Developed by Twisted Pixel Games
Released for XBLA (1/2009)
Also on PC
Backward Compatible on Xbox One
The Maw was the first release from developer Twisted Pixel Games. In the game you play as an escaped alien convict named Frank roaming around with his pet, the Maw. Each level has you working with the Maw in order to eat everything up and escape to the next stage. The presentation is solid with bright colors and a nice cartoony look to the graphics. The game is light on story but there are some brief cutscenes scattered here and there as you progress. The Maw is not a very difficult game, making it ideal for younger players or those just wanting to play something a bit more laid-back.
During play you have no direct control over the Maw, but you can activate a leash to keep him near and have it follow close by. If the Maw gets too far away, you can call it back to you with a simple press of the X button. The basic idea of the game is to feed your Maw and once it's eaten enough the exit to the stage will open up where you'll repeat the process on the next. In addition to growing in size from eating, the Maw will also take on traits of certain creatures he eats. These can range from gaining a shock ability, floating or even firing lasers. Each stage offers a different ability for the Maw to obtain and completing the level will require use of whatever special move the Maw has gained.
The Maw is a mix of action and light puzzles with some platforming bits thrown in here and there. The puzzles are all simple and will always involve using whatever ability your Maw just acquired. The action involves getting your Maw to eat the creatures around you. In addition to being able to put the Maw on a leash, you can also use your tether to grab objects. After grabbing something, you can either slam it, throw it or feed it to the Maw. Occasionally you'll be able to hitch a ride by grappling onto an object being carried by a flying creature. The occasional platforming segments are all easy to line up your jumps and the camera is adjustable with the right stick to help, so any frustration commonly associated with 3D platforming is pretty much nonexistent here.
Overall the Maw is an easy game and is definitely a solid title for younger gamers or older gamers who don't mind a fun but simple game. It's also quite short and you'll complete the main story probably within 2-4 hours. There are collectibles in the form of creatures called Snuffles that the Maw will need to eat. There are one of these on each level. In order to obtain 100% on a level you'll need to eat all of the creatures within that stage. So there is at least a small amount of potential replay value in going back to find the Snuffles and eating 100% on each stage. The Maw definitely packs that Twisted Pixel charm you'd see in their later releases and I'd say it's worth a play, especially if you can find it on sale or on Game Pass.
There were also three additional levels released for the Maw in the form of DLC. They are each sold separately and retail for $1.25 a piece. These are called "Deleted Scenes" and will be placed in their appropriate spot in the campaign if you have them unlocked. I haven't purchased these at this point but if I do I'll come back and update this review. These really should have been included in the base game with it being as short as it is, but what can you do...
Final Verdict: The Maw is a short but enjoyable action/puzzle/platforming game where you get to feed your alien pet and watch it grow larger with each level.
Related Links:
Buy The Maw - Xbox Marketplace
Twisted Pixel Games - Xbox Overview
The Maw - GameFAQs
The Maw for PC - Steam
Twisted Pixel Games - Official Site
The Maw Achievement Guide - Xbox Achievements
The Maw - True Achievements
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