Vero - Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

MAX Machine

2025-10-30T21:47:33Z

2003:E0:F710:C800:3D40:818F:B6EA:2582: /* MAX Machine software */

{{Short description|1982 home computer}}
{{Infobox computer
| logo =
| Photo = Commodore MAX Machine (shadow) (xparent bg).png
| Type = [[Video game console|Console]] / [[home computer]]
| Released = {{Start date and age|1982}}
| Discontinued = 1982
| Processor = [[MOS Technology 6510|6510]] {{nowrap|@ 1.02 MHz}}
| Memory = 2 [[KiB|KB]], 0.5 KB color RAM
| Graphics = [[MOS Technology VIC-II|VIC-II]] 6566 (320 x 200, 16 colors, [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]], [[raster interrupt]])
| sound = [[MOS Technology SID|SID 6581]] (3x [[Electronic oscillator|Osc]], 4x [[Waveform|Wave]], [[Electronic filter|Filter]], [[ADSR envelope|ADSR]], [[Ring modulation|Ring]])
| OS = none - optional MAX BASIC (Cartridge)
| price = {{USD|200|1982|round=-1}}
| predecessor = [[VIC-20]]
| successor = [[Commodore 64]]
| aka = Ultimax, VC-10
}}[[Image:CommodoreMAX.jpg|thumb|right|MAX Machine, accessories, and retail packaging]]

'''MAX Machine''' (or simply MAX), also known as '''Ultimax''' in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] and '''VC-10''' in [[Germany]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=RaYzor |date=2014-11-06 |title=Commodore MAX Machine -- elusive and with good reason. |url=http://www.northnet.org/rayzor/cbm/max.html |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Collection of Uncommon Commodore Computers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106184014/http://www.northnet.org/rayzor/cbm/max.html |archive-date=2014-11-06 }}</ref> is a [[home computer]] designed and sold by [[Commodore International]] in [[Japan]], beginning in November of 1982,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commodore 1982 Annual Report|url=https://archive.org/details/commodoreannualreport1982}}</ref> a cousin to the popular [[Commodore 64]], also sharing a lot of components with the C64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MAX Machine / Ultimax / VC-10 |url=https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=2&c=40 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819050454/https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=40&st=2 |archive-date=2021-08-19 |access-date=2022-01-22 |website=OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=The C= guy |first=Robby |date=2011 |title=The odd one out… the MAX Machine |url=http://www.mos6502.com/commodore-tech-corner/the-odd-one-out-the-max-machine/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=MOS 6502|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306235734/http://www.mos6502.com/commodore-tech-corner/the-odd-one-out-the-max-machine/ |archive-date=2016-03-06 }}</ref> The Commodore 64 manual mentions the machine by name, suggesting that Commodore intended to sell the machine internationally; however, it is unclear whether the machine was ever actually sold outside Japan. When it was officially presented, in [[Tokyo]], for the first time, it was named Commodore VICKIE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VICKIE BASIC report from MOS Tech.|url=https://archive.org/details/vickiebasic/}}</ref>

The unit has a [[membrane keyboard]] and 2 KB of RAM internally and 0.5 KB of color RAM (1024 × 4 bits). It uses a television set for a display. It uses the same [[chipset]] and [[MOS Technology 6510|6510]] CPU as the Commodore 64, the same [[MOS Technology 6581|SID]] sound chip, and a MOS Technology 6566 graphics chip, a version of the [[MOS Technology VIC-II|VIC-II]] that powers the C-64 graphics for the MAX' [[static RAM]]. A tape drive could be connected for storage, but each cartridge had to implement its own cassette [[device driver|driver]] and [[communication protocol|protocol]] routines, so the tape could only be used by 2 of 24 released programs. The MAX also lacks the [[serial port|serial]] and user ports necessary to connect a [[disk drive]], [[Printer (computing)|printer]], or [[modem]].<ref name=":0" /> The lack of any built-in [[operating system]], not even a simple bootstrap OS, combined with the fact that all the software released for the platform are video games (besides a scaled down cartridge-based [[BASIC]] with no disk, modem, or printer support) positions the Max as a video game console rather than a home computer, despite sharing much of the Commodore 64's chipset. The MAX's 2KB of RAM also indicates it was intended as a games machine and not a personal computer. Even the [[Commodore PET]], released five years earlier in 1977, had a minimum of 4K RAM, and rapidly 8K became the minimum. Even the VIC-20, heavily criticized for its minimal RAM, shipped with 5K of RAM.

