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ROUTINE

Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

ROUTINE is a First Person Sci-Fi Horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Exceptional atmosphere and sound design
  • Immersive retro-futuristic sci-fi setting
  • Challenging and clever puzzles
  • Minimal hand-holding enhances immersion
  • Unique cat device mechanics

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some narrative ambiguity and open-endedness
  • Enemy ai can become predictable
  • Lack of map or navigation aids can confuse
  • Some players find controls clunky

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players must figure out puzzles and progress with minimal hand-holding, relying on their own decisions and exploration."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers challenging puzzles and requires problem-solving skills, rewarding player effectiveness."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on individual experience and personal progression."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report being captivated and playing long sessions; immersive atmosphere encourages extended play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay mentioned."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players engage with unique mechanics like the CAT device and puzzle solving, but no creation or modification of content."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No indication of exerting control over others; gameplay is solitary and non-competitive."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in a sci-fi horror world provides escape from reality and intense atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation; no obligation or pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore mechanics like the CAT device and puzzle solutions, encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Exploration of detailed lunar base environments and uncovering story elements is central to gameplay."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No customization or personalization options reported; presentation is fixed and diegetic."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong sci-fi horror setting with retro-futuristic and imaginative elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with no social or community features described."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills in puzzle solving and understanding game mechanics."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement due to tension and puzzle complexity."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; solitary experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress by solving puzzles, upgrading the CAT device, and advancing the story."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Sustained tension and dread dominate the experience, with moments of horror and suspense."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through immersive sound design, visuals, and atmospheric tension."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems involved."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative immersion through environmental storytelling, logs, and unfolding mystery."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in problem solving and planning to overcome puzzles and avoid threats."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Horror elements and suspenseful encounters create thrilling and tense moments."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value for price with immersive experience and quality content."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat is minimal and tactical, mainly to stun enemies; violence is present but not gratuitous."

  • Survival
    3

    "Avoiding enemies and managing resources like CAT battery adds survival challenge."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026