Games PC MECHCOMMANDER 2 User Manual

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their respective owners.

Commander, As requested, the upgrade to our command-and-control software

has been downloaded to this clamshell Tactical Data Display (TDD). The TDD’s tritium ion battery provides power for over three years.

The outer case is a carbon-fiber composite with titanium overlay that electromagnetically seals its electronics. A tactical nuke could go off near this thing and it’ll keep running. Just in case you do manage to break it, though, I’ve scratched a list of essential commands on the back for emergency reference.

Touch-sensitive menus and pop-up media supplement the text onscreen. Section icons, titles, and page numbers appear along the bottom of the TDD.

Sergeant Cash obtained this TDD from his usual supplier. If anyone asks you where it came from—say it fell off the back of an armored personnel carrier.

In my opinion, this upgraded data came just in time. If half the reports about Carver V are true, we’ll need every advantage we can lay our hands on. Between the bandits, House Steiner ... and who knows what other factions are fighting over this rock, it’s going to turn into a real furball.

I guess if it were any other way there’d be no reason for us to be here. I mean, who wants a bunch of mercs around if there’s no war?

Profit and honor for us all—Lieutenant D.C. Diaz

Alert

These alert windows contain a few last-minute tips and reminders you might find useful.—Diaz

Table of Contents

Strategic Overview ............... 3

MechCommand er 2 So ftware

Installation ............................. 3

Main Menu............................... 5

Encyclopedia............................ 7

Logistics............................... 8

Mission Selection...................... 8

Mission Briefing ......................10

’Mech Bay...............................12

’Mech Purchasing.....................14

’Mech Lab...............................16

Pilot Ready Area......................19

’Mech Salvage .........................21

Pilot Status ............................23

Combat Interface ................ 26

Multifunction al Display.............29

Deployment T eam Bar...............35

Command P alette.....................36

Mission Objectives ...................38

Mission Results .......................39

Command and Control ......... 40

Selecting Units........................40

Movement Ord ers .....................42

Attack Orders ..........................48

Support Orders ........................53

’Mech Function Or d ers ..............58

Situational Awareness ......... 60

Battlefield Viewscreen ..............60

Camera Control........................61

Sensor Contact ........................62

Line of Sight...........................63

’Mech Pilots ....................... 65

Rank......................................65

Core Skills ..............................65

Specialty Skills ........................66

Tactics and Strategies ......... 70

Intelligen t U se o f Logistics .......70

Using Resource Points ..............72

Scouting ................................73

Weapons Ran ges......................74

Assaulting a Fortified Position ...77 Defending a Fortified

Installation ............................78

Retreating ..............................79

Multiplayer and

Solo Missions ...................... 80

Multiplayer .............................80

Solo Missions ..........................90

Appendices and Index ........... 91

Credits...................................91

Glossary .................................93

Index.....................................95

Strategic Overview

MechCommander 2 Software Installation

MechCommander™ 2 software requires a personal computer with the following minimum requirements:

• 266 MHz or higher processor; 400 MHz processor with MMX or 3D Now if no hardware 3D acceleration (Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor).

• Super VGA (SVGA) 2D video card with 8 MB of video RAM.

• Microsoft® Windows® 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000

operating system.

• 64 MB of system RAM.

• 400 MB of available hard disk space for a typical install;

additional 200 MB of hard disk space for a swap file.

• Quad speed or faster CD-ROM drive.

• DirectX® 8.0 or later API (included on the disc).

• SVGA 16-bit color monitor.

• 16-bit sound card compatible with DirectX 8.0 or later.

• Standard keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device.

• Speakers or headphones for audio.

The following are additional minimum requirements for multiplayer gameplay:

• 56-KBps modem or a local area network (LAN) with TCP/IP or IPX protocol.

• Internet access for Internet play. Note: May require payment of a separate fee to an Internet service provider. Local and long-distance telephone toll charges may apply.

