Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading. In this installment, we’re covering Gas Station Simulator by developer Drago Entertainment.
Gas Station Simulator: (The Explanation)
The simulation genre has brought a lot of varied occupations to the forefront of mind in the last few years. There have been games that let you power wash dirty locations, run a landscaping and mowing company, run a PC upgrade shop, and many more. Gas Station Simulator puts you in the shoes of a young business owner looking to repay some debts while making a name for themselves as a Route 66-style gas station owner.
You start off your career having to fix up a station filled with dirt, debris, needing shelves, food, and a working gas pump to get you off your feet. There are a lot of things to do in running this small gas station and the varied buildings on your property. Early on you are tasked with cleaning up the main store, doing some painting, mopping the floors, and stocking shelves.
As with most simulation games, the multitude of tasks can be overwhelming. There is a set list of quests you are tasked with which helps to dedicate your time to progress while other smaller side quest items divert your attention and funds but help to make your gas station more customized to your liking.
Gas Station Simulator has its fair share of simulator game jankiness. Walking, running, and turning isn’t as smooth. From time to time, you may find that items you discard or toss fly across the map or shoot into the stratosphere.
Along with taking care of your budding gas station, managing finances, and paying off your debt there are mini games you will come across. Early in my play time I could control a remote-controlled car which I had to drive around the back lot over bumps and through tires in a timed race.
Gas Station Simulator is full of customizations within the story mode. I was both surprised as well as overwhelmed with the things I could do to make my gas station stand out. If you are into simulation games that navigate you through boring tasks while gamifying them and giving you a checklist, Gas Station Simulator is sure to entice you. I whole-heartedly plan to continue building my gas station to be the best one on the desert route.
Gas Station Simulator: (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Drago Entertainment
Publisher: MD Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Simulation
No. of Players: 1 player
Release Date: October 20, 2022 (EU & NA)
Price: $19.99
File Size: 2 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
