Action Max

The Action Max is a home video game console using VHS tapes for games. It was manufactured in 1987 by Worlds of Wonder. The system had a very limited release outside the U.S.

For the television channel, see ActionMax.
Action Max
Action Max with light gun
ManufacturerWorlds of Wonder
TypeHome video game console
GenerationThird generation
Release date1987
MediaVHS tape

Gameplay
Inside the system
The Action Max motherboard

The Action Max system requires the player to also have a VCR, as the console has no way to play the requisite VHS tapes itself. Using light guns, players shoot at the screen. The gaming is strictly point-based and dependent on shot accuracy, and, as a result, players can't truly win or lose a game. The system's post-launch appeal was limited by this and by the fact that the only real genre on the system are light gun games that play exactly the same way every time, leading to its quick market decline.[1]

Before playing, a red sensor must be attached to the lower right corner of the television screen. This corner contains a circle that was usually black, but flashes rapidly whenever something on the screen is targetable. At the same time, targets are highlighted by rapidly flashing panels for the player to shoot at. The console uses the corner circle and light from the targets (picked up by the guns) to determine when something has been hit. Flashes in sync with the corner circle count as enemy hits, and earn points for the player. Flashes out of sync with the corner circle count as friendly hits, losing points.

With this implementation, the unit can function with copies of the original VHS tapes, including those on more modern formats such as DVD-R or personal computers. The console can work with any filmed footage properly formatted to function with the console's light gun.

Games

Five VHS cassettes were released for the system:

  • .38 Ambush Alley, a police target range;
  • Blue Thunder, based on the eponymous 1983 motion picture;
  • Hydrosub: 2021, a futuristic underwater voyage;
  • The Rescue of Pops Ghostly, a comic haunted-house adventure;
  • Sonic Fury, aerial combat, bundled with the system.

A planned sixth cassette, Fright Night (possibly based on the 1985 horror film of the same name), was unreleased at the time the Action Max was discontinued.

Each game follows an identical gameplay format, differing only in theme, playing the same way each time.

Technical specifications
  • CPU: HD401010
  • Internal Speaker
  • 2 Character, 7 segment LED score display

See also

References
  1. Plunkett, Luke (March 28, 2011). "Only In The 80's Would They Put Video Games On A VHS Tape". Kotaku. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
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