News Archive

Note: This page contains older news; for the latest in HeavyMetalPro.com news, please go to the What's New page.

December 7, 2003 - New updates of all HeavyMetal products are available for download, including HMPro, HMVee, HMLite and HMAero. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetal File Center.

June 6, 2003 - New updates of HeavyMetal Lite is available for download. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetal File Center.

June 5, 2003 - New updates of HeavyMetal Vee is available for download. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetal File Center.

June 4, 2003 - New update of HeavyMetal Pro is available for download. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetal File Center.

December 1, 2002 - New updates of all four of the HeavyMetal programs are now available. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetal File Center.

November 22, 2002 - HeavyMetal has a new home, with Lunarpages.com, where we hope we will have improved reliability and speed. A brief, and horribly bad, experience with FeaturePrice.com resulted in changing hosting companies twice within a month.

October 24, 2002 - At long last, the data files and graphics from Record Sheets: 3067 and Tech Readout: 3067 are available for download. There are a total of 346 data files and 61 pictures available. To download them, click on the Files button, then the Official Updates link. Have fun!

September 22, 2002 - HeavyMetal Aero, the much awaited AeroTech2, BattleSpace and AeroTech vessel design program, is made available for ordering. Shipments of the program will begin September 26, 2002. For more information on the program, please go to the HeavyMetal Aero Description and Features page.

July 22, 2002 - New updates, the first in quite some time, are available for download for all three programs, from the official updates page. See the individual change pages for more information.

July 14, 2002 - As we're in mid July, a lot of people have been asking about HeavyMetal Aero's progress and release date. At this point, I'm working toward an end of August date, which is somewhat later, again, than previously stated. Sorry about that, but it has been quite a trial, and is a far more complex program than any of the others, or than I had anticipated. The good news is that I think it's shaping up nicely, and think you will like the record sheets and other features. The General Discussion HeavyMetal Forum posted some shots of two record sheets, to give everyone an idea what they will look like, so stop by and take a look.

June 6, 2002 - Added new links, updated some links, and added graphics to the Links page. Take a look!

June 2, 2002 - I figured it was time I gave an update on HeavyMetal Aero: it has been in playtest for some time, but that doesn't mean it's nearing completion; rather it means I started the playtesting way earlier, to be sure everyone was comfortable with the interface and program operation. My best guess at this point for release is late July to August, as the program has proven far more complex (and some of the rules far more elusive) than I had expected. But I think it is coming along well, and hope you will be pleased with the final product.

February 23, 2002 - New updates are available for download for all three programs, from the official updates page. See the individual change pages for more information.

January 5, 2002 - New updates are available for download for all three programs, from the official updates page. See the individual change pages for more information.

September 23, 2001 - The much-anticipated, huge collection of HeavyMetal Pro, Vee and Lite data files are now available for download, along with the latest versions of the programs. Please go to the Official Updates link on the Files page to download and for more information.

September 17, 2001 - HeavyMetal Plus begins shipping, with all pre-orders being sent. Copies are now available for immediate shipment. When placing an order, your program will usually be sent out the next day. To order, please go to the HeavyMetal Plus Order Page now to place your order.

September 9, 2001 - It is necessary for all of the programs included in HeavyMetal Plus to have updating wording and packaging due to the change in ownership of the BattleTech name. As the extent and wording will hopefully be received early this week, I estimate that the pre-ordered copies of HeavyMetal Plus will be sent out by September 17th. But the time has not been wasted: there will now be over 500 pictures of 'Mechs, vehicles, etc. included, a total of over 5,700 files will be installed taking 60 - 120 MB of hard drive space (depending on drive and cluster size), so you'll be getting more than I had ever imagined!.

August 31, 2001 - Due to unexpected communications problems caused by the upcoming holiday and surrounding vacations (not mine!), HeavyMetal Plus's final approval process has been delayed. The new estimated shipping date is Monday September 10th, but I won't be able to confirm that until late next week. I will, of course, send them out just as soon as possible. Sorry for the delay, but there was no way I could have anticipated this. The good news is that as a result of the extra time, there will be even more on the HeavyMetal Plus CD. I believe the wait will be worthwhile.

August 26, 2001 - HeavyMetal Plus, the suite of programs including HeavyMetal Pro, Vee and Lite, plus thousands of data files and more, is now available for pre-order, with the first copies to ship out September 4 (changed to the 10th), 2001. To see more information about its features, go to HeavyMetal Plus Description and Features. To order now, go to the HeavyMetal Plus Order Page.

August 4, 2001 - The first update of HeavyMetal Lite is now available for download on the official updates page. Among other changes, it adds the ability to select and print a logo on your ProtoMech, Battle Armor and Infantry record sheets.

