Routine

Stylish, subtle, and unsettling in equal measure, Routine surprised me in all the right ways, even though some mechanical aspects may frustrate and pull you out of the moment.

Scary monsters, beautiful locations, and a story that's sadly lost in space.

There's a wonderful creepiness to the robots. They're superbly designed.

Routine stands out. It targets a specific aesthetic, a specific vibe, and a specific cadence, and it pulls out every stop to land on those targets.

ROUTINE is an excellent puzzle-focused first-person horror game that, despite its slow pacing, is able to keep you at the edge of your seat for 10 hours straight, with a tense, rich atmosphere created by wonderful execution of its retro futuristic aesthetic and stunning soundscape that immerses you in its world and gets you listening for the sound of a pin drop to avoid getting caught. Its narrative may be unable to shine through, but at the end of the day it is altogether an interesting game, a game worth playing again, and the game that Alien: Isolation fans should play while we all wait for Alien: Isolation 2.

Unravel the mystery of the deserted lunar base in this psychological horror game.

Sci-fi horror game Routine has been a very long time coming, but unfortunately, it wasn't worth the 13-year wait.

In conclusion, ROUTINE stands out as an experience that leaves a deep and lasting impression – not through what it explicitly shows, but through what it hints at, suggests, and allows to resonate long after the console or PC is powered down. It is a game that demands patience, focus, and a willingness to engage with its deliberate pace – qualities that set it apart in a gaming landscape dominated by louder, faster, and more immediately gratifying experiences. Its most striking achievement is the creation of an authentic, almost oppressive sense of solitude. This is not conveyed through grand set pieces or sensational events, but through the meticulous consistency with which every element – environment, sound, and design – reinforces feelings of disorientation and vulnerability. Exploration of the lunar station is never mundane; even the simplest actions carry weight, and the pervasive tension turns every movement into an emotionally charged decision. Equally noteworthy is the trust ROUTINE places in the player. It does not guide, explain, or reassure; it expects careful observation, attentive listening, and personal interpretation. While this approach may frustrate those accustomed to conventional narratives, it is precisely what makes the experience compelling for players seeking introspective, unconventional horror. Emotionally, the game conveys a steady, understated unease. The tension is never forced, manifesting through environment, sound, and silence rather than sudden shocks. It is a slow-burning anxiety, one that lingers even in moments of apparent calm, making the experience deeply immersive and memorable. From a development perspective, ROUTINE demonstrates rare coherence and artistic clarity. Despite a prolonged and complex production, it maintains a distinct identity. It is not perfect, nor does it claim to be; its imperfections are embraced, reinforcing a sense of authenticity and a non-standardized horror experience. Exquisitely crafted and sonically immersive, ROUTINE is recommended for players willing to engage with atmospheric, reflective horror – games that demand thought and attention in exchange for a uniquely immersive experience. It is a solitary, unsettling journey, one that does not entertain in conventional ways but fully immerses the player in a hostile, silent world, leaving a mark long after the credits roll.

Routine seems stuck in the past, and the long-awaited project has once again failed to meet expectations. The work of Lunar Software rather resembles a bizarre sequel to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park: Trespasser, where the heroine would practically dislocate her arms trying to pick up a rock or a pistol.

Routine is exactly what I wanted it to be.