After over a decade in advancement, the independently produced horror game “Routine” has officially launched to a mix of critical acclaim and player frustration. The title, praised for its unique retro-futuristic aesthetic and commitment to immersive, challenging gameplay, tasks players with restoring systems aboard a desolate lunar resort. Early reviews suggest “Routine” marks a growing trend in the gaming world – a demand for horror experiences that prioritize psychological tension and purposeful design over conventional jump scares and accessibility features. This article provides an in-depth look at the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on the genre.
“Routine,” a horror game lauded for its immersive atmosphere and relentlessly challenging gameplay, has quickly become a standout title in the genre. The game, initially announced in 2012, delivers a uniquely unsettling experience that has resonated with veteran horror fans, even as it frustrates with its uncompromising difficulty.
Players assume the role of a software engineer dispatched to Union Plaza, a lunar tourist resort, to troubleshoot failing systems. Upon arrival, they find the facility eerily deserted, stripped of guests and staff, and plagued by malfunctioning technology. The game’s aesthetic deliberately evokes a retro-futuristic vibe, reminiscent of 1970s design and early science fiction like the original “Alien” film, featuring CRT terminals, limited technology, and distinctive patterned wallpaper. This stylistic choice adds to the sense of isolation and unease.
The game’s commitment to realism extends to its tools and mechanics. Players utilize a C.A.T. – or “Astronaut Support Tool” – for tasks like overloading electronics, tracking clues, and navigating the darkness. However, the C.A.T. is presented as a clunky, 1980s-era device with a frustratingly short battery life, requiring manual module insertion and Wi-Fi connection. This deliberate inconvenience, while initially charming, becomes a critical element of the game’s tension, especially when players must swap modules while being pursued by hostile entities.
“Routine” distinguishes itself from other horror titles by refusing to offer players respite. Unlike many games that provide safe havens or frequent save points, “Routine” features manual saves only and prevents players from pausing the game to adjust settings – a feature that proved fatal for this reviewer on more than one occasion. This relentless pressure, reminiscent of the survival horror classic “Dead Space,” creates a constant state of anxiety, forcing players to remain vigilant at all times. The game’s design intentionally avoids jump scares, instead building tension through sound design – the thud of footsteps, the hum of electronics – and a pervasive sense of dread.
The game’s narrative unfolds through discovered emails and memos, adding layers of mystery to the abandoned resort. While the story isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, the fragmented nature of the information and the ease with which clues can be missed contribute to the overall sense of disorientation. The lack of hand-holding extends to puzzle design, which relies on logic and observation rather than explicit guidance. This can be incredibly rewarding when a solution is discovered, but also frustrating for players who prefer more direction.
One of the most striking aspects of “Routine” is its lack of a traditional HUD. Players are left to guess at their health status and the remaining ammunition in their C.A.T., adding to the feeling of vulnerability. Reading memos and emails on dimly lit screens is also a challenge, requiring players to carefully examine the displays. The login process for systems is deliberately slow and cumbersome, mirroring the technology of the 1980s, and becomes particularly stressful when enemies are nearby.
However, the game isn’t without its flaws. Around the six-hour mark, the elements that initially made “Routine” so compelling began to wear thin. The manual save system, while initially innovative, becomes a source of frustration, and the unforgiving puzzles can lead to aimless wandering. The absence of a map is particularly punishing, especially for players with a poor sense of direction. Furthermore, the enemy AI, while initially frightening, proves to be somewhat predictable, and their low intelligence makes them relatively easy to avoid. The game’s enemies, known as ‘Type 05’, are designed to mimic humans mechanically, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.
Despite these shortcomings, “Routine” remains a genuinely terrifying experience. The game’s world-building is remarkably detailed, the environment is rich and immersive, and the systems and controls are designed to fully engage the player. While the frequent backtracking, relentless enemies, and lack of guidance may not appeal to everyone, “Routine” is poised to be one of the most divisive – and memorable – horror games of 2025. The game’s success underscores the growing demand for atmospheric, challenging horror experiences that prioritize psychological tension over cheap thrills.
“Routine” surprised me in a very positive way. The world-building feels realistic, the environment is rich and interesting, and the systems and controls truly immerse you. But considering the frequent backtracking, the relentless enemies, and the unhelpful guidance, ‘Routine’ is likely to be one of the most divisive horror games of 2025. Aside from a few frustrating aspects, this is undoubtedly one of the scariest games I’ve played in recent years.
