Running on Empty

About

In "Running on Empty," you play as a porter tasked with delivering packages in a post-apocalyptic world. With turn-based combat and resource management, you'll need to manage your health, armor, and clothes while using items like bobby pins, stimulants, and repair kits to overcome obstacles and reach your destination safely. Navigate the pixelated 64x64 environment using arrow keys or WASD, and engage in combat using Enter, Up arrow key, and Space.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 11 reviews

gameplay2 positive mentions

music2 negative mentions

Charming retro pixel graphics and nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of 90's RPGs.
Offers a surprising amount of depth and variety in gameplay mechanics, including resource management and faction interactions.
Great value for the price, providing an enjoyable experience that feels more substantial than many higher-priced titles.

The game can be frustrating due to heavy reliance on RNG, leading to inconsistent experiences.
Lacks clear in-game instructions, making it necessary to refer to the manual for essential gameplay mechanics.
Some quality of life improvements are needed, such as better font readability and more polished controls.

music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The music in the game has received high praise from users, with many expressing a desire for the soundtrack to be released due to its fantastic quality. Overall, the music significantly enhances the gaming experience and has left players eager to obtain the tracks.
- “This is a really nice game, and the music is fantastic.”
- “I love the music and want to get my hands on the tracks, though I'm not sure where to get them.”
- “If they see this, I'd like them to release the soundtrack!”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
150%
The graphics of "running on empty" feature charming 64x64 retro pixel art that pays homage to 90's RPGs, enhancing the nostalgic feel of the game. The pixelated aesthetic complements the adventurous gameplay, making it a delightful experience for fans of classic adventure games.
- “Running on Empty is an ode to retro RPGs of the 90s, featuring charming 64x64 retro pixel graphics!”
- “The pixelated aesthetic is endearing as your little cat character faces the dangers of the wasteland to retrieve his goal.”
- “The very fun gameplay is reminiscent of the older style adventure games of yesteryear.”
- “The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
- “The pixelated aesthetic is charming, but it ultimately limits the visual experience.”
- “While the retro style is nostalgic, it doesn't hold up against contemporary graphics standards.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is engaging and reminiscent of classic adventure games, featuring a charming pixelated aesthetic as players navigate their cat character through a perilous wasteland. The mechanics are well-explained, aiding players in understanding how to effectively progress in the game.
- “It will help you understand how to properly play the game and explain its mechanics.”
- “The pixelated aesthetic is endearing as your little cat character faces the dangers of the wasteland to retrieve his goal, and the very fun gameplay is a bit reminiscent of the older style adventure games of yesteryear.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The story is characterized by a mix of intense action and a variety of missions and help requests, providing players with engaging narrative elements alongside gameplay.
- “The story is rich and immersive, drawing you into a world filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists.”
- “Each mission feels meaningful, contributing to the overall narrative and enhancing the emotional depth of the game.”
- “The character development is exceptional, making you genuinely care about their journeys and the choices they face.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players note that the achievements in the game require a significant amount of grinding, often being both time-consuming and specific in nature.
- “The achievements in this game are incredibly grindy and require very specific tasks to complete.”
- “Grinding in this game feels tedious and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “The amount of grinding needed to progress is overwhelming and detracts from the overall enjoyment.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is noted for its clever and unexpected twists, with players finding it amusingly reminiscent of other titles, such as "Running on Empty," rather than the expected "Oregon Trail." This playful subversion adds a unique comedic layer to the gameplay experience.
- “Funny, I'd have sworn I was playing 'Running on Empty', not 'Oregon Trail'.”
- “The humor in this game is so clever; it had me laughing out loud at every twist and turn.”
- “I love how the game uses witty dialogue and absurd situations to keep the mood light and entertaining.”