July 9, 2001 - HeavyMetal Lite goes Gold! The first run of HeavyMetal Lite CDs have now been burned, labeled and boxed, and are sent out to all those who pre-ordered. Pretty much on schedule, I will add.

July 1, 2001 - HeavyMetal Lite is now available for pre-order! To see more information about the program, including updated screenshots and specifications, go to HeavyMetal Lite Screenshots and Description.

June 17, 2001 - Updates have been posted for both HeavyMetal Pro and HeavyMetal Vee on the Official Updates page.

June 14, 2001 - I'm extremely pleased to announce that HeavyMetal Pro and HeavyMetal Vee have swept two categories of the Inner Sphere News' Second Annual ISN BattleTech Fan Choice Awards! They won "Best BattleTech related Game Related Release" and "Most Innovative BattleTech release". To see the article, go to ISN BattleTech Fan Choice Awards

April 20, 2001 - Updates have been posted for both HeavyMetal Pro and HeavyMetal Vee on the Official Updates page.

March 31, 2001 - An update was posted for HeavyMetal Vee on the Official Updates page.

March 16, 2001 - Updates have been posted for both HeavyMetal Pro and HeavyMetal Vee on the Official Updates page.

March 6, 2001 - FM: Periphery Equipment is now available for use with both HeavyMetal Pro and Vee. FASA's Official 'Mech and Vehicle editors provide yet another perk: the availability of new equipment from the latest field manual before the manual is even available! Special permission has been received to allow HeavyMetal Pro and HeavyMetal Vee users to be the first on their block to be able to use these new weapons. (It was always our intention to do that will /all/ new equipment as it came out, but with FASA's demise, I guess this will be it, for now at least.) To download the files, click on the Files button, then the Official Updates link. Enjoy!.

March 3, 2001 - Please note that I have a new email address, so if you're writing, please address your mail to heavymetal@bellsouth.net.

March 3, 2001 - The first update for HeavyMetal Vee has been posted on the Official Updates page.

March 3, 2001 - HeavyMetal Vee is now available for immediate purchase and download though Register Now, in addition to through PayPal and direct.

February 20, 2001 - HeavyMetal Vee is shipping! Orders may be placed from the Order page of this web site. Initial response has been great.

February 18, 2001 - HeavyMetal Pro and Vee can now be purchased through PayPal, resulting in a reduced price and savings to you. Check it out on the Order page of this web site.

February 17, 2001 - The first copies of HeavyMetal Vee will be shipped on February 20, 2001 (as February 19 is President's Day, and mail is not collected), for all those who have pre-ordered.

February 12, 2001 - HeavyMetal Vee is now available for pre-ordering. After reviewing some of its many screens and features at the link below, click on the Order button at left for more information.

February 12, 2001 - Due to rising material and expenses, I have found it necessary to increase the price of HeavyMetal Pro by $2, when ordered from the RegNow purchase site. The price when ordered directly from my by PayPal, check, money order or cash remains the same. This change will go into effect February 15, so order prior to then to get the lower price. Or better yet, order directly from me and save even more.

February 11, 2001 - HeavyMetal Vee is almost ready for release! Check out some of the many screens and features by going to the HeavyMetal Vee Screenshots and Descriptions page. Look for a pre-order announcement shortly.

January 25, 2001 - FASA has announced that after 20 years in operation, they are closing their doors. The BattleTech line has been sold to WizKids LLC, started by Jordan Weisman, founder of FASA. You can be sure that the BattleTech line will continue with its new owners, and we should see more and varied products in the future. For more information about this, you can go to their web site at (web site no longer available). Please note that RCW Enterprises, a FASA licensee and producer of HeavyMetal Pro and other BattleTech products, is in no way affected by this, in fact the license to produce these products will be extended indefinitely. We will continue to produce and market HeavyMetal Pro, and the upcoming HeavyMetal Vee, along with other BattleTech products in the future. Please rest assured that while FASA may not be around for long, we will be, producing the best BattleTech products available and supporting them in the best way we know how.

January 9, 2001 - Just a status report for those interested in HeavyMetal Vee, a new vehicle design program with similar look and features as HMPro. HMVee is in the final stages of programming and playtesting. It should be available for purchase about mid-February. The price will be the same as HMPro, $20US plus S&H. If you like HMPro, you'll like HMVee. Basically all the features you're come to expect are there, and the look and feel has been matched to HMPro as much as possible, so you don't have to learn a new interface. I'll keep you posted as to what's happening, and hope to update the site with more information about HMVee as I have time to do so. In the meantime, I've put a main screen shot from HMVee-32 on the Other programs page, to give you an idea what it will look like.

