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 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). There are units that players can only acquire through trade or send-aways, such as the Battle forces 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 the franchise was due to be released on November 19, 2008. On November 10, 2008, Topps announced the closure of Wizkids.
Factions
New Factions
Republic of the Sphere / RotS
Northwind Highlanders – Part of the RotS
Stormhammers
Dragon's Fury
Swordsworn
Bannson's Raiders
Spirit Cats
Steel Wolves
Wolf Hunters
Original Factions
Capellan Confederation
Lyran Alliance
Federated Suns
Clan Wolf
Clan Nova Cat
Clan Jade Falcon
Clan Hell's Horses
Clan Sea Fox (formerly known as Clan Diamond Shark in BattleTech) Highlanders Draconis Combine Rasalhague Dominion (formerly known as Ghost Bear Dominion) Comstar
Over time, these factions have acquired their own particular style of play. For example, the repairability of the Bannson's Raiders units allows the player to conduct quick strikes followed by a retreat. Three factions (House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox) have inherent abilities not stated on their figures to compensate for higher point costs. Examples of these abilities include improved damage to elite or novice-ranked units, better targeting through forests, improved jumping attacks, or gaining the ability to deprive an enemy player of an order. This concept has been extended in later expansions by the addition of faction pride cards and special pilot abilities. Starting with the release of the Domination expansion set in January 2006, the faction abilities for House Liao, Clan Jade Falcon, and Clan Sea Fox were replaced with faction pride cards. However, the three factions' figures released before that set can still use the team abilities without having to require a faction pride card.
MechWarrior: Age of Destruction introduced new rules and new mechanics to the game, most notably the pilots and gear. These cards are included with the booster packs, and improve any 'Mech they are attached to, depending on the weight class. This has also introduced Gunslingers, mercenary pilots with preferred 'mechs that can be "recruited" to all, or most, factions. They have become common prizes at sanctioned tournaments.