BattleTech

This game is only worth playing, and continuing to play, because of the amazing work that the modding community has done, turning it into the game that the fans originally wanted. And not just a compromised product designed to appeal to the largest number of people.
If you're looking to buy this game in 2024 what you'll need to do is head over to Nexus Mods. There are a host of great mods that give you the entire map of the galaxy, mods that allow other factions to go to war and take systems, and my current favourite, Hyades Rim which changes the story, rewriting it, changing the cut scenes, your role (which didn't make any sense to the roll playing elements of your origin story) and gives you a far more realistic, natural, place in BT universe.
Is it the Cresecent Hawks Inception remake that I've always dreamt of (I'd destroy the only copy of Half-life 3 if it meant some studio remakes Cresecent Hawk inception), no of course not but jeebus, its a great game. The remade story, the added flashpoints and difficulty changes on many of the big overhaul mods have really sharpen the game. It's finally giving me that battletech hit i've been dreaming of since my first shot in the 1980s.
So Batteltech, is worth it? Its cheap, play vanilla, see what it gives you and then go to town modding it. The mods are amazing. The expansion of the innersphere, the realignment of planets, the application of 40 years of lore, Every fricken planet has its own story, there are hundreds of mechs that modders have put into the game, thousands of weapons and equipment, great missions (properly thought out, challenging but not impossible, well paced). I used to fall asleep playing the vanilla but these days especially with Hadyes Rim you really need to think of strategy, flanking, feints, drawing the enmy in and other tactics or else you're gonna get your ass kicked.
Anyway, jeez, why are you still reading this. Go buy it.
Also go watch some Battletech Black pant legion tube videos (especially for the perun cameo)
(edit excuse the grammar, me no speak englash goud)

The base game is good for the story - for a more genuine tabletop feel go modded. I can recommend BEX (Battletech Commanders Extended 3025) and BTAU (Battletech Advanced Universe). NexusMods for BEX and bta3062 dot com for BTAU. RogueTech is another mod that is worth exploring, with the caveats that it requires a more robust computer and the gameplay can be quite a bit more harsh until you learn the systems it introduces.

BattleTech is a game with a lot to offer, but it comes with some caveats that might not be for everyone. As a turn-based tactical game set in the rich BattleTech universe, it delivers a deep and satisfying mech combat experience, but it also has some noticeable shortcomings.
The combat system is the star of the show. Managing your squad of mechs, customizing their loadouts, and navigating the tactical nuances of positioning, heat management, and armor targeting feels incredibly rewarding. The weighty, methodical pacing of battles emphasizes strategy, and every decision matters. However, battles can also drag on, especially in later stages when the same tactics are repeatedly required for success.
The campaign has a solid narrative, with political intrigue, mercenary life, and a dash of personal stakes that feel true to the BattleTech universe. The story missions are engaging, but the procedurally generated side missions lack variety and can feel repetitive. Managing your mercenary company between battles—balancing finances, repairs, and crew morale—is an enjoyable layer of strategy, though it might feel overwhelming for newcomers.
Visually, the game is functional but not particularly impressive. Mech designs and animations are great, but environments can feel bland and lack the diversity you’d hope for in such a large universe. The soundtrack fits the tone, though it’s not particularly memorable.
Performance is a mixed bag. While later updates have improved optimization, the game still suffers from long load times and occasional crashes, particularly on lower-end systems. The interface, while functional, can feel clunky at times, especially when managing mech customization.
Overall, BattleTech offers a solid tactical experience with a rich universe backing it, but its pacing, repetition, and technical quirks might turn some players off. If you love turn-based strategy and giant mechs, it’s worth checking out, but be prepared for some bumps along the way.
Rating: 7/10 – Deep mech combat, but not without its flaws.

The game has been kept alive by mod packs like Battletech Extended (BEX), Battletech Advanced 3062 (BTA), and Roguetech.

This game is good on its own, and massively expanded with Roguetech or Battletech 3062 mods.

This game is good fun! I especially enjoy the Battletech Advanced and Roguetech mods, although the game engine struggles to run them well.

Great Game, finished it and played custom for a good while.
But 80%+ of my hours have been in the RogueTech mod, seriously in my opinion the Real way to play BattleTech.