Escape into the Future: MechWarrior Premier Edition Big Box
November 2003 | Vol. II - No. 11
New, Hot & Unusual
Escape into the Future: MechWarrior
Premier Edition Big Box
By Julia Ann Charpentier
November 2003
MechWarrior: Dark Age
Released in August 2003, the MechWarrior: Dark
Age collectible miniatures game was designed primarily for adult gamers,
but computer-savvy children will love its advanced rules and strategy.
Among WizKids' strongest titles, this game
is based on a 1980s sci-fi game called BattleTech, which has spawned a
host of virtual reality games, computer games, console games, novels and
toys all based on the property.
According to Dave Nieker, public relations manager
for WizKids, the company offers an organized play program that will draw
both players and consumers into stores.
"We offer free prize support to retailers who run
MechWarrior tournaments, which include the much sought after limited-edition
figures that collectors can only get by playing in tournaments, Nieker
says. It builds a community of players that congregate in the store,
where they can also purchase product."
MechWarrior
The Premier Edition Big Box contains two
unique level figures Mechs and two complete MechWarrior Starter Boxes
with 16 randomly inserted MechWarrior miniatures, including two Mechs,
four vehicles and 10 infantry units. Rulebooks, faction dossiers, special
equipment cards, two flexible rulers and six dice complete the set. Everything
a player needs to get a game going right away.
"There are currently 468 different MechWarrior
figures and four different sets available to collect, Nieker said.
The Mechs are like 40-foot giant walking tanks,
articulated so they can be aimed at the opponent. The combat dial base
on the Mechs even has an added element to track heat during game play,
Nieker said. Rules for the game take only minutes to learn, and the game
avoids complicated charts, tables and other record keeping.
