Reviewed on: PC

Although it’s on a video game, this is not a game… It’s a pastime.

Awkward is a different experience from the others you have when playing a video game. It’s a moment of introspection, and at the same time of social interaction.

Mechanics: 7

The “game” is a sequence of questions that present two possible answers, tied to two controller buttons. The questions are strange, uncomfortable and personal – they question your opinions and actions on countless topics… And some of these subjects are quite controversial.

Playing alone, the game compares your answers to the rest of the world and, in the end, shows you how “normal” or how “awkward” you are. Playing in a group, after one player answers the others get the chance to try to guess the first one’s answer – a true test of how well people know each other.

Fun: 9

Playing Awkward alone is a strange experience. With nobody to judge you, you can compare your opinions against the rest of the world – and you may end up discovering something about yourself.

Playing with friends is the core of the experience. Some questions are so clueless that it’s simply impossible to guess your friends’ answer, and they should make for good laughs and a relaxed mood. But there’s always the impression that if people take everything seriously, discord can easily arise… Awkward, after all, is supposedly a card game banned 120 years ago precisely for causing fights.

Audiovisual: 8

Awkward‘s presentation uses a style that matches the theme and mood very well. The visuals, which look like a collage of animated cutouts, are a good nod to card and board games. The music, although somewhat repetitive, doesn’t get tiresome and helps build the mood and atmosphere of a bar game night and, at the same time, of a social experience.

Final Thoughts

Awkward is a strange “game”. It’s more of a social pastime than a true gamer experience. Still, it’s a product that manages to entertain and captivate – and that stands out for being absolutely out of the ordinary.

Score

Mechanics= 7

Fun= 9

Audiovisual= 8

Worth the 11 dollars? No. Despite having more than 5 thousand questions, the game is simple and doesn’t justify the price charged. But if the game shows up on sale, it’s certainly worth considering a purchase!