Maximum Action is an example of a game delivering exactly what is advertised. Forget a complicated story and detailed strategy, because all that's needed in this indie shooter is a pistol for each hand and a boatload of bad guys itching to be shot. This is a game that allows players to fully live out the John Woo Hong Kong action cinema dream in a first-person perspective. Players will dive through the air, blasting enemies to bits while dodging bullets in a style that would make action movie legend and Hard Boiled star Chow Yun Fat weep with joy.
Players take on the role of Michael Action in a game where the story takes a backseat to the gameplay. Maximum Action is driven by gameplay, and that drive is fueled by thousands of bullets. However, Hong Kong action cinema clearly was a major influence on the game.
Players start not only customizing the character, but also naming the film studio that is producing the action set-pieces that are Maximum Action's levels. The levels are even called scenes, and there are seven settings players can destroy as Michael Action. Levels are inspired by classic action cinema and include the iconic hospital shootout from Hard Boiled, as well as a Hong Kong streets level and even a snowy sniper affair -- clearly an homage to the Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007.
Each level is introduced as a VHS being placed into a VCR, much like the way many young fans discovered the Hong Kong action movies that Maximum Action is recreating. The levels begin with a custom cinematic with the camera circling around Mr. Action as he animates in anticipation of the upcoming gunfight. After completing each level, Maximum Action even recuts the events into a hilarious trailer, featuring cinematic angles of the blocky player model taking out the baddies. Outside of the film influences, it's clear that Maximum Action is all about the gameplay -- and that gameplay is all about shooting everything that moves.
The game, is without a doubt, maximum action in every sense of the phrase. Players employ liberal use of slow-motion bullet-time. However, it's the sheer amount of movement abilities, coupled with the incredibly satisfying gunplay, that makes Maximum Action stand out. Players can dive through the air dual-wielding submachine guns, but upon hitting the ground, they can fluidly jump off a wall for another pirouette of death. Players can also dropkick enemies, slide along the ground and dive through various level geometry like plate glass windows -- all the while spraying lead everywhere.
The way the abilities work together allow the player plenty of freedom to dispense death in stylish ways. For instance, players can kick enemies, which not only stuns them, but also makes them drop their weapon. This allows the player to pick it up. Also, if timed right, players can dive into a wall, then dropkick it, which launches into another dive, similar to the wall-jump mechanics in classic Ninja Gaiden. When all of these abilities come together, Maximum Action is absolutely thrilling and kinetic experience.
The ability to hurl Michael Action through the air, firing automatic weapons as enemies explode into crimson mist everywhere never gets old. The levels feature a large amount of destructibility as well, which only adds to the chaos as windows, tables, chairs and almost everything else blows apart in the bullet ballet chaos. Dozens of weapons are at the player's disposal including knives, shotguns, rifles, grenades, crossbows and even a katana. Mr. Action will need all of this arsenal because, as deadly as he is, he can go down with only a few shots.
This fragility only serves to add to the frantic nature and pushes players to stay on the move, always be shooting and doing so in slow motion as much as possible. The random nature and chaotic gameplay mean that each run almost always plays out differently, but is always a blast.
Not since Max Payne or John Woo's video game cult classic Stranglehold has dispatching baddies in slow-mo dual-wielding glory ever been this fun -- and never before has it been done in a first-person shooter. Maximum Action is not a huge budget game, but it produces satisfying and stylish gunplay, as well as thrilling combat. Anyone who can quote the noir stylings of Max Payne and has seen The Matrix and Hard Boiled more than five times, would be remiss to not give Maximum Action a change now that it is available in early access on Steam.