to play the game. The set includes a "quick-start" rulebook as well as a standard rulebook, plastic miniatures and record sheets of many common BattleMechs, two heavy cardboard game boards with reversible maps, and Inner Sphere at a Glance, a book detailing the game's universe. Total Warfare, the primary rulebook for BattleTech. It also includes the rules for playing the air combat game of AeroTech as well. TechManual, which presents the design rules for making custom units that comply with the standard game play rules. Tactical Operations, offering advanced rules and advanced or experimental equipment beyond those in Total Warfare and TechManual. In 2020, this product was split into Tactical Operations: Advanced Units & Equipment, and Tactical Operations: Advanced Rules. Strategic Operations, updating BattleForce 2 & Aerotech 2 Revised to provide a faster-paced or large-scale version of the game as well as adding advanced rules campaign elements such as repair, customization & salvage to the tactical game. Interstellar Operations, advanced rules to allow the player become star lords of Succession State or Khan of their respective Clan. This is similar to previous FASA product named Succession Wars and rules found in FanPro source book named Combat Operations. A Time of War (BattleTech Roleplaying Game, fourth edition), describing how to create characters and run RPG missions. FanPro intended these six books to be the official core rules set that will govern all gameplay within the BattleTech franchise, be it ground combat, space combat or role-playing. Since 2007, Catalyst Game Labs has assumed control of the franchise. The core rule plans are continuing to be refined as rule books come out. Reception Scott Tanner reviewed BattleTech in Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer No. 78. Tanner commented that "All in all, the BattleTech system is a very welcome addition to the gaming world, and is a worthwhile investment for those interested in the subject matter." In 1997, the fourth edition of BattleTech won the Origins Award for Best Graphic Presentation of a Board Game of 1996. Classic BattleTech won the 2007 Origins Award for Best Miniatures Rules of the Year. The original BattleTech was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame. Reviews Adventurer (Issue 7 - Feb 1987) Different Worlds #45 White Wolf #7 (1987) Arcane #11 (October 1996) Casus Belli #32 (Apr 1986) See also MechWarrior, the original role-playing game BattleTechnology magazine (1987–1995) HeavyMetal design software Notes External links Official BattleTech website BattleTech games