January 9, 2001 - Version 5.02 R1 update has been posted on the File Updates page. I will try to post updates on this page more often.

November 23, 2000 - Version 5.01 R9 update posted on the File Updates page. Two new and four revised sets of 'Mechs available.

October 29, 2000 - Version 5.01 R7 update posted on the File Updates page. This also includes a new Inner Sphere weapons file which corrects the IS Gauss Rifle ammo Battle Value.

October 28, 2000 - Speaking of HeavyMetal Vee, Medron Pryde has a poll on PRI where you can vote on what BattleTech program you would most like to see released next, whether it's a vehicle program or another one (wish he hadn't included all of the above, as that's not possible anyhow). You can also vote for your favorite 'Mech design program, but if you've already voted for one once, please don't vote for one again, we want to keep it reasonably fair. Medron also has other poll questions included concerning his site and other topics. BTW, HMPro is doing quite well in the poll, garnering about 52% of the total 150 votes at this time, about 3 times its nearest competitor. Thanks!

October 28, 2000 - HeavyMetal Vee (a BattleTech vehicle editor) is coming along pretty well. As you may recall, a 16-bit version of HMPro has been in use by playtesters for years, but I am converting it to 32-bit and a similar interface and features to HMPro. Release is estimated for early 2001 at this point, but that's not a firm date nor a guarantee. HeavyMetal Lite will follow thereafter.

October 20, 2000 - HeavyMetal Pro is now in use in at least 20 countries around the world (the latest being Gibraltar) and 45 of our 50 states (say, what's wrong with RI, NM, LA, SD and WV?). And this does not include any countries or states that FASA may have sold to. Again, thanks for helping to make HeavyMetal Pro part of the global BattleTech community!

October 11, 2000 - A new version of RUS (Random Unit Selector) has been posted on the File Updates page. If you haven't already, take a look at RUS; it's a handle little utility which is flexible enough to be used for many things in BattleTech and other games, and it's FREE!

September 24, 2000 - Posted new validated 'Mech data files, in addition to some revised ones, correcting mostly nomenclature and other minor items.

August 26, 2000 - HeavyMetal Pro is now in use in at least 17 countries around the world, from Japan to Sweden, Singapore to Finland, Thailand to Norway. Following the United States, Germany has the most copies, with Canada and Great Britain following closely, then Australia. Thanks for helping to make HeavyMetal Pro part of the global BattleTech community!

August 20, 2000 - A new release of HeavyMetal Pro, V5.01 R1, is available for free download to purchasers of the program. Please go to the Files | Official Updates page for more information and instructions.

July 23, 2000 - A new release of HeavyMetal Pro, V5.00 R9, is available for free download to purchasers of the program. Please go to the Files | Official Updates page for more information and instructions.

July 13, 2000 - HeavyMetal Pro was introduced at the Origins Con in Columbus, Ohio, to rousing sales and interest. Rick Raisley demoed the program on a laptop at the Gunslinger and BattleTech Open competition, while FASA sold it from their booth. The program was a sell-out, and the second production run is now being produced.

July 12, 2000 - HeavyMetal Pro is made available for purchase from a secure site reached from the Order page of this web site.

May 16, 2000 - HeavyMetal Pro is announced on the rec.games.mecha mecha newsgroup. Intended availability is for the Origins Con in Columbus, OH, July 13-16, 2000. FASA makes Rick Raisley, or RCW Enterprises, a FASA Licensee, to produce and market HeavyMetal and related products. See the Press Release for more information.

October 1999 - HeavyMetal placed on "Out of Stock" status, due to sell-out of existing copies and indecision as to marketing strategy, due to Microsoft and possible Decipher merger (which failed).

July 1999 - HeavyMetal Pro is converted from 16-bit (Windows 3.1) to full 32-bit (Windows95+) operation, to take advantage of new features that Windows and the development environment offer.

October 1998 - HeavyMetal is available for sale from FASA Corporation and is recognized as the official BattleMech design software, licensed by FASA, for the PC/Windows environment. (Yeah, it took a while!)

January 1998 - HeavyMetal Pro began development and playtesting, adding the remaining equipment from Maximum Tech which was necessarily absent from HeavyMetal due to limitations imposed when it was spec'd out.

December 1996 - HeavyMetal is submitted in "final" form for FASA's approval and distribution.

February 1995 - The first Windows version of HeavyMetal is completed and submitted to FASA.

July 1993 - The first incarnation of HeavyMetal is developed, for DOS of course! Certainly not as fancy as today's editors, but boy was it fast, lacking all the Windows encumbrances!