M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration
- April 7, 2017
- Interplay Entertainment Corp.
Get on SteamM.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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Reviews
- M.A.X. is a classic turn-based strategy game that offers deep gameplay mechanics, allowing for extensive base building and unit upgrades.
- The game has a nostalgic charm and has been a favorite for many players over the years, providing hours of engaging gameplay.
- Despite its age, M.A.X. still holds up well in terms of strategic depth and offers a unique blend of turn-based and real-time strategy elements.
- The game suffers from significant bugs, particularly crashing after around 80-100 turns, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration.
- Graphics and interface are outdated, and the game lacks modern updates or patches to improve compatibility with current systems.
- The AI can be inconsistent, often leading to predictable behavior that may diminish the challenge for experienced players.
- graphics12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of this old DOS-style game are generally considered poor by modern standards, reflecting its 1996 origins, yet they are described as decent and well-detailed for their time. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm of the aged visuals, many express a desire for a graphical overhaul and UI refresh to bring it in line with contemporary standards. Overall, the graphics are seen as a mixed bag, with some players enjoying their retro appeal while others wish for an update.
“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.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its effective mechanics and upgrade systems, which continue to outperform many modern designs despite the outdated graphics. Reviewers appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic RTS games, noting that the core gameplay remains engaging and well-structured even years after its release. Overall, it maintains a strong appeal, earning an 8/10 rating for its gameplay.
“Yes, the resolution is outdated, but the gameplay still beats 99% of modern designs.”
“What is great is the upgrade mechanics for all units and structures.”
“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.”
“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.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is enriched by a variety of mission types, including challenging campaigns that incorporate stealth and espionage elements. Players can engage in training missions, standalone scenarios, and custom games, providing a diverse gameplay experience that can be both rewarding and time-consuming. However, the lengthy nature of some missions, which can extend to 300-400 turns, may lead to potential tedium for some players.
“When I was a kid, sometimes it took me days to finish one mission, and those were not days of tedium, I assure you.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Your mission varies a lot.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music and sound design are highly praised for their immersive quality, effectively enhancing the player's experience of commanding in a dystopian setting. The soundtrack combines mechanical elements with a primal undertone, contributing to the overall atmosphere of resource-driven conflict.
“Music and sound design is awesome and they genuinely make you feel like a commander in a dystopian fight for resources.”
“Music sounds like a compilation of machinery working and at times has this primal feel to it.”
“Even the sound and music are impressive.”
“Even the sound and music.”
“The music sounds like a compilation of machinery working and at times has this primal feel to it.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its bugginess and lack of polish, which has persisted since its release. Despite these stability issues, players appreciate the diverse play experiences it offers.
“To be fair, none of us can honestly blame Steam for the bugginess of this game, as it was plenty buggy when it came out.”
“The game is a little unpolished and still, in some instances, buggy.”
