Heavy Gear

An SF RPG from Dream Pod 9. Inspired by the anime series VOTOMS, this is a grittier mecha series than stablemate Jovian Chronicles. Two polar federations on the planet Terra Nova pursue their own rivalry while fending off acquisitive forays from a totalitarian Earth, bent on reclaiming her old colonies.

The featured mecha are "gears," larger than power armors, and much smaller than mechs, they are useful for broken terrain combat.

Heavy Gear has a story moved forward by special "storyline books" presented as source materials from the diary of a Terra Novan spy.

Both roleplaying and tactical components of this game are well-supported.