The purple blob with a bottomless stomach is back, and this time it’s ready to eat its way through a whole new adventure. The Maw, the quirky 2009 action-adventure game, is returning in 2027 with a fresh take on its original formula. Known for its weird charm, clever puzzles, and one very hungry sidekick, this game’s unique mix of evolution-based mechanics and leash-driven gameplay still stands out today—and it’s easy to see why players are eager to dive in again.
The bond between Frank and The Maw drives every moment
At the heart of the game is an odd but lovable pair: Frank, a small blue alien with more guts than brawn, and The Maw, a purple goo creature that looks like it wandered out of a candy commercial and into trouble. Players control Frank directly, guiding him across alien landscapes while using an electromagnetic leash to boss The Maw around. This leash isn’t just for show—it’s the Swiss Army knife of tools. Frank can tug objects around, push buttons from afar, or wrangle The Maw into position like a space cowboy herding jello.
But don’t let the goof
iness fool anyone. The duo needs real teamwork to survive. Galactic Bounty Hunters are on their tail, and every level throws new obstacles at them. Whether it’s dodging turret fire or navigating through electrified gates, Frank has to stay sharp while keeping his gelatinous friend close.
The Maw eats everything—then becomes everything
Here’s the kicker: The Maw doesn’t just follow orders—it evolves. Every time it munches on an alien critter or glowing gadget, something changes. One minute it’s bouncing like a jellybean on espresso; the next it’s shooting lightning bolts after snacking on an electric beetle.
This absorption mechanic turns basic movement into a playground of possibilities. Need to power up a gate? Feed The Maw something zappy. Got enemies ahead? Maybe something spiky will do the trick. Each new ability helps unlock more areas and lets players try wild combinations just to see what sticks.
The system rewards curiosity at every turn. During one memorable session years ago, trying to feed The Maw a rare flying creature led not only to gliding across wide gaps—but also accidentally shorting out half the level’s security drones in one electrifying swoop. That kind of delightful chaos is where this game shines brightest.
Using the electromagnetic leash feels like puppet mastery in space
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While The Maw gets all the flashy powers, Frank’s leash is where much of the strategy lives. It allows precise control from afar—perfect for grabbing switches without walking into traps or dragging enemies into danger zones without getting his own alien hide zapped.
This setup gives players room to plan ahead instead of just reacting. It feels less like button mashing and more like pulling strings in an intergalactic puppet show—except the puppet might start breathing fire if it eats too many hot peppers.
Combat becomes more about smart positioning than brute force. There are times when keeping The Maw alive means pulling it back at just the right second or timing its attack after setting up an enemy for disaster. It turns even small skirmishes into little puzzles waiting to be solved.
The levels grow smarter as The Maw grows stronger
No two levels feel quite alike thanks to how well each area is built around whatever new trick The Maw just picked up. Early stages might be simple fetch quests or block-pushing puzzles, but once those powers start stacking up—gliding, smashing, shocking—the challenges get juicier.
Players need to think ahead: Should they evolve now or save that tasty-looking creature for later? Is this gap meant for gliding over or smashing through
? One wrong assumption can lead to backtracking or even hilarious failure—a common theme during late-game sections when half-evolved Maws try moves they’re not quite ready for yet.
Back when first exploring these levels years ago, one particularly sneaky puzzle involved mimicking an enemy’s camouflage by having The Maw eat a chameleon-like critter hidden behind breakable rocks—rocks that could only be smashed with firepower earned from another creature two rooms earlier. It was part memory test, part scavenger hunt—and all fun once everything clicked into place.
The 2009 version earned praise for doing things differently
*The Maw* isn’t some forgotten relic—it made waves when it dropped in 2009 via Twisted Pixel Games’ original release on Xbox Live Arcade. It snagged the Audience Choice award at PAX10 in 2008 and was named a finalist at the Independent Games Festival in 2009—a big deal for such a small studio back then.
Critics praised its creativity and charm even if some felt its campaign was short-lived. Sitting pretty with a Metacritic score of 75/100, reviewers pointed out how refreshing it felt compared to other platformers that relied more on speed than strategy or style.
What helped it stand apart was how committed it stayed to its silly tone without ever getting annoying. Instead of edgy humor or over-the-top cutscenes, it offered simple laughs—like watching The Maw burp after swallowing something twice its size—or watching Frank struggle with his unwieldy pet like someone trying to walk their dog through a squirrel parade.
When does MAW come out?
The original *The Maw* saw releases across Xbox Live Arcade before eventually finding homes on PlayStation consoles and Windows PCs—including PS Vita for those who liked their cosmic blobs portable.
Now comes news that *MAW*, presumably an updated entry or reboot of sorts, is scheduled for release in 2027. While details about what new tricks will be added remain under wraps, fans can expect that same blend of puzzle-solving chaos and evolution-fueled antics—likely cranked up with modern polish and maybe even more bizarre creatures to digest along the way.
Whether this version brings co-op features or deeper world-building remains unknown—but if Twisted Pixel leans into what made people love the original in the first place (charm meets cleverness), then *MAW* could easily find itself gobbling up awards again.
This isn’t just nostalgia bait—it’s one hungry franchise ready for seconds. Will *MAW* satisfy old fans while tempting new ones into its gooey grip?
F.A.Q.
When does MAW come out?
The new version of the game, referred to as MAW, is scheduled for release in 2027. This updated entry or reboot promises to blend puzzle-solving chaos and evolution-fueled antics with modern polish.
What type of game is The Maw?
The Maw is an action-adventure game that combines platforming with puzzle-solving elements. Players control Frank, a small alien, and his companion, The Maw, using unique gameplay mechanics such as an electromagnetic leash and evolution-based abilities.
What platforms is The Maw available on?
The original version of The Maw was released on Xbox Live Arcade and later became available on PlayStation consoles, PlayStation Vita, and Windows PCs.
Does The Maw have co-op gameplay?
There is no indication that the original version of The Maw included co-op gameplay. Details about whether the 2027 release will feature co-op have not been disclosed yet.
Is The Maw worth playing?
The Maw received positive feedback for its innovative gameplay and charming presentation, earning a Metacritic score of 75/100. Its unique mechanics, humor, and creative problem-solving make it worth exploring, especially for those seeking a different kind of platformer experience.
What makes The Maw’s gameplay unique?
The standout feature of The Maw is its absorption mechanic, where The Maw gains new abilities by consuming different objects and creatures. This encourages experimentation and adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, making it a uniquely engaging experience.
