The Maw cover

The Maw

Critic score4 critics
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First release
Jan 21, 2009
Developer
Twisted Pixel
Genres
Indie, Adventure, Platform, Arcade, Strategy, Puzzle · Action, Science fiction, Comedy
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360

In The Maw players control Frank, who in turn controls The Maw via an electrical leash that he uses keep him at his side. Gameplay involves guiding The Maw in specific directions to clear obstacles and complete levels. The Maw also has the ability to eat objects and creatures, taking on some of the properties of the thing it eats, such as breathing fire, flying, or simply growing in size. Players then use The Maw's increased abilities to navigate previously impossible sections of a level.

Attributes

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Details

Storyline, release dates, time to beat, age ratings, modes, links, keywords

Storyline
The Maw is set in a futuristic universe. The game begins with Frank, a pacifist bipedal alien, and The Maw, a purple one-eyed creature with large teeth, both having been captured by the Galactic Bounty Hunters. For unknown reasons the ship on which they are being held crash lands on a strange planet, killing all the crew. Alone, they set out for a communications tower in the distance while on the run from additional Galactic Bounty Hunters who have come to recapture them.Read more

The Maw is set in a futuristic universe. The game begins with Frank, a pacifist bipedal alien, and The Maw, a purple one-eyed creature with large teeth, both having been captured by the Galactic Bounty Hunters. For unknown reasons the ship on which they are being held crash lands on a strange planet, killing all the crew. Alone, they set out for a communications tower in the distance while on the run from additional Galactic Bounty Hunters who have come to recapture them.

Release dates
Xbox 360
Jan 21, 2009
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mar 09, 2009
Game modes
Single player
Perspective
Third person, Bird view / Isometric
Keywords
aliens, 3d, spaceship, action-adventure, steam
… All 31, achievements, silent protagonist, steam achievements, digital distribution, collectibles, escort mission, character growth, downloadable content, games with gold, pax prime 2013, digital rights management, destructible environment, onlive, quick time event, levitation, pax east 2013, alien protagonist, pax east 2012, pax prime 2012, respawn justification, pax prime 2010, buddy system, pax prime 2011, pax east 2010, pax 2009, pax 2008

At a Glance

Critic Score
78
OverviewHow it playsMediaCommunityBehind the gameRelated

Overview

Steam review summary

Steam users rate this Very Positive, 330 reviews in all languages, recorded 16 October 2026

Valve's summary of Steam user reviews. Valve counts only reviews from purchases on Steam, not key activations, and leaves out review periods it has marked as off-topic. It isn't part of the CritScore score.

Review summary: SteamSteam data provided via the Steam Web API (opens in a new tab)Not affiliated with Valve →

About storefront and compatibility information

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