MechWarrior: Dark Age
Encyclopedia
MechWarrior: Dark Age was a tabletop wargame by WizKids
set in the BattleTech
universe that uses the Clix system. The game's miniatures are pre-painted models of infantry
squads, vehicles, and giant walking war machines known as BattleMechs
or more simply "mechs".
Mechwarrior: Dark Age is played on a 48" x 48" game surface with each player taking turns giving his units 'orders' that involve moving and/or attacking opposing units. A measuring tape and three-six sided dice are used while executing these orders. Frequently miniaturized 'terrain', such as buildings (blocking terrain), forests (hindering terrain) or lakes (shallow water), is placed on the game board. The victor is determined after one or more 'victory conditions' have been achieved by a player or when the predetermined time limit for the game has been reached, depending on the game scenario that is being played.
The game may be purchased in booster pack
s (similar to Magic: The Gathering
), but there are ways of acquiring particular pieces without spending large quantities of money on packs. Trade is the most common option, followed by purchases on eBay
. There are units that you can only acquire through trade or send-aways, such as the Battleforces and the Designer Series Mechs and pilots.
There are several factions to collect, and many are interconnected by alliances and other relations. Many of the factions from Classic Battletech
were introduced into the game and the game has several original factions as well. In keeping with the spirit of the Battletech universe, there are also many mercenary units referred to as Gunslingers.
In 2003, MechWarrior: Dark Age won the Origins Award
s for Best Illustration 2002, Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures Series 2002 and Game of the Year 2002.
In 2005, WizKids
updated MechWarrior: Dark Age. In conjunction with a rules overhaul, the game was renamed MechWarrior: Age of Destruction.
In early 2008, WizKids
announced that MechWarrior franchise will be put on hiatus until further notice. No new announcements about the franchise future has been made other than a new novel based on franchise was due to released on November 19, 2008. On November 10, 2008, Topps
announced the closure of Wizkids
.
Over time, these factions have acquired their own particular style of play. For example, the repairability of the Bannson's Raiders units allows the player to conduct quick strikes followed by a retreat. Three factions (House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox) have inherent abilities not stated on their figures to compensate for higher point costs. Examples of these abilities include improved damage to elite or novice-ranked units, better targeting through forests, improved jumping attacks, or gaining the ability to deprive an enemy player of an order. This concept has been extended in later expansions by the addition of faction pride cards and special pilot abilities. Starting with the release of the Domination expansion set in January 2006, the faction abilities for House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox were replaced with faction pride cards. However, the three factions' figures released before that set can still use the team abilities without having to require a faction pride card.
MechWarrior: Age of Destruction introduced new rules and new mechanics to the game, most notably the pilots and gear. These cards are included with the booster packs, and improve any 'Mech they are attached to, depending on the weight class. This has also introduced Gunslingers, mercenary pilots with preferred 'mechs that can be "recruited" to all, or most, factions. They have become common prizes at sanctioned tournaments.
Many of the older factions have been absorbed into their larger Houses or Clans, starting with the Firepower expansion in May 2005. For example, the Swordsworn were absorbed by House Davion, and the Stormhammers were absorbed by House Steiner. The Steel Wolves faction "evolved" into their own mercenary group known as Wolf Hunters with the introduction of Clan Wolf into the game.
released the Battleforce series which consists of pre-packaged sets of 'Mechs painted to represent normal service units from each major faction. They come with pilot cards that depict ranked pilots from the faction.
announced that the blind booster pack format was over for MechWarrior: Age of Destruction and that they would switch to non-blind faction-specific "Action Packs" for all 2007 releases. The first Action Pack releases are:
Both the Wolf Spiders and Gamma Regiment sets have pilots with combat abilities that can be used in other mechs. Previous pilot abilities were only activated in the pilot's preferred Mech, due to the familiarity with the machine. In GenCon 2007 WizKids announced the production of a Solaris VII champions set, coinciding with the 6 Players who had won the Solaris VII Open Worlds Event hosted that year. However, due to issues in production, the Mechwarrior line was put on permanent hold status, and the Solaris VII Champion set was never produced. WizKids did however, create a set of custom mechs based on existing sculpts for the 6 Champions, they are the only known Solaris VII Champion mechs produced, but did not come with pilot cards.
As of July 2008 there are 30 novels in the MechWarrior: Dark Age series.
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
set in the BattleTech
BattleTech
BattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
universe that uses the Clix system. The game's miniatures are pre-painted models of infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
squads, vehicles, and giant walking war machines known as BattleMechs
BattleMechs
BattleMechs are large walking war machines that feature prominently in the fictional universe of BattleTech...
or more simply "mechs".
