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A.W.O.L.

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2022

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Quick resume

A.W.O.L. is a first-person, mil-spec shooter developed using the Build engine (Duke Nukem 3D, Ion Fury).

Global score

79/100

Genres

Action, Free To Play, Indie, Tactical, Shooter

Pros

  • Free to play
  • Satisfying gunplay and sound design
  • Retro build engine charm
  • Tactical and action gameplay mix
  • Well-made levels and animations

Cons

  • Poor and buggy ai
  • Confusing level design especially dubai
  • Performance issues and frame drops
  • Lack of polish and bugs
  • Story and cutscenes often unengaging

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to choose playstyle between tactical and action-oriented approaches, with some squad commands and stealth mechanics, though some levels are linear."

  • Competence
    3

    "Gameplay involves skillful shooting, tactical movement, and overcoming AI challenges, though AI is often criticized as poor and predictable."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Single-player experience focused on personal progress without multiplayer or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report engaging gameplay and fun gunplay encouraging continued play, though some frustration with confusing levels and bugs may reduce attachment."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Includes squad commands and AI teammates, but AI is often broken and unhelpful, limiting meaningful cooperation."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Level design encourages some exploration and tactical approaches; players can experiment with stealth and squad tactics."

  • Domination
    -3

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; gameplay is single-player with no social dominance elements."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a fun distraction with immersive gunplay and retro atmosphere, escaping real life stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different tactics, stealth, squad commands, and explore levels with some novelty in mechanics."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some levels encourage exploration and backtracking, though certain maps (Dubai) are confusing and criticized."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited customization or avatar personalization; mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "Military-themed realistic shooter with some narrative elements; not strongly fantasy oriented."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Single-player focus with minimal social interaction or community feeling."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn tactical approaches and improve shooting skills; some challenge and mastery involved."

  • Health
    -5

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active attention and focus; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual experience."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Players can issue simple commands to squadmates, but AI limitations reduce meaningful leadership experience."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players collect weapons and keycards, progress through levels, though no deep RPG or upgrade systems."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find it a good way to unwind, but frustration from bugs and confusing levels reduces relaxation."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable gunplay with satisfying sound effects and visual feedback provides sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems present."

  • Story
    1

    "Contains a narrative with comic-style cutscenes, but story is often considered unmemorable or skippable."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Tactical elements and squad commands require planning and problem solving, though AI limits depth."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some tension and challenge in combat, but overall controlled and predictable gameplay."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for being a free, well-made game with substantial content and fun gameplay."

  • Violence
    4

    "Focus on combat, shooting, explosions, and destruction with satisfying gore effects."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must avoid death and manage resources in challenging combat scenarios."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026