The Maw Review (Arcade), It’s Chomp Time
February 4, 2009 -
The Maw was developed by Twisted Pixel and published on the Xbox Live Arcade. The game made an appearance at PAX and won the Audience Choice Award during The PAX 10 a showcase of indie games. The Maw presents itself as a charming adventure puzzle game.
Players begin the game as Frank an alien taken captive by what appear to be unknown alien smugglers. Thrown into a cell Frank comes into contact with “The Maw” an alien in the form of a jelly like blob. In a turn of events Frank and the Maw find themselves on the run from their previous captives.
Unlike many games released as an Xbox Live Arcade game The Maw presents itself in 3D. The world is full of charm and color and throughout the game I found myself chuckling at the Maw’s antics. While the style is simple the animation and color palate give the Maw distinct character and a light hearted personality introduced minutes into the game.
The Maw has an insatiable appetite, although players do not have direct control of the Maw. Instead they may guide him using a leash like laser. Through eating various native animals the Maw is able to grow in size and in some cases change his powers. This mechanic takes on a Kirby-esque role. For example when the Maw consumes an animal swathed in fire he obtains the ability to burn down objects and in turn discover hidden animals.
Progressing through the game the basic objective is indeed for the Maw to reach a certain size and through this overcome an obstacle preventing you from reaching the next area. This basic gameplay can become tiresome however levels are often based around a new special ability given to the Maw. This can range from being able to float around the level to new ways of defending oneself such as lighting or lasers.
Throughout the game the Maw will increase in size drastically from its small beginnings. Unfortunately the camera control does not allow for full 360° movement which is disappointing and does not let you view the world in complete freedom.
Levels are kept diverse and you will often find yourself doing a great number of things in a short period of time. At one moment you will find yourself using the Maw as a balloon floating from one rock to the next. Within the hour however you may find yourself riding the Maw with lasers shooting from his eyes.
Puzzles within levels are often kept simple and once discovered will make completing the challenge quite easy. These puzzles are almost exclusively built around either giving the Maw special powers or him using them. In some cases animals cannot be eaten immediately. In one example a “Gastro” or what appears to be a molten lizard must be thrown in water to cool down.
Priced at around 800 Microsoft Points or about $10, The Maw is actually quite a short game at around only two to four hours in length. Achievements can be earned by eating all creatures within a level or by discovering a special animal often hidden away. Part of what keeps The Maw interesting was its characters. The wacky pairing of Frank and the Maw is well done and enjoyable.
The Maw was an enjoyable experience for what it was. Graphically The Maw achieved something not often accomplished in an arcade game taking the action into the 3D realm. Although the basic gameplay of feeding the Maw can become repetitive with such a short game this is not an overarching problem. Perhaps the games length is actually an advantage allowing The Maw to stay interesting and not overstay its welcome.
The Maw is well worth a purchase if you have had past interest. If not it deserves at least a demo as The Maw succeeds in delivering a charming game. Albeit one that is often more enjoyable in its presentation then actual gameplay.
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