Max is an Orange Star CO with significantly stronger Direct Combat units, but pays for this power by having the worst Indirect Combat units in the game.
Summary
Max is a direct-combat specialist, possesing significant firepower bonuses to ground, air, and naval direct-attack units. The added firepower is usually enough to overwhelm most other CO's directs and put armies on the defensive, especially on maps spacious enough for direct units to roam free.
This advantage is offset by range and firepower penalties for his indirects, usually putting Max into situations where he must gain a decisive advantage before the opposing army fully develops and pushes him back with superior indirects.
Abilities
Day-to-day Effects: All of Max's Direct Combat units have 20% increased offense. All of Max's Indirect Combat units have 10% decreased offense and -1 Range. Max's foot soldiers are average
Power: Max Force -- All of Max's Direct Combat units gain 20% increased offense, 10% increased defense and +1 Movement. All other units gain 10% increased offense and defense.
Super: Max Blast -- All of Max's Direct Combat units gain 40% increased offense, 10% increased defense and +2 Movement. All other units gain 10% increased offense and defense.
Strategy
Max favors a highly offensive playstyle; try to secure an early advantage with your tanks, preferably before the enemy can set up a defense. Do so by trying to trade using his boosted tanks.
Air units, if available, can help secure such an advantage; almost all of them benefit from Max's powers and are hard to counter with other air units.
Max's powers are handy for pushing your direct-combat advantage and busting through chokepoints and meatshields alike. If, however, the opponent falls back, expecting a power, advancing a little forward and biding some time will help gain ground.
Indirect combat is difficult to utilize effectively when playing as Max, but some rockets or artillery might find some use, especially in a standoff, or in fog.
How to Counter
Against Max, playing more defensively will help a lot. Focus on developing a good army, improving economy, and taking good positions, deterring attempts by Max to harrass or trade all the while. Staying on better terrain will also help deter attacks.
Once a decent force (backed up by indirects) has been organized, one can then try to push Max back; this often results into a loss for him.
Take note that Max's direct units will still lose vs a first strike by the equivalent unit on similar terrain; however the attacker will still receive significant counterattack damage unless commanded by a CO with better day-to-day abilities.