Developed by Take IT Studio
Atmosphere & Premise
Before Exit: Gas Station puts you in the shoes of a late-night clerk tasked with closing up shop at an isolated roadside station. What starts as routine quickly turns unsettling. The game thrives on its eerie quiet, dim lighting, and subtle environmental storytelling. I would describe it as “a brilliant mix of a walking simulator and a high-stakes puzzle game,” with every creak and flickering light adding tension to the mundane.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The loop is simple: complete closing tasks, spot anomalies, and survive the night without drawing your boss’s ire. With over 40 scenarios, four endings, and several bonus episodes, replayability is strong. The design rewards observation and patience, missing small details can lead to unnerving outcomes. There’s little hand-holding, which boosts immersion but may frustrate newcomers.
Performance & Polish
On Xbox, the experience runs smoothly for the most part, though some performance hiccups and unclear objectives slowed me down. Controller navigation feels natural, but the lack of guidance can make early runs feel like trial and error, which is fine. Despite this, the tension never falters thanks to the minimalist design and chilling audio cues. The lighting is done really well here, you feel completely fine and care free, until you turn off the lights. It is incredibly atmospheric.
Verdict
Before Exit: Gas Station is an atmospheric gem that turns ordinary tasks into nerve-wracking encounters. Its strength lies in building slow-burn dread rather than relying on jump scares. While its cryptic design and occasional pacing issues hold it back from perfection, it’s a memorable indie experience worth your time.
Final Score: 8/10 – A must-try for fans of eerie, story-driven indie horror.
Check it out on Xbox, Steam & PlayStation