Mechwarrior: Dark Age is played on a 48" x 48" game surface with each player taking turns giving his units 'orders' that involve moving and/or attacking opposing units. A measuring tape and three-six sided dice are used while executing these orders. Frequently miniaturized 'terrain', such as buildings (blocking terrain), forests (hindering terrain) or lakes (shallow water), is placed on the game board. The victor is determined after one or more 'victory conditions' have been achieved by a player or when the predetermined time limit for the game has been reached, depending on the game scenario that is being played.
The game may be purchased in booster pack
Booster pack
In collectible card games and collectible miniature wargames, a booster pack is a sealed package of cards or figurines, designed to add to a player's collection....
s (similar to Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering , also known as Magic, is the first collectible trading card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Magic continues to thrive, with approximately twelve million players as of 2011...
), but there are ways of acquiring particular pieces without spending large quantities of money on packs. Trade is the most common option, followed by purchases on eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
. There are units that you can only acquire through trade or send-aways, such as the Battleforces and the Designer Series Mechs and pilots.
There are several factions to collect, and many are interconnected by alliances and other relations. Many of the factions from Classic Battletech
Classic BattleTech
Classic BattleTech is a table-top wargame set in the fictional BattleTech universe that simulates combat between futuristic mechanized forces. Originally published by FASA Corporation, the game is now produced by Catalyst Game Labs under license from WizKids...
were introduced into the game and the game has several original factions as well. In keeping with the spirit of the Battletech universe, there are also many mercenary units referred to as Gunslingers.
In 2003, MechWarrior: Dark Age won the Origins Award
Origins Award
The Origins Awards are American awards for outstanding work in the game industry. They are presented by the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design at the Origins Game Fair on an annual basis for the previous year, so the 1979 awards were given at the 1980 Origins.The Origins Award is commonly...
s for Best Illustration 2002, Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures Series 2002 and Game of the Year 2002.
In 2005, WizKids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
updated MechWarrior: Dark Age. In conjunction with a rules overhaul, the game was renamed MechWarrior: Age of Destruction.
In early 2008, WizKids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
announced that MechWarrior franchise will be put on hiatus until further notice. No new announcements about the franchise future has been made other than a new novel based on franchise was due to released on November 19, 2008. On November 10, 2008, Topps
Topps
The Topps Company, Inc., manufactures chewing gum, candy and collectibles. Based in New York, New York, Topps is best known as a leading producer of baseball cards, football cards, basketball cards, hockey cards and other sports and non-sports themed trading cards.-Company history:Topps itself was...
announced the closure of Wizkids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
.
New Factions
- Republic of the SphereRepublic of the SphereIn the fictional BattleTech universe, the Republic of the Sphere is a nation that rose from the ashes of the Word of Blake Jihad. Founded by Devlin Stone, it is divided into 10 Prefectures, each of which is designated by a Roman numeral.-Exarch:...
/ RotS - Northwind Highlanders - Part of the RotS
- Stormhammers
- Dragon's Fury
- Swordsworn
- Bannson's Raiders
- Spirit Cats
- Steel Wolves
- Wolf Hunters
Original Factions
- Capellan ConfederationCapellan ConfederationThe Capellan Confederation is one of the fictional five Successor States within the fictional BattleTech universe.The smallest of the Successor States, The Capellan Confederation is a self-proclaimed socialist meritocracy ruled by House Liao, from whom almost all of the nation's ruling Chancellors...
- Lyran AllianceLyran AllianceThe Lyran Commonwealth is a Inner Sphere Successor State in the fictional BattleTech universe...
- Federated SunsFederated SunsIn the fictional BattleTech Universe, the Federated Suns is the Successor State ruled by House Davion. The Federated Suns is considered the military powerhouse of the five Successor States. In fact, one of the requirements for the title of First Prince of the Federated Suns is at least five years...
- Clan Wolf
- Clan Nova Cat
- Clan Jade Falcon
- Clan Hell's Horses
- Clan Sea Fox (formerly known as Clan Diamond Shark in BattleTech)
- Highlanders
- Draconis CombineDraconis CombineThe Draconis Combine is one of the five major factions known as Successor States in the fictional BattleTech universe. It is featured prominently in many BattleTech and MechWarrior products including tabletop games, video games, and novels...
- Rasalhague DominionRasalhague DominionThe Rasalhague Dominion is a fictional state within the BattleTech universe, largely consisting of former worlds of the Principality of Rasalhague, Free Rasalhague Republic conquered by Clan Ghost Bear.-Brief Overview:...
