[HERROR] Gas Station Case is a short narrative horror project developed by herror_studio. The story follows Dan Cooper, a 25-year-old who lost his job at a uranium plant and is now employed at a small gas station in Ohio. His routine life takes a turn when his friend Michael finds a strange case near a lake. Soon after, disappearances begin in the surrounding woods, and Dan’s workplace becomes the center of unexplained events. The demo introduces players to this scenario and sets the stage for the rest of the episodic series.
Story Foundation
The core of [HERROR] Gas Station Case lies in its grounded beginning. Players start by performing Dan’s usual gas station duties during night shifts. These small, ordinary tasks create a contrast when the mysterious case starts to influence the environment. The gradual transition from normal work to eerie situations helps frame the story as something that grows out of everyday life. This foundation ensures that the gas station setting becomes an effective space for suspense.
Gameplay Elements
The game is designed as a walking simulator with a strong focus on atmosphere. Exploration and dialogue are the main tools for progression, while there is no combat system. Players move through the gas station, interact with objects, and uncover fragments of the story as shifts pass. A unique feature is the Quiet Screamer mode, which keeps the horror intact but reduces jump scare intensity for those who prefer tension without sudden shocks.
Key mechanics include:
· Performing night shift activities inside the gas station
· Exploring nearby areas including the woods and lake
· Engaging in conversations that reveal story details
· Experiencing VHS-style presentation and retro atmosphere
· Selecting between standard horror mode or Quiet Screamer mode
Presentation And Atmosphere
The design relies heavily on retro visuals and VHS filters to create a distinct look. Lighting changes, ambient noise, and environmental details build tension as the story develops. The gas station, normally a familiar space, is altered into something unpredictable through these design choices. By keeping gameplay simple and focusing on mood, the demo demonstrates how a short playtime of around thirty minutes can still deliver a complete horror preview.
Current Status And Future Plans
The demo of [HERROR] Gas Station Case is available on itch.io and Steam, with subtitles and multiple language support. It represents the first episode in a planned anthology, and the developers intend to expand the narrative with more content, days, and scenarios. The full version is expected in 2026 and will build on the foundations shown in the demo. As part of the broader [HERROR] series, this game serves as an introduction to a style of storytelling where everyday settings are slowly reshaped into spaces of fear.
