Fit check
Is The Maw worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Action-adventure players who want puzzle-and-trap stages
- Players who enjoy creature abilities tied to eating
- Players seeking a humorous story involving a human-and-alien pair
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a large campaign, since the main game has eight levels
- Players who prefer combat-focused action over puzzles, traps, and object manipulation
- Players looking for a climbing-focused action-puzzle game rather than creature-based progression
- Players wanting multiplayer shooting, since the described game centers on Frank and Maw
Our take on The Maw
Maw’s growth and creature-ability system gives the game a focused central gimmick, but that focus leaves less room for the broader progression systems found in larger action-adventure games.
What is The Maw?
The Maw is a 3D action-adventure game about Frank and Maw, a hungry alien creature that grows by eating and gains traits from what it consumes.
Progress involves guiding Maw through eight levels containing puzzles and traps, while using a leash to manipulate creatures and objects. Five creatures provide five different powers. The game presents a buddy-comedy storyline through cinematic scenes and includes an interactive soundtrack. Maw can grow to unlimited proportions and is described as virtually indestructible. Steam Achievements are available. Additional levels are offered as downloadable content.
How The Maw plays
- 01Creature-based powers
- Eating five distinct creatures gives Maw five corresponding abilities.
- 02Leash manipulation
- A versatile leash lets the pair interact with creatures and objects.
- 03Eight-level campaign
- The main game contains eight stages built around varied puzzles and hazards.
- 04Buddy-comedy story
- Cinematic scenes carry a humorous storyline focused on Frank and Maw.
- 05Interactive soundtrack
- The music responds interactively during play and is composed by Winifred Phillips.
- 06Downloadable levels
- Extra stages are available as downloadable content.
The Maw compared to similar games
The Maw combines puzzle and trap-filled action-adventure stages with creature-based powers, a leash for manipulating objects, and a story centered on Frank and Maw. Jusant instead focuses on climbing tools, stamina management, exploration, and reaching the top of a tower. Sundered: Eldritch Edition is a chaotic metroidvania, while The Maw uses eight defined levels and creature abilities rather than metroidvania progression.
The Maw: platforms & release
Is The Maw worth it?
It is worth it if: action-adventure players who want puzzle-and-trap stages. Skip it if: players seeking a large campaign, since the main game has eight levels.
Where can I download The Maw?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens The Maw's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is The Maw on?
Windows only.
