01:22 PM: Allan Sugarbaker says...
Counterassault for MechWarrior hits streets

The newest Mechwarrior: Dark Age expansion, Counterassault, has hit stores (see the full release below), though I can't say I've heard much about it yet. The "positive heat effects" certainly sound interesting though, as something that could change MW's overall gameplay. One of my local stores has an extremely active MW league and can't keep each expansion in stock; others hardly sell any of the game. As with any collectible game, seems it's all about building the community to sell it, and supporting that community. That, and the "first taste's free" approach.

WizKids press release follows:

Mechwarrior: Counterassault DEBUTS TODAY

January 7, 2004 (SEATTLE) — WizKids LLC, makers of the best-selling Mage Knight™, MechWarrior®: Dark Age and HeroClix® collectable miniatures games (CMGs), is proud to announce the release of the Counterassault expansion for the MechWarrior: Dark Age CMG, the science fiction miniatures game that has sold more than 40 million figures worldwide since its release in 2002.

“Counterassault introduces new and exciting aspects to the MechWarrior game,” said Jordan Weisman, WizKids CEO. “Positive heat effects, longer range for ’Mechs®, and all-new units that flesh out the House Liao faction appeal to new and veteran players alike.”

A Counterassault Booster Pack contains four randomly selected, prepainted miniature figures, including two ’Mechs, and it carries a suggested retail price of $9.99. A MechWarrior:
Dark Age Starter Set is required to play.

Learn more about MechWarrior online at wizkidsgames.com/mechwarrior. The game is fully supported with organized play at conventions and in-store tournaments.

Founded by 20-year game-industry veteran Jordan Weisman, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its Mage Knight, MechWarrior and HeroClix CMGs are among the most successful games on the market today, and the company has sold tens of millions of figures worldwide. For additional information, visit wizkidsgames.com.