Empty Gauge

About

Empty Gauge is a single player simulation game with horror and mystery themes. It was developed by Playnova Studio and was released on April 15, 2026. It received positive reviews from players.

About This GameA short, single-sitting VHS horror experience. In Empty Gauge, you spend three unsettling days moving between a remote gas station and your home. By day, you work the night shift alone. By night, strange clues begin to pile up, nightmares grow more vivid, and reality starts to feel less reliable. What begins as an ordinary part-time job slowly turns into something far more disturb…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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89%

Audience ScoreBased on 18 reviews

story3 positive mentions

Engaging and intriguing story that unfolds gradually, leaving players curious and wanting to explore different endings.
Effective and well-executed jump scares that add to the overall tension without feeling cheap.
Atmosphere enhanced by retro, PSX-style graphics and a balanced VHS/CRT visual effect that adds to the horror vibe.

Game is very short in length, which may make it less appealing compared to other similar titles.
Some gameplay glitches such as uncounted tasks and stuck NPCs can force players to restart the entire game due to lack of save points.
Visuals can be harsh on the eyes for some players, with the graphic effects being uncomfortable to look at.

story
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The story is praised for its slow, engaging unfolding and strong character building, enhanced by a compelling VHS aesthetic and atmosphere. Players appreciate the subtle storytelling and multiple endings, making it a memorable experience worth replaying.
- “The VHS aesthetic and overall atmosphere pulled me in immediately, but what stood out the most was how the story slowly unfolds.”
- “I’m already thinking about replaying it to see the different endings and piece together more of the story.”
- “The overall story and character building was well put together as well.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The game features solid retro PSX-style graphics with a well-executed VHS/CRT aesthetic that enhances its atmosphere and jump scares. The nostalgic visual style effectively pulls players into the unfolding story.
- “The VHS aesthetic and overall atmosphere pulled me in immediately, but what stood out the most was how the story slowly unfolds.”
- “Graphics were pretty solid for PSX/old-school graphics and, to be honest, this game did the whole VHS/CRT effect really well.”
- “I did enjoy the atmosphere and really appreciate the PSX graphics.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is generally solid and enjoyable, though there is a minor glitch where stopping an action during a sweep causes it not to register, requiring a restart. However, this issue does not significantly impact the overall experience.
- “There was a glitch when you sweep; if you stop action while sweeping, it will not be counted and you will have to restart play, but it did not detract from the gameplay experience.”
- “Solid gameplay!”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere, enhanced by a compelling VHS aesthetic and nostalgic PSX-style graphics, draws players in effectively. Users particularly appreciate how the mood complements the story's slow unfolding, creating an immersive experience.
- “The VHS aesthetic and overall atmosphere pulled me in immediately, but what stood out the most was how the story slowly unfolds.”
- “I did enjoy the atmosphere and really appreciate the PSX graphics.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The character development, particularly in monster design, evokes a strong sense of discomfort, highlighting a bold and unsettling creative choice by the game.