The Maw Review (Xbox LIVE Arcade)
As the maximum size limits of Xbox LIVE Arcade games continues to rise, we’re bound to see more ambitious and polished projects. The Maw strikes me as one of the first few forays into this brave(r) new world of Xbox LIVE Arcade development. A remarkably solid production in aspects reserved for full retail discs, The Maw surprises with robust visuals, sound design, and gameplay. But perhaps more importantly, it’s charms are unique and unmatched for its medium, making it an Xbox LIVE Arcade title that few should miss. While the Maw is short lived, it is a memorable title full of easy fun.
The central gameplay dynamic is reminiscent of something Miyamoto would have dreamt up: Your nameless alien bi-ped character escorts the Maw, a purple gelatinous blob with one giant razor-toothed mouth, as it eats everything in sight. As it eats, it grows, and this is the key to your escape from the planet you crash landed on and the technologically advanced aliens that captured you and the Maw in the first place. It is a very simple premise lent some depth with a few other, simple layers. In fact, it reminds one of Pikmin, from the premise, to the perspective, to the simplicity, and the reliance on another character to complete your goals while your character is often a passive guide.
The Maw starts out small, but eventually grows to ridiculous propotions. This in and of itself is a compelling feature of the game, like leveling up a character in a traditional RPG. Your role is to guide him to the indigenous and delicious creatures you encounter. As he (it?) gets bigger, the bigger the quarry he can consume. Light puzzle solving elements are strewn throughout the levels making access to meals and progress to other areas a treat. Certain creatures, once eaten, will grant the Maw their characteristics; characteristics necessary to move on or reveal more food.
You’ll occasionally have to separate from the Maw and employ your own electric leash enabled skills in order to progress. This little tool that drags the Maw from place to place can also be used to leash other characters and objects so that they can be thrown, smashed, or tossed to the Maw for a snack. Most importantly, all of these elements gel very well together.
But what is likely most striking about The Maw is its surprisingly finessed and excellent presentation. Easily one of the best looking games on Xbox LIVE Arcade, The Maw comes to life with well rounded models, beautiful colours, lighting, flora, effects and more. Equally, the sound design is very clever both with its dynamic musical score and effects. It’s difficult not to perk-up and take notice.
Best of all, these production elements taken together are all in service of a focused, charming aesthetic and endearing quality woven throughout the fabric of the game. It’s nearly impossible not to love the Maw and his companion as they romp about their environments. Cleverly and seamlessly animated in such a way that makes them emotionally expressive, the Maw and his companion fill the game with welcome comic relief and personality. Indeed, it is testament to Twisted Pixel’s skills that they turned the rather horrific looking Maw into a lovable goofball in motion.
Ironically, these ambitious production values likely shortened what otherwise could have been a lengthier game. The Maw is not a very long lived adventure - you could easily finish this game in a day or two, no sweat. That said, it is a very pleasant, fun and compelling experience from top to bottom while it lasts. It’s rare that an Xbox LIVE Arcade game comes along that feels as though it were a genuinely original labour of love and not just another well funded remake. But The Maw is one such game that exudes its developer’s passion and sure, steady hand with every single polished pixel on display.
peachey @ January 27, 2009