ROUTINE: A Terrifying & Stunning Lunar Nightmare

Thirteen years in the making, ROUTINE has finally launched, and it proves that sometimes, vaporware can solidify into something spectacular. Developed by a tiny three-person team at Lunar Software, this first-person sci-fi horror game drops players into an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. It’s a game that feels like Alien meets early Resident Evil—clunky, analog, and absolutely terrifying.

The premise is simple: you are an engineer sent to investigate why the Lunar Propagation Station has gone silent. What follows is an immersive, slow-burning nightmare where exploration is king, and hand-holding is non-existent. There are no HUDs, no waypoints, and no mercy.

“Usually when a game is in development for as long as Routine was, the result is at worst abandonware… Not only does Routine exist, but it’s one of the best games of 2025.”

This isn’t a game for everyone. It’s obtuse, difficult, and deliberately slow. But for fans of atmospheric horror, it’s a masterpiece.

The Cosmonaut Assistance Tool (C.A.T.)

The heart of the gameplay is the Cosmonaut Assistance Tool, or C.A.T. This multi-purpose device is your lifeline. It’s used for everything: hacking terminals, viewing your map (which is displayed physically on the device), stunning enemies, and even saving your game.

The brilliance of the C.A.T. lies in its physicality. You have to manually swap modules, aim it at terminals, and manage its battery life. It limits your speed and vision when in use, creating incredible tension. When you’re frantically trying to hack a door while hearing heavy metallic footsteps approaching, you realize just how vulnerable you are.

A World Drenched in Dread

Visually and audibly, ROUTINE is stunning. The retro-futuristic aesthetic—complete with CRT monitor filters and chunky analog tech—is perfectly realized. The sound design is “an audio-gasm,” with creaking metal, buzzing lights, and the terrifying mechanical whirring of the station’s security bots (Type 05 units) creating a constant state of unease.

The environmental storytelling is top-tier. From children’s drawings in a daycare to unique items in a gift shop, every detail makes the empty station feel lived-in and tragic. It’s a world you want to explore, even if you’re terrified of what’s around the corner.

The Frustration Factor

However, the game’s commitment to immersion can be a double-edged sword. The lack of direction means you will get lost. You will backtrack. You will wander aimlessly while being hunted by unkillable robots. For some, this “obtuse” design will be a deal-breaker.

Combat is weak and should be avoided. The AI can feel cheap, spotting you instantly and tracking you relentlessly. While you can stun enemies, they often reboot quickly, making stealth and evasion the only viable options. And be warned: there is no pause button. Even when reading logs or saving, the game keeps running, meaning you are never truly safe.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Incredible Atmosphere: A masterclass in sound design, lighting, and retro-futuristic art.	❌ No Direction: Lack of waypoints or objectives can lead to frustrating wandering.
✅ The C.A.T. Tool: A unique, immersive diegetic interface that grounds you in the world.	❌ Frustrating AI: Enemies can be relentless and cheap, ruining exploration.
✅ Terrifying Sound Design: Best experienced with headphones; the audio is haunting.	❌ Clunky Combat: Defending yourself feels awkward and ineffective by design.
✅ Immersive Physicality: Every interaction, from crouching to peeking, feels grounded.	❌ No Pause Function: You are vulnerable even while reading logs or saving.
✅ Optimization: Runs surprisingly well on high-end PCs (though struggles on Steam Deck).	❌ Loading Screens: Occasional load zones break the seamless immersion.