Like its predecessor Area 51, Maximum Force uses digitized video stored on an on-board hard disk, and red gibs into which every enemy blows apart when shot, in exactly the same way.

[3] Released into markets increasingly dominated by games with polygon graphics, Maximum Force was a critical failure, with many citing generic and dated gameplay, unrealistic death animations, and short length, but a commercial success.

The player(s) play the role of an unnamed counter-terrorist agent who engages in three major combat zones: a cargo ship at a dock, a large bank, and a jungle.

Critics overwhelmingly remarked that digitized light gun shooting was overfamiliar or even outdated,[9][11][12][13][20] though some added that Maximum Force was superior to most games in that style, including Area 51.

The only problem with having this graphics system is the way the enemies are killed - the big splodge of red cartoon blood ..."[18] However, many critics also remarked that the 30-minute length, while decent by arcade standards, was unacceptably short for a home console game,[9][18] and that the lack of alternate routes to choose from leaves Maximum Force with little replay value.

[11][12][18][20] Most reviews assessed the game as overall bland compared to the alternatives, with IGN stating that "Maximum Force isn't as bad as Revolution X or some of the other ones floating around, but it's no Time Crisis either.