Battletech Combat Book Game: SHD 2H Shadow Hawk by Nova Games

Each book includes a loose pilot/stat card, a rules section and 64 numbered sections. They provide a battle system where each player is required to possess one book and the corresponding BattleMech stat card. To play, one would hand the book to one's opponent and receive his book in turn. Combat is then conducted by going to a specific numbered section in the books (starting at #49) that describes a situation for the enemy 'Mech and names certain options on how to continue the fight from this point, depending on the capabilities of one's own 'Mech. Players then turn to the next numbered section indicated by their choice. The new section indicates combat results (position, damage, critical hits) and further possible actions leading to further numbered sections. This process is repeated until one side has won.

The gameplay thus is a tree structure determined by player choices, and has no random element. In accordance with the cornerstones of the BattleTech Board Game, heat and ammunition levels are factored into the rules. The rules allow for multiple players, but require them to form two sides. Campaign rules are also provided, allowing for pilot improvement through experience and including maintenance concerns ('Mech deterioration, repair, ammo reloads).