The Maw

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31

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  1. 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 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 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
  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 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 inThis 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
  3. 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. 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.
  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 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.
  5. 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 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    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 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
  6. 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 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.
  7. 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 in the rough if you ask me.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    70
    Irresistibly cute. [Feb 2009, p.84]
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  2. TeamXbox
    85
    Roll The Maw’s gameplay, visuals and audio together and you have one very tasty yumyum, not to mention one of the better original IP’s to hit Xbox Live Arcade in awhile.
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  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.
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