The Maw
Score: 83% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Microsoft Developer: TwistedPixel Games Media: Download/1 Players: 1 Genre: Adventure/ Puzzle/ Platformer (3D)
Graphics & Sound: I first came across The Maw at last year's PAX show in Seattle. Although it was just a card advertising the game, it was enough to generate a lengthy conversation over dinner about what the game would be about. Unfortunately, it was one of the few games I didn't get a chance to play. Looking back, I guess that was a good thing; it made the wait much easier. It's hard to look at screenshots of The Maw and not be just a little impressed or intrigued. I can name a number of great-looking games on XBLA, but few look as polished as The Maw. The bright, crisp look carries over throughout the game and everything is just bursting with personality. Both Frank and Maw showcase a broad range of emotions that help to sell the non-verbal storytelling. The sense of non-verbal storytelling carries over into the audio design. Neither of the two says a word, but you always know what is happening. Both let out gasps of exasperation, joy and other emotions. When combined with the visuals, it helps develop a good sense of personality. Maw is a coward in his normal form, but gains an air of confidence when he takes on his other forms. The entire package is tied together with a jazzy, upbeat score that matches the game's feel and style.
Gameplay: The Maw is the very definition of a "...just one more level" game, a trait that works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On one hand, it's an incredibly fun game that manages to reel you in the first time you watch Maw chow down on some hapless creature. At the same time, the adventure is short-lived with very little motivating replay value beyond trying to up your position on the leaderboards. The game opens when our alien hero, Frank, is brought on-board a ship collecting samples of life forms from around the universe. Here he meets Maw, a one-eyed, purple blob with a big appetite. The ship crashes and the two team up to escape their captors. Gameplay follows a simple to understand puzzle/platforming mechanic. Each level presents Frank with an obstacle, such as a bank of turrets, that he must overcome to continue his path towards freedom. Each level does its best to present somewhat complicated puzzles, though one or two eschew puzzle elements altogether in favor of straight-out action. These offer an okay break from puzzles, but also feel a little out of place and mainly act as vehicles for creatures you'll only see during those levels, such as a hybrid Beholder/ peacock/ ostrich. I liked the creativity, but would have preferred if it played a bigger part in the core gameplay rather than providing a short shooter. If anything, one or two of these levels could have been added to flesh out the playtime. For completists, The Maw offers some replay value beyond making it through each level. You can try to find all of the edible creatures on the level for a 100% rating or try and nab Achievements. Doing so will add at least an hour to your overall play time (which clocks in around 6 hours or so) and it is possible to get all but one of the Achievements on one run-through (the last is a bit ridiculous).
Difficulty: The general layout of each level is clean and easy to follow. Levels range from small to the larger end of medium and follow a mostly linear path. Some are a little more open, but not to the point where you'll get lost or turned around. It's a smart layout and lends itself well to the various puzzles. To its detriment, The Maw is an easy game. Frank can't die and if he does manage to fall, there isn't much of a penalty. Most puzzles are easy to figure out once you get a good look at what it offers. Once you see the obstacle and animals available for Maw to munch on, it won't take long to piece together a solution. This isn't a bad thing, though a red herring or two would have been welcome.
Game Mechanics: Frank's main tool is Maw, who is tethered to the little alien via an electric beam. Frank can also use his beam to grab objects in the environment. He can snag smaller critters and toss them to Maw, or even attach himself to them to travel to out-of-reach areas or drag them to locations. He can also use the beam to shot put exploding objects (or certain creatures). It's a handy little device and very easy to use. Even tossing objects, which can sometimes be a hassle, feels great and works just as you would want it to. True to the adage, Maw "is what he eats," something that comes in handy as you attempt to lead the duo through each level. Maw begins as a small blob, but as he eats smaller creatures, he begins to grow. The mechanic is similar to Feeding Frenzy, only Maw will take on different abilities after eating certain creatures. For instance, eating Gastros (dogs made out of lava/ flame) gives Maw the ability to breathe fire while Beetulls (giant horned beetles) allow Maw to charge through objects. The catch is that Maw can only hold one power at a time and must be a certain size to eat certain creatures. Additionally, some enemies aren't keen on becoming a snack, so you'll need to trick them. The only thing really going against The Maw is the length and somewhat simplistic level designs. The underlying mechanics are solid and a blast, I just wish there was more to the entire experience. At best, The Maw is a solid.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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