MechWarrior is the role-playing system set in the same fictional universe as the wargame BattleTech.

In addition, numerous novels by such authors as Michael A. Stackpole flesh out the game's fictional world.

In Issue 78 of Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer, Scott Tanner commented, "I found this supplement very useful, for not only did it provide a roleplaying side to the game, but the background material was useful in setting up scenarios and the like.

Nonetheless, Swan found the game "features intelligent, streamlined rules for creating characters."

Editor Paul Pettengale commented: "Over the years since its original release, FASA has developed every aspect of the background and history of the Battle Tech setting.

"[15] The German games magazine Envoyer liked the lengthy character generation system, commenting, "By means of a 'life path' system, the characters are gradually taken through their early and late childhood, their apprenticeship period and finally the 'seriousness of life' phase.

There were some problems with the German translation, especially the complete lack of artwork that had been present in the English edition.