Veteran gamers have fond memories of the original Solaris VII boxed set for classic Battletech, and now Wizkids is revisiting the homeworld of battlemech arena combat with new rules and cards. In the last two years, the company abandoned the collectible aspect of Mechwarrior (their click-based version of tabletop mech warfare), releasing non-random "action packs" with preset units instead of randomized booster packs. 2007's Solaris VII action packs allowed players to fight it out on arena hex maps, but a few weeks ago, Wizkids released a free rules update that could make Solaris VII so much more.

First up: the Solaris VII Campaign Rules. In addition to being an overall update to the Mechwarrior rules system, adjusted for hex maps instead of open terrain, it also allows your arena pilots to have ongoing careers. Create a stable of mechs, track your winnings and build your reputation with the rabid fans of giant robot combat. Since damaged mechs will need expensive repairs, and destroyed mechs will need to be replaced, battles will involve much more strategy than the old "last one standing" matches. Better still, the rules have been streamlined, so a mech vs. mech battle can be played in 20 minutes. To facilitate Solaris VII campaigns, Wizkids also designed a spreadsheet that will make it easy to track your stable's progress.

As if that weren't enough cool free stuff, they're also offering a full set of Rally Cards in pdf format, with an open license to print them for use in the arenas. The Rally Cards represent unexpected events or maneuvers that help keep arena combat fresh and unpredictable. If giant robot arena combat were real, I'd be a season ticket holder. Image by: Wizkids.

The MechWarrior Solaris VII Campaign pack materials are now available! [Wizkids]

Famous names: Greg Pak, Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti, Gary Frank

Crunchy goodness: 5

Sequels: World War Hulk, in which the Hulk comes back to Earth with an alien army and vengeance in mind.

Elevator pitch: It's just like Spartacus — except this time nobody has to ask which one he is.

The shit: Pak and his collaborators put in major overtime on the world-building, creating an incredibly complex society with tons of alien races, not to mention the rampaging robotic wildebots. But what really makes Planet Hulk unforgettable is the Hulk's insect sidekick Miek, who evolves from scared larva to giant bug king to grief-stricken widower. Most comic book characters don't get that much development in twenty years.

Review of Planet Hulk