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The Maw

Xbox 360, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2009

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Quick resume

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.

Global score

84/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform, Strategy, Puzzle, Arcade, Adventure

Pros

  • Charming and cute characters
  • Simple and accessible gameplay
  • Relaxing and stress-free experience
  • Colorful and cartoonish art style
  • Good value especially with dlc on sale

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some camera and control issues
  • Limited challenge and puzzle depth
  • Repetitive gameplay elements
  • Dlc perceived as cut content sold separately

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players control Frank and indirectly control Maw with a lasso, choosing how to navigate levels and use Maw's abilities."

  • Competence
    2

    "Gameplay involves simple puzzles and platforming with low difficulty, suitable for children and casual players."

  • Competition
    -4

    "No competitive elements or player comparison; focus is on personal progression and exploration."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short game with some replay value for completionists and fans, but overall limited length reduces habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players use Maw's abilities creatively to solve puzzles, but level design and progression are linear and preset."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is cooperative with the Maw character."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Lighthearted, colorful world and simple gameplay provide a relaxing escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and relaxation, no obligation or pressure reported."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players experiment with Maw's different powers to overcome obstacles, though within a limited set of mechanics."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Levels encourage exploration to find all creatures to feed Maw and unlock secrets, though environments are small and linear."

  • Expression
    1

    "Some expression through choosing how to use Maw's abilities, but no character customization or avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy theme with aliens, a giant eating blob, and imaginative powers in a cartoonish sci-fi setting."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players see Maw grow and gain new abilities, providing a sense of progression and learning puzzle solutions."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires player attention and interaction; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Emotional attachment to Maw and Frank is noted, but no social or relationship-building mechanics."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player controls a single character and companion."

  • Progression
    4

    "Progression through feeding Maw, unlocking new abilities, and completing levels with collectible goals."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Game is described as relaxing, casual, and stress-free with forgiving gameplay and no death."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Colorful visuals, humorous animations, and a fitting soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    1

    "Simple narrative with minimal story, mostly conveyed through cutscenes and character interactions."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Basic puzzle solving and use of Maw's abilities require some planning but are generally simple and straightforward."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk and tension; gameplay is forgiving and lacks suspense or high stakes."

  • Value
    3

    "Affordable price and short length provide good value for casual players and fans of the genre."

  • Violence
    1

    "Maw eats creatures and uses powers that can destroy obstacles, but violence is cartoonish and non-graphic."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No threat of failure or death; player cannot lose and progress is steady and safe."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026