Battletech: A Universe Explored

While the Battletech universe and all its complications is far lengthy to distill in one essay, an attempt will be made to inform the reader of the basics, the joys, and the addiction of the world of Mechs and warrior houses.

The simple explanation of Battletech would be that it's a series of novels based on a roleplaying game set in future time. It was originally created by a company named FASA during the 1980s, a company that also made Shadow Run and many other excellent series.

Wikipedia compares Battletech to other science fiction universes like Star Trek and Star Wars. This is a suitable comparison, but there are countless series that are similar to Battletech, but none quite captures the same feel of the novels or the board game.

Warhammer 40k is similar in its basis on war, though Battletech has no aliens; Dragonlance in the sheer breadth of novels that have been written, and though Dragonlance is incredibly different series with a more fantasy element, much of the writing is similar; many Anime films or series could compare simply because of the use of Mechs, like Gundam Wing, Tekkaman Blade (known in the states as Teknoman), or Robotech.

Readers who are avid gamers might be familiar with the Mechwarrior series, which was a very successful computer and video game based on the Battletech universe.

There was a short-lived animated series that ran 13 episodes called "First Somerset Strikers." There has also been several comic series based on Battletech.