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RUNNING WITH RIFLES

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

RUNNING WITH RIFLES is a top-down tactical shooter with open world RPG elements. In RWR, you join the ranks of an army as a common soldier, just like the thousands around you.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Shooter, Tactical

Similar games

    Pros

    • Highly replayable with long battles
    • Strong cooperative multiplayer
    • Deep tactical gameplay and strategy
    • Large maps with varied approaches
    • Active modding community and content

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve and frequent deaths
    • Some ai limitations and occasional bugs
    • Multiplayer community size is small
    • Resource and weapon loss can frustrate
    • Requires patience and tactical focus

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Leadership, Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to choose playstyle, tactics, equipment, and approach to objectives; sandbox gameplay with multiple viable strategies."

    • Competence
      3

      "Game requires tactical skill, positioning, and mastery of weapons; players learn and improve over time with a steep learning curve."

    • Competition
      1

      "Multiplayer includes PvP but is mostly cooperative; some competition in ranking and weapon acquisition but focus is on team play."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Long battles lasting hours, players report habitual play and high engagement over many hours and sessions."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "Strong emphasis on teamwork, squad command, coordinated attacks, and multiplayer cooperation against AI or other players."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players customize loadouts, deploy fortifications, and use various tactics; mod support adds creative content."

    • Domination
      -2

      "While higher ranks can command squads and vehicles, interactions emphasize shared teamwork and mutual respect rather than domination."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a stress relief and immersive war simulation, escaping real life through engaging battles."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no evidence of obligation or pressure to play."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players try different weapons, tactics, and mods; sandbox nature encourages experimentation with strategies."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Large maps with multiple routes and objectives encourage exploration, though maps are known and reused."

    • Expression
      2

      "Players customize characters with different weapons, armor, and cosmetic items; modding adds further expression."

    • Fantasy
      -3

      "Game focuses on realistic military combat scenarios with plausible weapons and tactics rather than fantasy elements."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Community is friendly and cooperative; players form groups and squads, sharing goals and camaraderie."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills, learn tactics, and progress through ranks unlocking new gear and abilities."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; long sessions and intense focus reported."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires continuous attention and focus during battles; not suited for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Players form social bonds and friendships through cooperative play, though not deeply emotional connections."

    • Leadership
      4

      "Higher ranks allow players to command squads and coordinate team actions, providing leadership roles."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate experience, rank, weapons, and resources, progressing through the game."

    • Relaxation
      -2

      "Gameplay is tense and challenging with frequent deaths and need for tactical awareness."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Explosions, gunfire, and dynamic battles provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

    • Status
      2

      "Ranking system and rare weapon acquisition provide social recognition and status among players."

    • Story
      1

      "Campaign mode has some narrative elements but overall gameplay is focused on tactical battles rather than story."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Strong emphasis on tactical thinking, positioning, squad coordination, and battlefield planning."

    • Thrill
      3

      "High stakes combat with risk of instant death creates suspense and thrill."

    • Value
      4

      "Players report high replayability, frequent updates, and good content for price."

    • Violence
      4

      "Game centers on combat, shooting, explosions, and destruction in a military setting."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must avoid death, manage resources, and tactically survive in hostile environments."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026