Current version:Xbox 360
The Maw

The Maw

The Maw is a Xbox 360 action game released in 2009 developed by Twisted Pixel. It centers on platform movement and landing judgment, collection and development goals, and stage objectives, with controls and information arranged around the Xbox 360 wired or wireless controller's twin sticks, analog triggers, directional pad, and face buttons.

AI score · out of 10
6.9 / 10
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About this game

The Maw is a Xbox 360 action game centered on platform movement and landing judgment, collection and development goals, and stage objectives. Stages build pressure through routes, enemy patterns, and changing objectives, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Animation, hits, camera behavior, and readable hazards determine whether feedback remains dependable, while HD video, DVD streaming, surround audio, HDD installs, and television-distance interfaces need to keep action, state, and text readable. The genre-specific limitation is that camera behavior, collision rules, input mapping, and repeated ground after failure can raise the entry barrier. Platform conditions also include disc and HDD installation, storage devices, controller batteries, video connections, resolution and frame rate, Kinect space and calibration, and retired online services affect the current release. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features or conveniences from remasters, emulators, or other console editions.

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Xbox 360

AI review

AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:

6.9 / 10Xbox 360

The hungry companion outshines the puzzles in a short, charming journey.

The Maw pairs the small alien Frank with a ravenous companion who grows by eating local creatures and acquires new powers along the way. Changed shapes and abilities give the gentle puzzles clear goals, but the real attraction is watching Maw react with fear, curiosity and delighted appetite. Expressive faces, mischievous sounds and a colorful world make the adventure feel like an affectionate buddy comedy. Its forgiving challenges are comfortable to explore, though the changing powers rarely develop into demanding decisions, and some sequences emphasize watching the creature over active problem-solving. The base campaign is short; hidden areas and completion targets offer only modest replay incentives. Clear Xbox 360 button roles keep basic interaction accessible without complex combinations. Players seeking amusing company and simple puzzles should enjoy it more than those expecting sustained mechanical depth or a lengthy adventure.

Strengths

  • Expressive animation, sound and transformations create a memorable companion.
  • Clear button roles and forgiving puzzles support relaxed exploration.

Weaknesses

  • Transformations offer limited depth, and the short base campaign has modest replay incentives.

Who it is for: For players who enjoy companion comedy, lovable monsters and gentle puzzles.

Play notes: The score covers the base single-player campaign, not separately sold levels; forgiving play is not a promise of complex action challenges. Original-console purchases are closed; existing legitimate rights are required.

View scoring basis
DimensionReview stateScoreWeight
Dimension

The short journey has modest completion goals but limited development to sustain repeated play.

Reviewed5.8 / 10Not provided
Dimension

Feeding and acquired powers create a clear loop, with enjoyment centered on playful use rather than intricate mastery.

Reviewed6.4 / 10Not provided
Dimension

Shape, expression and mischievous sound create a distinctive comic companion and the adventure's strongest emotional reward.

Reviewed8.7 / 10Not provided
Dimension

Clear, consistent button roles make companion interaction and exploration easy to learn.

Reviewed7.8 / 10Not provided

Review sources

Not provided

Core information

Developer
Twisted Pixel
Release date
2009
Platforms
Xbox 360
Content kind
Game
Release state
Released
Region
Worldwide
Official website
Not provided
Offline minimum players
Not provided
Offline maximum players
Not provided
Online minimum players
Not provided
Online maximum players
Not provided
Tags
Third PersonPlatformingLinear LevelsSolo-friendlyCollection-rich3D GraphicsFast-pacedMain Story Under 10 HoursDodgeReplayableReal-time Combat
Supported game languages
Not provided
Requires base game
Not provided
Standalone
Not provided
Age ratings
Not provided
Play modes
Single player
Perspectives
Top-downThird person

Release editions

Sources

Not provided