BattleTech Tactical Handbook explained

BattleTech Tactical Handbook is a game supplement published by FASA in 1994 for the mecha wargame BattleTech.

Description

BattleTech Tactical Handbook is an 80-page softcover book written by Jim Long and Stuart Johnson containing advanced rules and additional equipment for BattleTech.^[1]

The first part of the book offers

• a "double-blind" option for combat, where the two combatants maneuver their units on separate maps, and a neutral referee tells each player what is seen.
• a strategic operational campaign that links a series of scenarios together.

The second part of the book provides advanced rules for

• ballistic weapons
• four-legged mecha
• line of sight

Reception

In the November 1994 edition of Dragon (Issue #211), Rick Swan warned players that these rules added complexities to an already complex game, concluding, "All this is strictly for wargamers — make that serious wargamers. Role-players can put their wallets away."^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: BattleTech Tactical Handbook. BoardGameGeek.
2. Swan. Rick. Rick Swan. November 1994. Roleplaying Reviews. Dragon. TSR, Inc.. 211. 92.