyond short passages in various House and Handbook sourcebooks...certainly never explored to the degree that we've been able to do in Technical Readout: 3075. As I worked with Brent Evans (the artist that illustrated the 'Mechs in the Age of War section) to start to craft the "primitives," it also brought to the surface the myriad styles of art that have been used over the years. To help quantify that and turn it into something useful off which Brent could work when conceptualizing those primitives, I drafted a document of what those visuals represented and how they've changed over the years. I then realized that the players might find this a fascinating subject. So I found a way to turn it into an in universe treatise that helps to wed those various stylistic changes to canon information and help to explain why it has been done that way; it's now included in the Introduction to the book. So at the end of the day, I've done a pile of Technical Readouts of all types, from new to revised, to upgrade, and everything in between. Those that have followed my blogs and chats over the years know that I'm always excited about a new Technical Readout and proud. And without a doubt, the professional side of me is more proud of this TRO than any I've ever worked on. However, there's something more for me, personally. By far this TRO is the one that makes the fan in me the most excited and most wants to get back to the table and throw some dice...in fact, this TRO comes closest to tapping the feeling I used to have as "just a fan," long years ago, when I'd pick up the new TRO and race home to oohhh and ahhh at the latest and greatest with my friends, as we quickly found favorites, generated sheets and got to blowing each other up. At every stage, as new material was written, as new illustrations came in, as more work was done, I realized we were covering areas that the goober-fan in me had always wanted to see. And doing it in a way that would allow longtime players, or brand new players, to take the Age of War section and play it in what ever setting they like, including from the "3025-3049" setting of the Introductory Box Set, right up into the current Jihad timeline, along with all the other Jihad designs found in the Cutting Edge section. A Technical Readout with a solid chance of pleasing almost every fan...including me. Enjoy! Randall
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Finding a VendorFirst you should see if the there is a Commando near you, as they are supported by Firebases, local game stores that carries Catalyst Game Labs products. Visit your local game store to purchase the item you're looking for; if they do not have an item, order it through them (feel free to let the store know about www.CatalystGameLabs.com, where they can find a complete list of distributors used by Catalyst Game Labs). BattleCorps is the official online source for Classic Battletech Fiction. The site features the work of regular print authors such as Loren Coleman, Thomas Gressman, Randall Bills and Robert Thurston, as well as the efforts of new authors like Ilsa Bick and Kevin Killiany. One of the best parts of Classic Battletech is the rich background story which will continue to be fleshed out through BattleCorps. In addition Battlecorps has launched the BattleShop, offering a wide array of products including poster sized maps, miniatures, software and PDF files of both new and out of print products in partnership with DriveThruRPG.com. |
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Classic BattleTech Technical Readout: 3075
Tactical Operations
Original contents of www.classicbattletech.com