GAUGE
Gameplay 8
Graphics 8
Sound 8

Gauge is extremely simple to play, but that is precisely why it is so addictive. Anyone can instantly learn how to play the game, but achieving the big scores requires focus and concentration. This is easier said than done, as the game actively tries to break your concentration and mess with your eyes. The psychedelic visuals can cause quite an eye strain, so this game is best played in short bursts, but overall, it is a lot of fun.

Gameplay: Gauge is very simple but surprisingly addictive and challenging.

Graphics: The visuals are incredibly psychedelic and not recommended for anyone with an epileptic condition.

Sound: The electronic music and sound effects fit the game perfectly

Summary 8.0 Great
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

GAUGE

Developer: Étienne Périn | Publisher: Neko Entertainment | Release Date: 2014 | Genre: Casual / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

GAUGE is one of those games ideal for when you feel like killing some time but don’t want to invest hours in something more in-depth. Your only purpose is to chase a high score, and pressing the Spacebar key is the only thing required to do so. Occasionally, you may have to press Spacebar and Ctrl, but that is about as complicated as things get in GAUGE.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that GAUGE is easy, though. Tapping the Spacebar controls the length of your gauge, but if it touches the inner or outer edges of its confines, you lose a life. The closer you can get your gauge to the outer edges, the more points you score, but the easier it is to slip up and lose a life. This risk versus reward mechanic makes for very tense and addictive gameplay sessions. There is only one power-up in the game, and it always appears close to the inner limit of the gauge bar. You can take a risk and let the gauge drop down to grab it, which nets you a bunch of bonus points and the option to activate a second gauge that you have to control with the Ctrl key. Using the second gauge doubles your score, but since it moves at a speed different from your primary gauge, it can be tricky to prevent it from touching the outer limits.

GAUGE would have been a little boring if tapping Spacebar and Ctrl was all there was to it, so in order to make things a bit more challenging, the game continually tries to distract you from your task. Text will randomly pop up in an attempt to draw your attention away from your gauge, and pulsating colors place an extra strain on your eyes. The game also plays dirty with stuff like screen shakes and blurring, which really mess with your concentration. In fact, things become so psychedelic that the game warns players with epileptic conditions to consult their physician before playing. Usually, these types of warnings are just in place as a precaution, but in GAUGE, it is absolutely essential that players take heed. This is the type of game where it is a good idea to take frequent breaks while playing if you value your eyesight.

While initially a mobile title, GAUGE works pretty well on computers, and the psychedelic retro visuals don’t look out of place. The price has also been kept low, and considering that there are five game modes available, it offers pretty good value for money. In “Normal” mode you try to attain a high score before you run out of lives. You can achieve extra lives while playing, and your lives actually serve as your score multiplier as well, so it is not a good idea to waste any of them if you want to climb the leaderboards. “Baby” mode makes things a bit easier, while “Hard” mode, on the other hand, only gives you one life to play with.

Finally, there is a “Timed” mode that only gives you a specific time limit to achieve a high score and a “Touch” mode where you are only allowed to press the Spacebar a certain number of times. These modes offer some nice variation and will keep you playing longer than expected. The PC version also includes some Steam achievements, but don’t expect them to be easy. In fact, the developer of GAUGE has intentionally made one of the Steam achievements impossible to get, which might be a dealbreaker for achievement hunters.

The electronic music in GAUGE matches the psychedelic visuals, although the tracks are also designed to lull you into breaking your concentration. Getting too caught up in the music can cause you to start timing your button presses to the beats, which rarely ends well. We wouldn’t call GAUGE a relaxing game, as blinking at the wrong time can literally cost you a life, but like all score-chasing games, it will put you in that hyper-focused zone where you can forget about your surroundings.

The game is being advertised as an experimental and minimalistic sport game, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is like anything you might see on ESPN. To the casual observer, it will more than likely resemble something that some secretive government agency or cult might have used to brainwash people. For all we know, they might be correct, as we enjoyed the game way more than we thought we would, and we will return to it regularly.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows XP
  • Processor: 2 GHz
  • Memory: 512 MB RAM
  • Graphics: Compatible DirectX 9.0c
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 100 MB available space
  • Sound Card: Audio standard
  • OS: Windows XP
  • Processor: 2 GHz
  • Memory: 512 MB RAM
  • Graphics: Compatible DirectX 9.0c
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 100 MB available space
  • Sound Card: Audio standard

Related posts

Chime

Chime

It is a pity that Chime does not have more songs and levels as the game is extremely addictive. It plays like a cross between Tetris and Lumines, but is unique enough to keep you hooked. The audio plays a big role in the game and features tracks from some famous artists so this is a great title to add to your library. Gameplay: Simple but very addictive. Graphics: Simple but stylish. Sound: Tightly integrated with the gameplay.

Chuck’s Challenge 3D

Chuck's Challenge 3D

Simply put, if you love puzzle games, then you will love Chuck's Challenge 3D. The game not only provides plenty of brain teasing puzzles, but remains addictive throughout. Don't let the charming visuals and upbeat soundtrack fool you either, this game is not afraid to challenge players. Chuck's Challenge 3D is a game packed with hours of entertainment and is an essential purchase for any self respecting puzzle fan. Gameplay: Plenty of puzzles to give your grey matter a good workout. Graphics: Bright, bold and charming. Sound: The soundtrack is nice and upbeat.

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain is a great shooter that strays a little from the usual formula to offer an action-packed experience based more on skill than luck. Mastering the M.E.F.A2 and Concept Reactor attacks is immensely satisfying and allows you to play more aggressively. Players used to power-ups and weapon upgrades will find that RefRain has a bit of a learning curve, but this also gives it more longevity and replay value. Overall, if you are a fan of the genre, then RefRain certainly doesn't disappoint. Gameplay: RefRain is challenging but very rewarding when mastered. Graphics: The designs are a little bland compared to other shooters, but the game is very colorful. Sound: The game features a very fitting electronic soundtrack.

Apsulov: End of Gods

Apsulov: End of Gods

Apsulov: End of Gods is a future Viking horror where players must guide a young woman named Alice through the dark depths of a Swedish research facility. Norse Mythology meets science fiction in this game where the scientists meddling with the nine realms has had catastrophic consequences. Although rough around the edges in some places, Apsulov: End of Gods is an excellent game with a fascinating premise and comes highly recommended. Gameplay: Apsulov features lots of exploration, along with some environmental puzzles and a bit of platforming. Graphics: The game is very dark, but some of the environments look incredible. Sound: Some of the voice acting is a little stiff, but the music and sound effects are excellent

Enclave

Enclave

It might be a typical console port, but Enclave has enough action to keep players hooked. Don't play this one for the puzzles as you will be disappointed, but if you want some nice hacking and slashing you can't go wrong. Gameplay: A typical console port but still fun. Graphics: Very good for their time. Sound: Epic music score and decent voice acting.

WazHack

WazHack

Wazhack is a roguelike game that kept us busy for hours, most of which was spent dying and retrying. It is a challenging game, but with a good strategy and plenty of luck, you will get far. Permanent death ensures you always stay on your toes, and the procedural levels provide plenty of replay value. There is also a wealth of characters to choose from, each with their own unique skills and weaknesses. Gameplay: This strategic roguelike is tough as nails but very rewarding. Graphics: The rendered backgrounds and 3D character models make for an interesting mix. Sound: The audio is subtle enough that you can play the game for hours without the music becoming annoying.

Leave a comment

five + 16 =