Software is loaded from plug-in cartridges - turning on the MAX with no cartridge inserted yielded only a blank screen. Its ROM cartridge architecture was compatible with that of the C-64, so that MAX cartridges will work in the C-64.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Bo |date=2024-05-22 |title=Commodore MAX Machine Game Console : Meet my friend Max. |url=http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/cmax.html |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Zimmers.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522205952/http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/cmax.html |archive-date=2024-05-22 }}</ref> The MAX compatibility mode in C-64 was later frequently used for "freezer" cartridges (such as the [[Action Replay]]), as a convenient way to take control of the currently running program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/ultimax.html |title=The Ultimax/Max Machine, The 64GS, The 64CGS |access-date=2019-01-12 |work=The Secret Weapons of Commodore |date=2018-01-21 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Commodore MAX |url=http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/60800/Commodore-MAX/# |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623174548/http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/60800/Commodore-MAX/ |archive-date=2021-06-23 |access-date=2022-01-22 |website=Computing History}}</ref>

It was intended to sell for around US$200. Although the MAX had better graphics and sound capability, Commodore's own [[VIC-20]], which sold for around the same amount, was much more expandable, had a much larger software library, and had a better keyboard—all of which made it more attractive to consumers. The MAX never sold well and was quickly discontinued.

== MAX Machine software ==
[[File:Commodore MAX BASIC manual and cartridge.jpg|thumb|Commodore MAX BASIC manual and cartridge for Commodore MAX Machine]]
MAX Machine software list was limited, with a few game ports of popular arcade games.<ref>山崎功『家庭用ゲーム機コンプリートガイド』主婦の友インフォス情報社、2014年、p.30</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commodore MAX Machine |url=https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/platforms/games/180-commodore-max-machine |website=Launchbox Games Database}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Title
!Year
!Developer
|-
|''[[Omega Race]]''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''[[Wizard of Wor]]''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|[[Kick (video game)|''Kick Man'']]
|1982
|[[Midway Games]]
|-
|[[Avenger (1981 video game)|''Avenger'']]
|1983
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''[[Jupiter Lander]]''
|1982
|[[HAL Laboratory]]
|-
|''Super Alien ([[Heiankyo Alien]])''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''[[Radar Rat Race]]''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''Road Race ([[Night Driver (video game)|Night Driver]])''
|1982
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''[[Mole Attack]]''
|1982
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|[[Clowns (video game)|''Clowns'']]
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''Money Wars''
|1982
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''Poker''
|
|
|-
|''Gorf''
|1983
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''Billiards''
|1983
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''Pinball Spectacular ([[Bomb Bee]])''
|1983
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|[[Bowling (1979 video game)|''Bowling'']] (3511)
|1983
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''Slalom'' (3512)<ref>[https://www.c64-wiki.de/wiki/Slalom_(Ultimax) Slalom (Ultimax)]</ref>
|1983
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''Le Mans''
|1982
|HAL Laboratory
|-
|''[[Sea Wolf (video game)|Sea Wolf]]''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''Mini Basic I'' (limited instructions, no tape support)
|
|
|-
|''Max Basic'' (compliant with [[Commodore BASIC|CBM BASIC V2.0]] and can use tapes)
|
|
|-
|''Music Composer''
|1982
|Andy Finkel
|-
|''Music Machine''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|-
|''Speed Math and Bingo Math''
|1982
|
|-
|''Visible Solar System''
|1982
|Commodore Japan
|}

==See also==
* [[Commodore 64 Games System]]

==References==
{{reflist}}{{CBM_computers}}

{{commons category|Commodore MAX Machine}}

[[Category:6502-based home computers]]
[[Category:Commodore 64]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1982]]