Strategic Overview

To install MechCommander 2 automatically on your computer 1 Insert the MechCommander 2 disc into your CD-ROM drive. 2 When the main Setup screen appears, click Install, and then

follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

To install MechCommander 2 manually on your computer

If your computer does not automatically install MechCommander 2 after the disc is inserted into the CD-ROM drive, install it manually.

1 On the Windows taskbar, click Start, and then click Run. 2 Type x:\setup, where x is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.

For example, if your CD-ROM drive letter is D, type d:\setup

3 Click Install, and then follow the instructions that appear on

the screen.

When Setup is complete, you can view the Readme file or click Play to start the game.

Video Cards

Update your video card driver s, Commander. Most technical problems with our command-and-control software are due to out-of-date video drivers.

Main Menu

After the software has been installed and launched you will see the Main Menu that accesses MechCommander 2. The Main Menu can also be opened during mission preparation by clicking the Main Menu button on any logistics screen ( A modified version of the Main Menu—the System Menu—may be accessed during combat missions by pressing the ESC key ( page 26, Combat Interf ace).

see page 8, Logistics).

see

Strategic Overview

New Campaign Either begin your first mission on Carver V or select the learning missions—virtual reality simulations that familiarize you with the new MechCommander 2 software.

Load Game Load a previously saved mission from the archives. Each mission is listed with a snapshot of its mission map and its current resource status. Saved missions may also be deleted here.

Save Game Save the current mission. Previously saved missions may be deleted here. Note that games are automatically saved at the end of every mission.

Multiplayer Interface with other MechCommanders for real-time combat (

Solo Mission Launch a simulated battle exercise. Each completed campaign mission is archived as a solo mission that can be replayed. Solo missions can also be created or modified with the MechCommander 2 Mission Editor. For more information, read the Mission Editor documentation, located in the Editor folder where you installed MechCommander 2 on your hard drive.

Options Customize MechCommander 2 graphics, audio, game, and hotkey settings. Options such as ’Mech color schemes, limited or unlimited ammunition, and difficulty levels can be selected.

see page 80, Multiplayer).

Encyclopedia Access a complete database of MechCommander 2 game information (

Return to Game Return to the previous screen. Exit Terminate MechCommander 2 software. Mission data will be

lost if not previously saved. i Access your product identification number.

Performance

You can increase your game performance and speed by turning off graphics settings in the Options screen.

see page 7, Encyclopedia).

Encyclopedia

The encyclopedia has information on military units, equipment, notable persons, and BattleTech® history.

1 2

Chapters Click a button to view the individual entries of

each chapter in the encyclopedia.

Data Display An image of the selected entry as well as its

statistics and a summary.

Chapter Entries Click an entry to see its record in the data

display.

Strategic Overview

Logistics

Logistics is the procurement, distribution, maintenance, and replacement of military equipment and personnel. In the first two logistics screens, you will gather intelligence on long-term campaign goals and immediate mission objectives.

Mission Selection

Review data on your contracted duties here in the Mission Selection screen, and then select which mission to carry out next. There may be one or several missions available at any given time.

1 2

VidCom A video briefing from your employer. Click the

controls along the right-hand side of the VidCom to play, pause, and stop the video.

C-Bills The running total of cash available to purchase and

customize ’Mechs and equipment. You are paid at the end of every successful mission. For more information, Mission Results.

Campaign Missions A satellite image of the planetary

campaign map. Click a mission on the map to access that mission’s video briefing and overview.

see page 39,

Main Menu Click this button to access the Main Menu (

page 5, Main Menu).

Mission Overview An overview of the mission briefing.

Rollover Help Text that explains the functions of command

surfaces as your cursor passes over them.

Click Next to proceed to a more detailed mission briefing.

Optional Missions

At certain points during the campaign, you may skip some missions. It is advisable , however, to complete every mission to maximize the number of C-bills earned and increase the combat experience of your pilots.

see

Logistics

Mission Briefing

Details of your selected mission appear in the Mission Briefing screen.

