Review of:
MAX2 
by Joe LaBonté

 Sounds like a lot. It is. If you like strategy games, you'll like this one. I do. And I am not the biggest fan of this genre of games. It is absorbing, and can be time consuming. But whoever said we wouldn't waste lots of our time in front of the screen; telling our spouses that it is a "time saving device" and all the other lies we tell ourselves to justify those long nights? 

 The learning curve for this game is a bit steep at first. I played the first game a bit under-informed, just trying to understand the units I was commanding. But once I figured out some of the basics, it started to get fun. This is not one of those games you install and then play immediately, without reading the manual. 

 The game gives you goals you need to meet in order to fulfill a mission. Say, build this many of this building, conquer the enemy, last so many turns, or combinations of a few objectives. Then it sets you down in your campaign area, and starts you off with the basics of what you should need to start the campaign. You then have to manage your resources and defend yourself, and attack the enemy, until the goal is reached (or you are defeated), at which time you can move on to the next campaign, or repeat the previous ones. You can set skill levels, so the computer player can be a good player or a poor one. (I am still having the computer play "clueless"!) 

 You build mining stations, to mine the planet for resources. You build manufacturing plants, which, when built, will build you armored tanks, and scouting units, and other units to build and defend other things, like radar stations, gun turrets, planes, ships, repair depots, and so on. You also have to build power stations, otherwise things won't work as your energy resources dwindle. You view the terrain in 3D. And you can custom design campaigns and scenarios, for you or others. 

The box does warn it has animated violence and blood, but, for the life of me, I couldn't find the blood. Certainly not in the levels I am in at the moment. 

You can play over the Internet, LANs, by modem, or even "hot-seating," where two or more people play on the same computer, one after the other. It can be real-time, all the players (except in hot-seating) doing things in real time, at the same time. Or turn-based, each one taking a turn, the action comes together when everyone finishes their turn. You can have up to six players. 

 I tried to play on the Internet, but there was no one waiting to play, so I couldn't muster up a game. But, since the Internet play site is free, I am going to keep trying. 

System Requirements: IBM or compatible, Pentium 133 MHZ, Windows 95 with DirectX 5.0, DirectX certified video card and sound card, 2x CD-Rom, and a 100% Microsoft compatible mouse. 16 MB RAM, with 80 MB hard disk space available for the Minimum install (Medium and Full obviously take more space, but will run smoother and faster.) It is running on my computer just fine, and unless I am mistaken, I don't have anything that is "DirectX." So I am not sure how critical that requirement is. 

 Availability: I have seen it around town for 30 dollars, which is the same price as the website. 

Interplay can be reached on the Internet at www.interplay.com. For ordering, email: orderdesk@interplay.com, or call 1-800-INTERPLAY (468-3775). Tech support's number is (949) 553-6678. Mail address: 16815 Von Karman Avenue; Irvine, CA 92506. 

 Joe LaBonté has lived in Converse for nine years with his wife, Denise, who patiently tolerates his computer addiction. He works for the Post Office as an Electronics Technician. He can be reached at www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/2696 or joecool@flash.net .