B.C.'s Quest for Tires

2025-10-30T20:52:15Z

2003:E0:F710:C800:3D40:818F:B6EA:2582: /* Awards */

{{Short description|1983 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = B.C.'s Quest for Tires
|image = File:BC's_Quest_for_Tires_1983_Commodore_64_Cover_Art.jpg
|developer = [[Sydney Development Corporation|Sydney Development]]
|publisher = [[Sierra On-Line]]
|designer = Rick Banks<br>Michael Bate<ref name="giantlist"/>
|programmer= Chuck Benton (C64, Atari)
|engine =
|released = 1983
|genre = [[Action game|Action]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Apple II]], [[Atari 8-bit]], [[ColecoVision]], [[Commodore 64]], [[IBM PC]], [[MSX]], [[ZX Spectrum]]
}}

'''''B.C.'s Quest for Tires''''' is a horizontally scrolling video game designed by Rick Banks and Michael Bate and published by [[Sierra On-Line]] in 1983.<ref name="giantlist"/> Versions were released for the [[Commodore 64]], [[IBM PC]], [[Atari 8-bit computers]], [[ColecoVision]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[MSX]], and [[Apple II]]. Based on the [[comic strip]] ''[[B.C. (comic strip)|B.C.]]'' by [[Johnny Hart]], ''BC's Quest for Tires'' is similar to Irem's ''[[Moon Patrol]]'' from the previous year.<ref name="antic198403"/> A wheel-riding caveman is always moving forward through horizontally scrolling levels, and the player jumps or ducks as obstacles approach. The game's title is a play on the contemporaneous film ''[[Quest for Fire (film)|Quest for Fire]]''.

Both ''B.C.'s Quest for Tires'' and ''[[Moon Patrol]]'' have key elements of the not-yet-invented [[endless runner]] genre, despite both games being divided into discrete levels.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/dont-stop-the-game-that-conquered-smartphones | title=Don't Stop: The Game That Conquered Smartphones | magazine=[[The New Yorker]] | date=7 June 2013 }}</ref>

A sequel, ''[[B.C. II: Grog's Revenge|Grog's Revenge]]'', was released in 1984.

==Plot==
The player takes the role of the [[caveman]] Thor, who has to [[Damsel in distress|rescue his girlfriend]], "Cute Chick", who has been kidnapped by a [[dinosaur]]. To do this, he must travel on his [[Rock (geology)|stone]] [[unicycle]] (actually an [[impossible wheel]]) through several levels. Each level has Thor moving from the left to the right, avoiding various dangers.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Quest For Tires Screenshot.png|thumb|left|Commodore 64 screenshot]]

''B.C.'s Quest for Tires'' is an [[action game]] taking place on several consecutive levels. Each level consists of Thor having to jump over obstacles such as rocks or stalagmites and ducking under others, like tree branches or stalactites. In between each level is a brief challenge (a precursor to boss battles in later games). The first challenge has Thor jumping on turtles to cross a lake while trying to avoid being hit by the Fat Broad, another has Thor lining up with the Dookie Bird to catch a ride over a lava pit, another challenge has Thor trying to gain enough speed to jump another pit, and the final challenge has Thor jumping on turtles to cross another lake while trying to sneak past the dinosaur. <ref name="jump">{{cite web |title="JUMP! SUCKER" A review of B. C.'s Quest for Tires for the Commodore 64 |url=http://www.rarityguide.com/articles/articles/49/1/JUMP-SUCKER-A-review-of-B-Cs-Quest-for-Tires-for-the-Commodore-64/Page1.html |website=Rarity Guide |date=December 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-bc-s-quest-for-tires_s566.html | title=Atari 400 800 XL XE BC's Quest for Tires : Scans, dump, download, screenshots, ads, videos, catalog, instructions, roms }}</ref>