VidCom Mission Map A satellite reconnaissance photo

of the selected mission’s features and terrain. Numbered objectives are displayed in conjunction with the VidCom image. The MechCommander chevron indicates the mission start point.

Mission Objectives A list of your objectives, followed by

your employer’s briefing and your tactical officer’s notes. Mission objectives can be reviewed during a mission by clicking the Objectives button on the Command Palette

see page 26, Combat Interface), by pressing the F9 key,

( or by pressing the ESC key and then clicking Objectives on the System Menu.

VidCom A 3D view of your mission objectives.

Click Next to proceed to the ’Mech Bay, where you may purchase and modify ’Mechs for this mission.

Tactical Officer Notes

At the end of every briefing I’ll try to include any available intelligence on enemies spotted in the area, as well as suggestions on which ’Mechs and weapons to take.—Diaz

Logistics

In the next four logistics screens—’Mech Bay, ’Mech Purchasing, ’Mech Lab, and Pilot Ready Area—you will assemble your forces for the current mission. Many believe victory on the battlefield is largely determined here in these preparation phases.

’Mech Bay

In the ’Mech Bay, you select the ’Mechs to deploy on the mission.

1 2 3

Deployment Team ’Mechs selected for the mission and

awaiting pilot assignment. To move a ’Mech from the Deployment Team area to ’Mech Storage, either double-click it, drag it to ’Mech Storage, or click it and then click the Remove

’Mech button. Team Weight Limit A display of the total weight of ’Mechs

in the Deployment Team area. You cannot add ’Mechs to the deployment team if the total drop weight exceeds the maximum. The maximum weight limit will vary from mission to mission.

’Mech Storage An inventory of your ’Mechs. To move a

’Mech from ’Mech Storage to the Deployment Team area, either double-click it, drag it to the Deployment Team area, or click it and then click the Add ’Mech button.

’Mech Data A display of a selected ’Mech’s statistics—

tonnage, optimal weapons range, armor, speed, and jump capability—as well as an image of the ’Mech and its current weapons loadout with rollover descriptions.

Modify ’Mech Click this button to transfer a selected ’Mech

to the ’Mech Lab for customization (

see page 16, ’Mech Lab).

Buy/Sell ’Mechs Click this button to access the ’Mech

Purchasing screen, where ’Mechs may be sold from the current inventory or bought and added to ’Mech Storage

see page 14, ’Mech Purchasing).

(

After you have selected and customized ’Mechs for the current mission, click Next to proceed to the Pilot Ready Area ( page 19), where you will assign pilots to your ’Mechs.

Logistics

see

’Mech Purchasing

Clicking the Buy/Sell ’Mechs button in the ’Mech Lab displays the ’Mech Purchasing screen. When you purchase or sell a ’Mech, your C-bill total (located at the top of the screen) is adjusted accordingly. ’Mechs that you cannot afford will appear dimmed and cannot be selected. There is no handling fee associated with buying and selling ’Mechs; you get full resale value.

’Mech Storage ’Mechs available in your inventory. To sell a

’Mech, either double-click it in ’Mech Storage, drag it to the Available ’Mechs list, or click it and then click the Sell ’Mech button. Your C-bill account will be credited.

Available ’Mechs A list of the ’Mechs ready for purchase.

To buy a ’Mech, either double-click it in the Available ’Mechs list, drag it to ’Mech Storage, or click it and then click the Buy ’Mech button. Its cost will be deducted from your C-bill account.

Available ’Mech Summary

’Mech icon

’Mech model/variant name

’Mech Data A display of a selected ’Mech’s statistics—

tonnage, optimal weapons range, armor, speed, and jump capability—as well as an image of the ’Mech and its current weapons loadout with rollover descriptions.

Click Cancel to erase all transactions, or click Accept to finalize your transactions. Either button returns you to the ’Mech Bay.

Weight (tons)

Cost (C-bills)

Logistics

’Mech Lab

In the ’Mech Lab, you can modify any ’Mech in your inventory, customizing its weapons, armor, and other equipment as you see fit for the current mission. You may also design and save your variants for future deployment.

