M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is a video game in the strategy genre developed by Interplay Productions, Inc. and published by Interplay Productions, Inc. originally released in 1996. It is currently playable on DOS.

As its name suggests, M. A. X.: Mechanized Assault and Exploration is a conquest and plunder type strategy game in the same vein as the Warcraft or Command & Conquer series, although with some interesting twists. The objective of M. A. X. is to colonize newly discovered planets, controlling the resources found there, and defend your colony from other rival factions that seek to literally make you disappear from the planet.

M. A. X. stands out for its ability to be played as a real-time strategy game or as a more traditional turn-based strategy game, which can significantly affect the gameplay. Turn length is adjustable, as is the speed of the game, so the game can be as challenging or as brainless as the player wants it to be. But at its core, M. A. X. is about resource gathering, building and tactical combat. The game offers more than 50 land, sea and air units, most of which can be upgraded to increase their armor, speed and range. You can play as one of eight different Factions (all of which are explained in a rather lengthy fictional introduction in the manual), either in a full campaign or in an unlimited number of custom missions. There is also a tutorial campaign for new players to familiarize themselves with the myriad unit and building options.

M.A.X.: Mechanized Assault & Exploration is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.