(formerly known as Ghost Bear Dominion) - Comstar
Over time, these factions have acquired their own particular style of play. For example, the repairability of the Bannson's Raiders units allows the player to conduct quick strikes followed by a retreat. Three factions (House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox) have inherent abilities not stated on their figures to compensate for higher point costs. Examples of these abilities include improved damage to elite or novice-ranked units, better targeting through forests, improved jumping attacks, or gaining the ability to deprive an enemy player of an order. This concept has been extended in later expansions by the addition of faction pride cards and special pilot abilities. Starting with the release of the Domination expansion set in January 2006, the faction abilities for House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox were replaced with faction pride cards. However, the three factions' figures released before that set can still use the team abilities without having to require a faction pride card.
MechWarrior: Age of Destruction introduced new rules and new mechanics to the game, most notably the pilots and gear. These cards are included with the booster packs, and improve any 'Mech they are attached to, depending on the weight class. This has also introduced Gunslingers, mercenary pilots with preferred 'mechs that can be "recruited" to all, or most, factions. They have become common prizes at sanctioned tournaments.
Many of the older factions have been absorbed into their larger Houses or Clans, starting with the Firepower expansion in May 2005. For example, the Swordsworn were absorbed by House Davion, and the Stormhammers were absorbed by House Steiner. The Steel Wolves faction "evolved" into their own mercenary group known as Wolf Hunters with the introduction of Clan Wolf into the game.
Dark Age Sets
- Dark Age (August 2002) - The original set, available as a starter packStarter packA starter pack is a sealed package of cards or figurines, designed to serve as the beginning of a collection, in collectible card games and collectible miniature wargames....
and boosters. - Fire For Effect (February 2003) - Introduction of artilleryArtilleryOriginally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
, transports, and mercenaries. - Death From Above (May 2003) - Adds VTOLs and AA defense systems. Republic of the SphereRepublic of the SphereIn the fictional BattleTech universe, the Republic of the Sphere is a nation that rose from the ashes of the Word of Blake Jihad. Founded by Devlin Stone, it is divided into 10 Prefectures, each of which is designated by a Roman numeral.-Exarch:...
and Stormhammers introduced as playable factions. - Liao Incursion (September 2003) - House Liao becomes playable faction. Introduction of faction abilities.
- Counterassault (January 2004) - Introduction of positive heat dial modifiers.
- Falcon's Prey (August 2004) - Last Dark Age set. Clan Jade Falcon introduced as regular faction.
Age of Destruction Sets
- Age of Destruction (January 2005) - Available as a starter pack with revised rules and units.
- Firepower (May 2005) - Introduces House Kurita and mail-in offer 'Mechs as part of tie-up with Wizard EntertainmentWizard EntertainmentWizard Entertainment, formerly known as Wizard Press, was a New York-based publisher of Wizard and ToyFare magazines, along with various special issues for each magazine and the annual Toy Wishes holiday guide....
. - Annihilation (November 2005) - Introduces Clan Nova Cat; last expansion with Dark Age splinter faction units.
- Domination (January 2006) - Rasalhague Dominion becomes playable faction, as well as Wolf Hunters. Introduced the Officer's Club series of Mechs, featuring members of WizKids Mechwarrior design team, and purple-colored gear (PPC Capacitor, Artemis V Fire-Control System, Coolants, Reconnaissance, Anti-Missile System)
- Vanguard (May 2006) - RISC gear cards introduced (available in certain Unique mechs only). Last set with mail-in mechs.
- Wolf Strike (September 2006) - Clan Wolf becomes playable faction. Each booster box now has two mechs, one vehicle, four infantry pieces, two pilot cards, two gear cards, and a random card, including the new "squadron cards." Last set with Officer's Club Mech. Was also infamous for having two Mechs that were never officially released by WizKids because three eBayEBayeBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
sellers in Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
auctioned copies of them, sans pilot cards, before their scheduled release. The Vindicated Warwolf was a planned mail-in offer for the novel Wolf Hunters by Kevin Killiany, and the Deception Vixen was slated as a tournament prize. As a result, WizKids has ruled that the two figures are not legal for tournament play.
Battleforce series
In early 2006, WizKidsWizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
released the Battleforce series which consists of pre-packaged sets of 'Mechs painted to represent normal service units from each major faction. They come with pilot cards that depict ranked pilots from the faction.
- Clan Jade Falcon (January 2006) - Contains 2 Shrikes, 2 Eyries, and 2 Gyrfalcons, plus pilots.
- Republic of the Sphere (May 2006) - Contains 2 Malices, 2 Mangonels, and 2 Nyxes, plus pilots.
- War College (Summer 2006) - This set was designed to help attract new players to the game. Contains a Unique Atlas and Marauder IIC mech and their pilots, plus a playmat, two sets of dice, and 18" tape measures. Only available at War College events.