Sensors A representation of the ’Mech’s sensors and elec-

tronic countermeasures (ECM). Although displayed in the interactive Payload Model, these systems are integral to the design of the ’Mech and cannot be added or removed. Only some ’Mechs have sensors.

Variants List A drop-down list of previously saved ’Mech

variants that can be applied to the ’Mech you are currently modifying. Only variants for the model of ’Mech being modified appear here. If, for example, a Mad Cat is being altered, you cannot apply a Shadow Cat variant.

Cost of Changes The running total of refunds for removing

components and/or costs for adding components. These refunds/costs are applied to your C-bill total only after you click the Accept button.

Available Components Review and purchase weapons and

other components here. Click a tab along the top to access a category: energy weapons; ballistic weapons; missiles; and non-weapon components such as armor, heat sinks, and jump jets. To add a component to a ’Mech, either double-click the component in the Available Components box, drag it to the Payload Model, or click it and then click the Add button.

Modifying components is restricted as follows:

• The Payload Model must have enough free space to house an added component.

• The heat generated by an added component cannot exceed the maximum heat capacity.

• Additional armor cannot exceed the maximum allowed armor capacity.

• Heat sinks cannot be removed if doing so exceeds the maximum heat capacity.

Payload Model A representation of the ’Mech’s weapons,

armor, heat sinks and, for some chassis, jump jets and sensors. To remove a component from the ’Mech, either double-click the component in the Payload Model, drag it to the Available Components box, or click it and then click the Remove button.

Logistics

Heat Capacity Indicator The amount of heat generated by

the ’Mech’s weapons and the maximum amount of heat the chassis can withstand.

Armor Indicator The ’Mech’s current armor value and the

maximum value its chassis can carry. Heavier ’Mechs have correspondingly larger allowed maximum armor values.

Component Data A display of a selected component’s

statistics, such as range, damage, rate of fire, and heat generated.

To finish modifying a ’Mech, click Accept. You must have enough C-bills to pay for the modifications. You must then name and save your design variant. To erase any changes and return to the ’Mech Bay, click Cancel.

Jump Jets

Jump jets only fit onto ’Mech chassis designed for them. Jump jets are represented in the Payload Model by unique space-fitting icons that reflect this restriction.

Pilot Ready Area

Review and assign pilots to the ’Mechs on your deployment team in the Pilot Ready Area. Selecting the right pilot for the right ’Mech is the key to your success. ’Mech pilots have diverse abilities—one that excels in piloting a Heavy ’Mech loaded with autocannons may not be the best choice to pilot a Light ’Mech with energy weapons.

Logistics

Deployment Team A list of ’Mechs ready to be launched on

the mission. Click an unmanned ’Mech to review its loadout. To remove a pilot from a ’Mech, either double-click the ’Mech in the Deployment Team area, drag the pilot to the Available Pilots list, or click the ’Mech and then click the Remove

Pilot button. Available Pilots A list of pilots ready to be assigned to the

’Mechs on the deployment team. To add a pilot to a ’Mech, select a ’Mech in the Deployment Team area, and then either double-click the pilot in the Available Pilots list or click the pilot and then click the Add Pilot button. Alternatively, simply drag the pilot to the desired ’Mech.

Pilot Record The military record of a selected pilot, includ-

ing rank, gunnery and piloting skills, number of kills, and any specialty skills (

After you have selected pilots for all ’Mechs on your deployment team, you may send your team on the mission by clicking Launch.

see page 65, ’Mech Pilots).

’Mech and Pilot Data

Click an empty ’Mech to display its data. Compare its components and your pilots’ capabilities for the best match of man and machine.

After every successful mission, you will enter the recovery portion of logistics. Here you will have an opportunity to salvage ’Mechs from the battlefield and review your ’Mech pilots.

’Mech Salvage

In the ’Mech Salvage screen you may recover disabled ’Mechs. In some instances, this is the only way to obtain newer ’Mechs not available from your employer.