==Reception==
''[[Softline (magazine)|Softline]]'' stated that, given the conventional gameplay ("it's that get-from-point-A-to-point-B kind of game"), the use of the familiar comic characters made "the player feel like finishing the game is worthwhile ... [Otherwise] it's just not the same". The magazine concluded that "''B.C.'s Quest for Tires'' isn't so much a computer game as it is an interactive cartoon. This cartoon has its limits, but it does provide some challenge".<ref name="yuen19831112">{{cite news | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1983&pub=6&id=14 |title=B.C.'s Quest for Tires |work=Softline |date=Nov–Dec 1983 |access-date=29 July 2014 | author=Yuen, Matt |publisher=cgwmuseum.org |pages=21–22}}</ref> ''[[Antic (magazine)|Antic]]'' approved of the game not being another "'shoot the aliens and save the world' scenario", and the "first rate" animation, but predicted that most players would "enjoy the game for a day or two, then relegate it to the shelf".<ref name="antic198403">{{Cite journal |last=Bernstein |first=Harvey |date = March 1984|title=Product Reviews |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/v2n12/productreviews.html |journal=Antic}}</ref> ''[[Compute!]]'' praised the game's "excellent graphics" and animation, which "approach cartoon standards".<ref name="trunzo198404">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1984-04-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_047_1984_Apr#page/n100/mode/1up | title=B.C.'s Quest for Tires | work=Compute! |date = April 1984| access-date=8 January 2015 | author=Trunzo, James V. | pages=99–100}}</ref> ''[[InfoWorld]]'s Essential Guide to Atari Computers'' cited it as an entertaining arcade game.<ref name="mace1984">{{Cite book |last=Mace |first=Scott |url=https://archive.org/details/InfoWorlds_Essential_Guide_to_Atari/page/n83/mode/2up?view=theater |title=InfoWorld's Essential Guide to Atari Computers |publisher=Harper & Row |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-06-669006-3 |pages=75}}</ref> David Stone reviewed the game for ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', and stated that "QFT requires far more timing than strategy and, rather than levels of play, it offers new obstacles to overcome on the way to the rescue. Still, it is fun to play."<ref name="CGW18">{{cite magazine |last=Stone |first=David |title=Atari Playfield |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=October 1984 |volume=1 |issue=18 |pages=25}}</ref>

The game sold a million copies.<ref name="Ottawa Citizen">{{cite web|first=Nichole|last=McGill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/130054408/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816052449/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/130054408/|title=Cutting Edge|newspaper=[[Ottawa Citizen]]|page=49|archivedate=August 16, 2023|date=March 10, 1997|accessdate=August 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

===Awards===
* Critic's Choice Awards: Best Game For Youngsters (awarded by ''[[Family Computing]]'').<ref name=jump/>
* Arkie Award: Most Humorous Video/Computer Game (awarded by ''[[Electronic Games]]'').<ref name=jump/>
* Colecovision Game of the Year (awarded by ''[[Computer Entertainer|Video Game Update]]'').<ref name=jump/>
* Best use of Graphics and Sound in a Video Game (awarded by ''[[Billboard (magazine)]]'').<ref name=jump/>
* 1984 Golden Floppy Award for Excellence: Funniest Game of the Year, Video Games Category (''Computer Games'' magazine).<ref>{{Cite journal|date=July–August 1984|title=1984 Golden Floppy Award for Excellence|journal=Computer Games|page= 19}}</ref>
* 1989 [[Software Publishers Association]]'s best game award<ref name="Ottawa Citizen" />

==References==
{{reflist|refs=<ref name="giantlist">{{cite web|title=The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers|url=https://dadgum.com/giantlist/|last1=Hague|first1=James}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
* [http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-bc-s-quest-for-tires_s566.html ''BC's Quest for Tires''] at Atari Mania
* {{lemon64 game|id=245|name=BC's Quest for Tires}}
* {{WoS_game|id=0000477}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:B.C.'S Quest For Tires}}
[[Category:1983 video games]]
[[Category:Apple II games]]
[[Category:Atari 8-bit computer games]]
[[Category:ColecoVision games]]
[[Category:Commodore 64 games]]
[[Category:MSX games]]
[[Category:Prehistoric people in popular culture]]
[[Category:Sierra Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sydney Development Corporation games]]
[[Category:Video games about dinosaurs]]
[[Category:Video games based on comics]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games set in prehistory]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]