MechWarrior: Dark Age
| Designer(s) | Kevin Barrett Paul Nobles Matt Robinson |
|---|---|
| Illustrator(s) | Sandra Garavito Ethan Pasternack Kevin Perrine |
| Publisher(s) | WizKids |
| Years active | 2002-2008 |
| Genre(s) | Science Fiction Collectable Miniatures Game (CMG) |
| Players | 2-4 |
| Playing time | 60 Minutes |
MechWarrior: Dark Age (MWDA; later as Age of Destruction or AOD) 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 36" x 36" 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 packs (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 players can only acquire through trade or send-aways, such as the Battleforces and the Designer Series Mechs and pilots. From August 2002 to August 2003, WizKids organized story-based campaigns wherein it was possible for players to win units based on the factions named in the story. Such items - the Champion, Fellowship, and two Participation units (one for each faction) - are unique versions of certain game pieces with higher stats and a special lapel pin.
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 Awards 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 were 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.
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