M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration

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M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a single player and multiplayer turn-based strategy game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Interplay Entertainment Corp. and was released on April 7, 2017. It received positive reviews from players.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a turn-based strategy game set in a future where mech combat is common. Players can commandground, air, and naval units while constructing and expanding their base. The game offers skirmish and multiplayer modes, with a variety of maps and objectives to complete. Objectives include capturing the enemy's HQ, destroying all enemy units, or defending your base for a set number of turns.

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89%

Audience ScoreBased on 76 reviews

story3 negative mentions

M.A.X. is a classic tactical game that offers deep strategic gameplay and allows for extensive unit and base upgrades, making it enjoyable for both nostalgic players and newcomers.
The game features unique mechanics that combine turn-based and real-time strategy elements, providing a diverse and engaging experience with various mission types and AI challenges.
Despite its age, M.A.X. still holds up well in terms of gameplay, with many players praising its depth, complexity, and the nostalgic value it brings from their childhood.

The game suffers from frequent crashes, especially after a certain number of turns, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration for players.
Compatibility issues with modern systems and the reliance on DOSBox can make it difficult to run the game smoothly, often requiring manual configuration to avoid crashes.
While the game is beloved for its mechanics, many players note that the AI can be inconsistent, and the overall experience can be marred by bugs and outdated graphics.

graphics
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The graphics of the game are generally described as aged but decent, with a nostalgic 2D style that some players appreciate despite its limitations. While many reviewers acknowledge that the visuals could benefit from a modern update, they also note that the graphics still hold up reasonably well for a game released in 1996, complementing the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not meet today's standards, they are acceptable for fans of classic turn-based games.
- “The game comes with nice sound effects and graphics.”
- “Graphics...aged but decent, 2D but well done and detailed.”
- “Whilst the graphics have indeed aged (some would say rather well for a game released in 1996), the core gameplay, its mechanics and the whole package still holds up today.”
- “If only they updated the graphics a bit to today's standards but without messing with the game mechanics!”
- “Graphics still somewhat hold up today but it's obvious this game was designed for CRT screens from the font and color choice.”
- “Its graphics could use a redo but max is tremendous again in my opinion.”
gameplay
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
The gameplay is highly praised for its unique mechanics and solid strategy elements, often compared favorably to classic titles like Dune 2 and Command & Conquer. While some users note that the older code can lead to crashes on larger maps, the core gameplay remains engaging and effective, with well-designed upgrade mechanics for units and structures. Overall, despite outdated graphics, the gameplay experience is considered superior to many modern games, earning a strong 8/10 rating.
- “This game is a hidden gem, a masterpiece; there is no other strategy game with mechanics like this.”
- “What is great is the upgrade mechanics for all units and structures.”
- “Whilst the graphics have indeed aged (some would say rather well for a game released in 1996), the core gameplay, its mechanics, and the whole package still holds up today.”
- “Yes, the resolution is outdated, but the gameplay still beats 99% of modern designs.”
- “If only they updated the graphics a bit to today's standards but without messing with the game mechanics!”
- “Well, imagine playing the classic Dune 2 / Command & Conquer with all the RTS mechanics in place as a turn-based strategy game.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The game's story aspect is enriched by a variety of mission types, including training, standalone, custom scenarios, and campaigns, offering both fun and challenging gameplay that incorporates elements like stealth and espionage. However, some custom missions are prone to crashes, which can hinder the overall experience, especially in longer missions that can take hundreds of turns to complete. Overall, the narrative experience is engaging but can be marred by technical issues.
- “For those who want a challenge, there are missions and campaigns that are quite fun and challenging and don't just require you to build like a maniac.”
- “Some even use stealth and espionage to accomplish mission objectives.”
- “However, some of the custom missions regularly crash, making the game playable only as custom games.”
- “Considering certain missions and multiplayer games can go upwards of 300-400 turns, this is a problem if you do experience it.”
- “When I was a kid, sometimes it took me days to finish one mission, and those were not the days of tedium, I assure you.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is a significant concern, with users reporting frequent freezes after a certain number of turns and unresponsive vehicles, indicating a lack of effective fixes despite patches. While the game retains its charm and offers diverse gameplay experiences, it remains plagued by bugs that detract from its overall quality.
- “Freezes up after turn 50-150 or so and vehicles will not respond to commands, and no one seems to care to fix it. Do not buy this; it's not the game we once loved.”
- “Wish there was a good fix (update, patch). This game can be worth it, but it can be buggy, holding it back.”
- “It hasn't lost its old charm yet, but despite the 1.04 patch, it's still just as buggy as it was back then.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
67%
The music and sound design are highly praised for their immersive quality, effectively conveying a sense of command in a dystopian setting. The soundtrack combines mechanical elements with a primal undertone, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
- “Music and sound design is awesome and they genuinely make you feel like a commander in a dystopian fight for resources.”
- “Even the sound and music are impressive.”
- “Music sounds like a compilation of machinery working and at times has this primal feel to it.”
- “Even the sound and music.”

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M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a turn-based strategy game with science fiction theme.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows, Linux and others.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration was released on April 7, 2017.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration was developed by Interplay Entertainment Corp..

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration has received positive reviews from players. Most players disliked this game for its graphics.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include STAR WARS™ Galactic Battlegrounds Saga, STAR WARS™ Rebellion, Total Annihilation, Submarine Titans, Imperium Galactica II and others.

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