The Maw

 Xbox 360
The Maw Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Xbox Live Arcade] The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe,[Xbox Live Arcade] The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe, he'd make the perfect pet. In this action/adventure game, he's the best friend of our hero Frank, and only by working together can Maw eat their way to freedom. The Maw was honored with the Audience Choice Award in the 2008 PAX-10 showcase of independent games, and is a finalist at this year's Independent Games Festival for Technical Excellence. [Twisted Pixel]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. MEGamers
    92
    It may not be the biggest Jewel, or the most Expensive, but its most certainly up there with the shiniest.
  2. GameFocus
    87
    The Maw might be short but it’s one of the more charming titles that is available on Arcade. Even at 800 Microsoft points (ten dollars), the graphic quality, entertainment and the comedic styling’s of Twisted Pixel make this game worth every point.
  3. IGN
    80
    It's also a great game for parents searching for something to hand off to a young child. The Maw is fairly linear and there isn't a great amount of depth to it, but its two main characters are adorable and the pacing is spot on.
  4. Vandal
    78
    We have here one of the best designed titles of the Xbox 360 digital marketplace, with a good production and an originality which is clear from the first minutes of play. Although the game is far from being an indispensable title, it will entertain platform lovers, and also those wanting to try something new and fresh.
  5. Da Gameboyz
    75
    I think most gamers will fall in love with The Maw’s charm and simplistic gameplay.
  6. Eurogamer
    70
    The Maw is the sort of game you'll play for an afternoon, giggling like a fool the whole time. There's not much more to it beyond that brief but satisfying flurry of amusement, unless you want to go back into each level to harvest all the Achievements, but not every game needs endless replay value. The Maw is charming, cheap and memorable enough that its short lifespan shouldn't put you off.
  7. Thunderbolt
    50
    But if you have more MS points than you know what to do with, The Maw is perhaps worth the proverbial weekend fling. Just don’t expect it to stay around long enough for a commitment.

See all 40 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. DylanDGL
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    Been playing this game since I was five and it still holds up. Some of the most unique gameplay and amazing soundtracks out there. Diamond inBeen playing this game since I was five and it still holds up. Some of the most unique gameplay and amazing soundtracks out there. Diamond in the rough if you ask me.… Expand
  2. rbee
    Aug 16, 2009
    9
    This really is fantastic fun. In downloading demo after disappointing demo on XBLA for my 10 year old son, I've gotten used to sizing upThis really is fantastic fun. In downloading demo after disappointing demo on XBLA for my 10 year old son, I've gotten used to sizing up games based on their faults and ruling out purchase after purchase within minutes. The Maw is the first game I've really really wanted to see more of, and am willing to pay a great amount to get. My son sat down and worked out the level in moments and it was wonderful, although I suspect he would not be so interested in the game in a few years from now. More Maw! Soon! Please!… Expand
  4. Rox22
    Dec 6, 2013
    8
    Simple fun. The Maw in many ways feels allot like a Katamari game in its approach but with more structure and direction. This was clearlySimple fun. The Maw in many ways feels allot like a Katamari game in its approach but with more structure and direction. This was clearly intended as a small and simple, but does have allot of heart.

    Overall:
    While not perfect, for what it is, the Maw is a fun and cute little game that'll have you smiling.    … Expand
  5. MadsA
    Jan 27, 2009
    8
    This is truly a great gem. You play as a blue alien named Frank, who are taken captive inside a big spaceship together with a lot of other This is truly a great gem. You play as a blue alien named Frank, who are taken captive inside a big spaceship together with a lot of other animals. There he meets his soon-to-be-friend Maw, a big purple blob with one huge eye and sharp teeth. The ship eventually crashes, and the game begins. The game consists of some puzzles along the way, but the main game mechanic is to find food for Maw, while controlling Frank. Frank controls Maw via a chain, but he can also let Maw roam around free. Some animals give Maw special powers when eaten, and are used to solve puzzles or getting around obstacles. After eating a varying amount of animals, Maw grows and increases in size, and the level's exit opens. Also note that you can't die in this game, which makes the game a bit short, but free of frustration for smaller children. The graphics are truly great, which helps to bring the two hilarious characters to life. The artwork is very well done. This game is refreshing to see on Xbox Live Arcade, due to it's cute characters and humour. I really want to see the Maw character in more titles to come. Though the target audience probably is kids, this is a game everyone can enjoy no matter age. A free demo is available on Xbox Live Marketplace, There is no excuse for not trying this great game.… Expand
  6. HagenMcMenemy
    Jan 21, 2009
    7
    A very amuzing game that is a welcome break from all of the bloody killing and complex platforming of the recent great '08 games. SitA very amuzing game that is a welcome break from all of the bloody killing and complex platforming of the recent great '08 games. Sit back, enjoy the music, corky story, adorable characters, and addictive gameplay. Don't be put off by how short it is. It's well worth 800 msp.… Expand
  7. Garmy
    Feb 26, 2014
    6
    The Maw has some clever ideas, but is hampered by slow moving game play, simple puzzles, and a general tedious nature. There's lots of goingThe Maw has some clever ideas, but is hampered by slow moving game play, simple puzzles, and a general tedious nature. There's lots of going back and forth inside the level unnecessarily, which is worsened by how long it takes to get around, thanks to a combination of a slow moving main character and the need for your companion to catch up.… Expand
  8. Broyax
    Dec 29, 2018
    0
    Un indé qui pue de la gueule comme la grande gueule du petit monstre à grandes dents (mais con comme un cure-dents) qui se retouve enUn indé qui pue de la gueule comme la grande gueule du petit monstre à grandes dents (mais con comme un cure-dents) qui se retouve en compagnie du petit extra-terrestre (à sale gueule) qui cherche un téléphone pour rentrer à la maison.

    On ne voit pas trop le but de cettes sous-débilité aux graphismes Playskool, à part promener son monstre mongolo pour qu'il mange des merdes et qu'il devienne plus gros... serait-ce un panégyrique de la surcharge pondérale ou de la boulimie irrépressible ?

    En tout cas, on ouvre grand la poubelle pour y balancer ce non-sens de pauvre sous-jeu à même pas 2 balles, bricolé par des stagiaires soûls qui nous soûlent à donf.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009