Logistics

Salvage List A list of ’Mechs available for recovery. ’Mech

icons are color-coded to indicate the damage to each ’Mech part: blue indicates undamaged, yellow moderately damaged, red heavily damaged, and gray destroyed. Also shown are the ’Mech’s tonnage and the cost to recover it.

’Mech Data A display of a selected ’Mech’s statistics as well

as its current weapons loadout.

Click Done to proceed to the Pilot Status screen. Once you leave the ’Mech Salvage screen, you cannot return to it.

Costs

I’ve negotiated an extra clause into our standard mercenary contract. The repair costs for any damage done to our ’Mechs or damage to salvaged units are covered by our employer.—Diaz

Pilot Status

On the Pilot Status screens, you review whether your pilots increased their skills, received a promotion or commendation, or were wounded or killed in action.

Pilot Review

The Pilot Review screen allows you to review your pilots’ performance during the previous mission. Pilot and gunnery skills are displayed as well as any new medals awarded ( Pilots) and accumulated kill markers.

see page 65, ’Mech

Logistics

Kill markers show the type and number of enemy units destroyed or disabled over the course of successive missions. The following are sample markers awarded to ’Mech pilots.

’Mech Awarded when the pilot destroys an enemy ’Mech.

Combat Vehicle Awarded when the pilot destroys an enemy

armed vehicle.

Click Done to proceed to the next mission briefing.

Pilot Recruitment

Unlike ’Mechs, new pilots can’t be purchased. However, you may be able to win over new recruits during the campaign.

Pilot Promotion

Pilots on your deployment team who have done exceptionally well and increased their piloting and gunnery skills may receive a promotion to the next rank as well as obtain specialty skills training. For details on rank and specialty skills, ’Mech Pilots.

see page 65,

After reviewing promotions and assigning specialty skills, click Done to proceed to the Pilot Review screen.

Pilot Specialty Skill

Pilots receive only one specialty skill per rank promotion. The choice is permanent. Think carefully before choosing.

Logistics

Combat Interface

The Combat Interface enables you to efficiently issue orders to your deployment team.

1 5

Battlefield A real-time satellite-relayed image of the

battlefield that also displays all sensor contacts. For information about how to alter the viewpoint and camera angles, see page 60, Situational Awareness.

Mission Objectives The goals of the current mission. New

objectives may appear as the mission progresses, and objectives are checked off as they are successfully completed. See page 38.

Compass A navigational orientation system. Toggle the

compass on and off by pressing the BACKSLASH (\) key. Status Bar A bar that appears over every unit and building

as your cursor passes over them or over selected units and buildings, indicating the object’s damage. As damage accumulates, the bar decreases until gone, at which point the object is destroyed.

Rollover Help Text that explains the functions of command

surfaces as your cursor passes over them.

Command Buttons The button panel over the Command

Palette that allows the MechCommander to access global software functions.

Objectives Click this button or press the F9 key to toggle the mission objectives.

Information Click this button or hold down the I key, and then click any unit to display its data

in the unit information display. See page 33. System Menu/Pause Click this button or press

the ESC key to toggle the System Menu and pause the battle.

See page 38.

Combat Interface 27

System Menu/Pause Click a button to access mission

objectives, save or load a mission, customize game options, or abort the current mission. When the System Menu appears, the battle pauses.

Multifunctional Display An interactive display that shows

the tactical map, support palette, or unit information display, depending on the tab selected.

Tactical Map Click this tab to display a reconnaissance photo of the battle area.

Support Palette Click this tab to display artillery, vehicle reinforcement, or other battlefield support commands. See page 30.

Unit Information Click this tab to display information on a selected unit.

Deployment Team Bar A graphical representation of the

condition of every unit on your deployment team. Click units here to select them. See page 35.

Command Palette Issue movement or fire commands from

this screen.

See page 36.

See page 33.

See page 29.

Pause

Although the battle itself may be paused, the MechCommander can still survey the latest sensor information and issue attack and movement orders accordingly.

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