Fuel Station : Drive & Pumping

Can we speak about Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping? It's the second title of its theme released in a year. Did I miss the memo about how becoming a rural gas station media genre clerk was everyone's dream, and it's now spawning an entire media genre around it? Once again, there's a significant release around simulating a pump station, with a title that's even more average than the one with a blunt name.

So, here we are, chucked into the desert, operating a gas station. The title, Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping, almost provides a gameplay analysis. As a simulator, we'll be doing some driving and pumping. Is there anything else at stake here? Well, we better find out. There's more than meets the eye in this remarkably average-looking indie title.

The Pump in the Dump

Here's the breakdown of the Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping. You've inherited a plot of land, and surprise! It's got an abandoned gas station on it, right in the hustle and bustle of the seemingly Western United States. The player's task is to return this fuel depot to its former glory, being a beacon for the few stations spread across the southwest.

It's not difficult to gauge gameplay in a fuel station simulator. Customers will pass by, and you'll fill up their tanks and take the money, reinvesting it into building a gas outlet for the ages. Players must upgrade systems, diversify their services, and manage inventory effectively to turn their dump into a luxury pumphouse.

Surprisingly, Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping is more satisfying than the title suggests. The visuals offer immersion, while the simulation mechanics double down, highlighting the struggles of expanding a business when it's set in the middle of nowhere. You'll have to meet customer demands, such as car repairs, offer refreshments with a convenience store, and generally attempt to turn your establishment into a reputable community hub.

It's one of those games that's a relatively simple simulation. However, there's a lot on offer and enough to keep any player entertained for a few hours. Of course, once you reach endgame, you'll realize there's nothing more that can be done to expand your gas empire. But the bottom line is Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping is better than I thought it would be.

Fuel for My Mule

Here's why pumphouse simulations have suddenly led the genre charge. After playing Fuel Station: Drive & Pumping for a few hours, it's easy to see why people enjoy the setting. It's charming, simple, folksy, and doesn't require a lot of thought or intricate knowledge to find success in the game. Sure, it's basic on the surface and doesn't offer much in the endgame, but it's perfectly tailored for any sim fan.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simple gameplay that will appeal to any sim fan
• Plenty of diverse mechanics that make expanding your station exciting

• Accessible for players of all ages Cons:

• Lack of endgame

• Visuals are a bit basic compared to other modern sims