It was produced from November 1996 through 2001[dubious – discuss],[2] and features BattleMechs, characters, and technology from the original BattleTech board game, with new artwork done by various artists.

Once they are paid for, they are put into play (deploy) and can be used to attack your opponents or gain tactical advantages.

[5] In the October 1997 edition of Dragon (Issue 240), Rick Swan liked this collectible card game, calling it "simple (much easier, in fact, than the Magic: The Gathering game, designed by the same guy) and addictive (which means you better start saving up for the boosters).

"[6] In Issue 1 of Backstab, Stéphane Bura liked some of the game mechanics, but ultimately found that the game's biggest fault was the "poor quality of the composition and design of the cards" compared to rival CCGs Netrunner and Mirage.

[7] The Arsenal expansion, which introduced a new card type, vehicles, resulted in the need for extensive errata and has been credited with bringing the game to its end.