Out of This World vs The Maw
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Out of This World (known as Another World in Europe) is a minimalist cinematic platformer that blends vector‑based graphics with rotoscoped animation to create a striking visual experience. Players control physicist Lester Knight Chaykin as he is thrust into an alien world, navigating treacherous terrain, hostile creatures, and puzzling obstacles without any HUD or textual guidance.\nThe game emphasizes precise timing, trial‑and‑error, and exploration, offering a limited checkpoint system that heightens tension. Originally released in 1991, it has been ported to modern platforms while preserving its original atmosphere and challenge.
In The Maw, players control Frank, a pacifist alien, who tethers the hungry creature The Maw with an electrical leash. Together they navigate a crash‑landed planet, using The Maw’s ability to eat objects and gain new powers to overcome obstacles and reach a distant communications tower.\nThe game blends platforming, puzzle solving, and action in a futuristic sci‑fi world, featuring single‑player gameplay on PC and Xbox 360. Developed by Twisted Pixel and published by Microsoft Game Studios, it earned a solid 78/100 critic score upon its 2009 release.
- Unique cinematic presentation
- Atmospheric sound design
- Challenging yet rewarding gameplay
- Timeless visual style
- Innovative leash‑control mechanic
- Creative ability‑gaining system
- Engaging sci‑fi atmosphere
- Solid critic reception
- High difficulty may frustrate casual players
- Limited save system restricts experimentation
- Sparse narrative may feel opaque to some
- Limited to single‑player mode
- Short overall campaign length
- Occasional camera issues on tight platform sections
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Out of This World
View all →
A retro sci‑fi platform adventure to reclaim lost memories across six perilous levels.
Alternatives to The Maw
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are $19.99 single‑player sci‑fi platformers, but Out of This World offers a classic, high‑difficulty cinematic experience, while The Maw provides a newer, more forgiving puzzle‑platform adventure with unique leash mechanics.
Key differences
- •Out of This World is a 1991 classic with vector‑based graphics and no HUD; The Maw is a 2009 indie with modern physics‑based puzzles.
- •Difficulty: Out of This World is noted for high difficulty and limited saves; The Maw is rated easier (E10+) and shorter.
- •Mechanics: Out of This World relies on precise timing and trial‑and‑error; The Maw adds an electrical leash and temporary powers from eating enemies.
- •Content length: The Maw’s campaign is described as short; Out of This World’s length isn’t specified but its difficulty encourages replay.
- •Platform support: Out of This World mentions modern ports; The Maw explicitly supports PC and Xbox 360 only.
Gameplay & fun factor
The Maw adds innovative leash control and power‑gaining mechanics, offering more varied gameplay than Out of This World's pure timing puzzles.
Platform availability
Out of This World has been ported to modern platforms beyond PC/Xbox, whereas The Maw is limited to PC and Xbox 360.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99 and are one‑time purchases; value depends on player preference for classic vs. newer design.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Out of This World’s high difficulty and limited save system encourage repeated attempts; The Maw’s campaign is described as short.
Difficulty & accessibility
The Maw is rated E10+ and noted as less punishing, while Out of This World is high difficulty that may frustrate casual players.
Graphics & performance
Out of This World uses vector‑based graphics and rotoscoped animation praised for timeless visual style; The Maw uses vibrant futuristic aesthetics but no specific performance claim.
Choose Out of This World if…
Players who love classic, challenging cinematic platformers and want broad platform support.
Choose The Maw if…
Players seeking a newer, easier puzzle‑platformer with unique mechanics and shorter playtime.
Common questions
Do either of these games support co‑op or multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.
Which game is more beginner‑friendly?
The Maw (E10+ rating, noted as less punishing) is more beginner‑friendly than Out of This World.
Are there any differences in platform compatibility?
Out of This World has been ported to multiple modern platforms; The Maw officially supports only PC and Xbox 360.