Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: Interplay Entertainment
- Publishers: Interplay Entertainment
M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration: A Strategic Masterpiece
Released in 1996, M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a groundbreaking strategy game that combines real-time and turn-based elements to create a truly immersive and challenging experience. Players take on the role of a Mission Commander tasked with colonizing new worlds on distant planets.
Gameplay
M.A.X. offers a wide range of gameplay options, allowing players to customize their experience to their liking. Players can choose from eight different factions, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. They can also select from over 50 land, sea, and air units, and upgrade their armor, speed, and range.
The game features both campaign and custom missions, as well as simultaneous or turn-based gameplay. The adjustable turn length and game speed allow players to tailor the game to their preferred playstyle. Up to four human or computer opponents can participate in a single game, making for intense and strategic battles.
Story
The story of M.A.X. is set in a distant future where humanity has begun to colonize new worlds. Players take on the role of a Mission Commander tasked with leading the Mechanized Assault & Exploration (M.A.X.) Force. Their mission is to secure new planets, build colonies, and defend them from enemy forces.
As the player progresses through the game, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including hostile aliens, rival factions, and treacherous terrain. They will need to use their strategic skills and tactical prowess to overcome these obstacles and achieve their objectives.
Features
M.A.X. is packed with features that make it a truly unique and enjoyable strategy game. These features include:
- Eight playable factions: Each faction has its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle.
- Over 50 land, sea, and air units: Players can build and command a vast army of units to suit their strategic needs.
- Upgradeable units: Players can upgrade their units’ armor, speed, and range to give them an edge in battle.
- Campaign and custom missions: The game features a variety of campaign missions as well as a mission editor that allows players to create their own custom scenarios.
- Simultaneous or turn-based gameplay: Players can choose to play the game in real-time or in turn-based mode.
- Adjustable turn length and game speed: Players can customize the game to their preferred playstyle.
- Up to four human or computer opponents: Players can compete against each other or against the AI in intense multiplayer battles.
Critical Reception
M.A.X. received critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its innovative gameplay, deep strategy, and replayability. The game was awarded a score of 8.5 out of 10 by IGN, which called it “one of the best strategy games ever made.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 9.0 out of 10, saying that it “sets a new standard for real-time strategy games.”
Legacy
M.A.X. is considered to be one of the most influential strategy games of all time. It has been cited as an inspiration for many subsequent strategy games, including the popular StarCraft series. The game’s innovative gameplay and deep strategy continue to attract new players today.
Conclusion
M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a classic strategy game that offers a deep and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. With its innovative gameplay, diverse factions, and endless replayability, M.A.X. is a must-play for any fan of strategy games.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