- Ares 3-Pack (Debuted at GenCon 2006; general release September 2006) - This set marked the debut of the Colossus-Class Mechs. The robots and their accompanying gunner, pilot, and engineer cards are named after figures in Greek mythologyGreek mythologyGreek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
. Their tripod shape is reminiscent of the alien robots in War of the Worlds. - Phantom War Battleforce Set (September 2006) - A product tie-in with the Nintendo DSNintendo DSThe is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
game MechAssault: Phantom WarMechAssault: Phantom WarMechAssault: Phantom War is one of the games in the popular MechWarrior series and is part of the BattleTech universe created by FASA...
, the set features units from House Steiner and Clan Hell's Horses. The Steiner side comprises a Raptor, Uziel, and the Unique Atlas "Unsterblich". The Hell's Horses are represented by a Unique Hellbringer (Loki) "Brimstone", a Timberwolf (Mad Cat; a revived sculpt from the Dark Age sets, but presented as a first model Mad cat, not a Mad Cat Mk II), and a Kit Fox (Uller). - Poseidon (October 2006) - Contains the Ares Battlemech PoseidonPoseidonPoseidon was the god of the sea, and, as "Earth-Shaker," of the earthquakes in Greek mythology. The name of the sea-god Nethuns in Etruscan was adopted in Latin for Neptune in Roman mythology: both were sea gods analogous to Poseidon...
and two infantry pieces, plus their cards.
Action Packs
In late 2006, WizKidsWizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
announced that the blind booster pack format was over for MechWarrior: Age of Destruction and that they would switch to non-blind faction-specific "Action Packs" for all 2007 releases. The first Action Pack releases are:
- House Davion Action Pack (May 2007) - Contains 2 Atlas, 2 Templar, and 2 Enforcer III mechs with pilots for House Davion.
- Champions Vol.1 (June 2007) - Containing Ghost, Jupiter, Locust, and Mortis battlemechsBattleMechsBattleMechs are large walking war machines that feature prominently in the fictional universe of BattleTech...
with pilots based on the Top Four fellowship players of the 2006 MechWarrior Fellowship World Championships. A 'Fellowship' in Mechwarrior parlance can be loosely described as a sportsmanshipSportsmanshipSportsmanship is an aspiration or ethos that a sport or activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one's competitors...
award. - Champions Vol.2 (July 2007) - Containing Raven, Griffin, Warhammer IIC, and Daishi battlemechsBattleMechsBattleMechs are large walking war machines that feature prominently in the fictional universe of BattleTech...
with pilots based on the top four champion players of the 2006 MechWarrior World Championships. - MechWarrior: Solaris VII (August 2007) - the series features 24 Gunslinger mechs that do combat on the gaming planet of Solaris VII. The mechs, plus their corresponding pilots and equipment, are grouped together in every pack according to each of the four weight classes - Light (eight), Medium (six), Heavy (six), and Assault (four). Each pack contains a rulebook, a set of six target tokens, and a playmat that can be connected with those from the three other packs to form one giant arena map.
- Undead Lance (October 2007) - A set of gunslingers that are based on the Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseFour Horsemen of the ApocalypseThe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible, called the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saint John the Evangelist at 6:1-8. The chapter tells of a "'book'/'scroll' in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals"...
. - Wolf's Dragoons Wolf Spiders Action Pack (November 2007) - Includes four heavy 'Mechs (Loki, Madcat IV, Vulture IV, and Thor) painted in the colors of the Wolf's Dragoons mercenaryMercenaryA mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
unit's Wolf Spiders battalion and their corresponding pilot cards, plus a Jaime Wolf pilot card. - Wolf's Dragoons Gamma Regiment Action Pack (December 2007) - Includes two ’Mechs, three vehicles, and six infantry pieces of different models, plus a set of pilot cards.
Both the Wolf Spiders and Gamma Regiment sets have pilots with combat abilities that can be used in other mechs. Previous pilot abilities were only activated in the pilot's preferred Mech, due to the familiarity with the machine. In GenCon 2007 WizKids announced the production of a Solaris VII champions set, coinciding with the 6 Players who had won the Solaris VII Open Worlds Event hosted that year. However, due to issues in production, the Mechwarrior line was put on permanent hold status, and the Solaris VII Champion set was never produced. WizKids did however, create a set of custom mechs based on existing sculpts for the 6 Champions, they are the only known Solaris VII Champion mechs produced, but did not come with pilot cards.
Novels
The MechWarrior: Dark Age game also shares its name with its companion series of novels.As of July 2008 there are 30 novels in the MechWarrior: Dark Age series.