Play a little sabotage at a Mechanist facility, mess with the machinery, set timed bombs which literally tick and explode before your eyes – this FM has it all, as well as some clever progression and the novel gas mask mechanic.

While it hasn’t aged particularly well visually, Gas Station uses some effects which would probably be much appreciated at its time. The reddish, rusty atmosphere fills the space (think The Builder’s Paradise palette, but much more in line with the OM style), cogs turn, sparks fly, and machinery hums and spins in every corner. In general, conveying the industrial, technical vibe is what this FM does really well. You’ll also need to make use of some of the machines and tools to progress or navigate through danger, so paying close attention to notes and manuals proves helpful – dealing with security measures can get tricky at times.

Meanwhile, the classic Thief stealth it’s possibly where the mission falls a bit short. Compared to The Builder’s Paradise, and especially Lord Alan’s Factory, Gas Station feels tight, closed, and suffocating. Sure it helps build up tension and unease, but it also means your options of avoiding enemies are sparse. Add in the predominantly metal architecture and you’re in for a ghosting/pacifist nightmare. I could definitely use some more nooks, shafts, vents and shadowy corners to hide in. That said, you’re also given some new tools and methods for dispatching enemies if that’s more your style.

While both deserve so much more recognition, I would still consider Lord Alan’s Factory a superior industrial mission of this period, mainly due to its incredible scope, but Gas Station certainly delivers on its own right. Another piece of overlooked fun to add to your lists (or use my collection of quality FMs with few ratings, if you wish). Not without issues, but worth a ride anyway.