MegaMek is an free open source software (FOSS) turn-based strategy computer game that simulates ‘BattleTech’ the board game
Original Release: 18 February 2002
Latest Version: 0.40.1 (stable)
License: GNU GPL
Developer: Project community
MegaMek is an open source turn-based strategy computer game that simulates the Classic BattleTech board game. MegaMek is not licensed by or affiliated with Topps or Catalyst Game Labs, the owners and publishers of the BattleTech line, but is nonetheless a faithful simulation of the game. Exceptions are a few trademarked items changed by the developers (e.g., changing ‘Mech to Mek).
MegaMek is developed and maintained by a community of volunteer programmers, with a small core of developers supported by numerous contributors. The project is hosted bySourceForge.net and is distributed with its source under the GNU General Public License. The game is written entirely in Java with graphics based on Swing (an AWT interface also exists, but it’s not updated with the newest features), resulting in reasonable playability even on low-end platforms.
Currently, MegaMek supports all the rules from the BattleTech introductory box set, most of the rules from the Total Warfare core rule book, and a number of advanced rules from the Tactical Operations rule book and some house rules. The game offers a simple genetic-algorithm-driven bot that one can play against, though so far its intelligence is limited. Also, most of the AeroTech rules from Total Warfare are implemented. An optional 3D interface is currently under development. The game currently supports multiplayer viaTCP/IP, though play-by-email is possible through the exchange of saved games.
A sister project MekWars that is also written in Java gives MegaMek a campaign structure with a chat interface, hangars, accounts, repairs, and numerous other settings which can be defined by each server administrator as she or he wishes. There are numerous MekWars servers which offer campaigns in the different eras of BattleTech.
Current features include:
- Network or hotseat play for 2 or more players
- A somewhat cunning AI opponent for offline play
- Choice of ground, atmosphere, or space combat, using Total Warfare rules
- Integration of ground and atmospheric combat using the “Aerospace Units on Ground Mapsheets” rule.
- Many of the optional rules and technology from Tactical Operations, including advanced terrain and planetary conditions
- Map board selection and editing
- Map boards based off official map packs included
- Mech selection and support for some mech editors
- Most official mech designs
- Color graphics
Minimum System Requirements:
MegaMek is programmed in Java and will run on any system with a compatible Java Virtual Machine. It has been tested on Windows, Linux and MacOS X.
MegaMek Screenshots
MegaMek Videos
External Links:
Available for Windows PC, Linux and MacOS
