Summary
- Genres: Adventure, Indie
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Developers: Lunar Software
- Publishers: Raw Fury
Routine: A Haunting Descent into Lunar Isolation and Terror
In the realm of video games, the genre of science fiction horror has often conjured up images of distant planets, alien infestations, and cosmic abominations. But what if the true horror lurked closer to home, on a desolate lunar base, a relic of a bygone era? This is the chilling premise of Routine, a first-person sci-fi horror game that takes players on a haunting and unforgettable journey into the depths of isolation and fear.
A Lunar Odyssey Gone Awry
Routine casts players as an astronaut sent on a routine mission to investigate an abandoned lunar base known as Lunar Station Echo One. Designed with a distinctly retro-futuristic aesthetic, the base evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of space exploration, where sleek lines and glowing panels hinted at humanity’s boundless optimism. However, as the astronaut ventures deeper into the station, it becomes apparent that something has gone terribly wrong.
The once-bustling corridors are now eerily silent, the air thick with a palpable sense of dread. Vital systems have failed, plunging the station into darkness and disrepair. As the astronaut explores, they discover remnants of a crew that met a gruesome fate, their bodies frozen in moments of terror.
A Brutal Fight for Survival
With each step, the astronaut’s curiosity transforms into a desperate need for survival. They are not alone on this desolate outpost. Lurking in the shadows is a malevolent presence, an unknown enemy that stalks the astronaut relentlessly. Encounters with this creature are brief, terrifying glimpses of razor-sharp claws and glowing eyes.
To survive, the astronaut must scavenge for supplies, repair malfunctioning systems, and piece together the fragments of the station’s tragic history. Along the way, they uncover disturbing experiments and cryptic messages that hint at a sinister secret lurking beneath the surface.
A Retro-Futuristic Nightmare
One of the most striking aspects of Routine is its retro-futuristic art style. The game’s environments are meticulously crafted to evoke the vision of the future as imagined in the 1980s and 1990s. From the bulky CRT monitors to the chunky computers, every detail transports players to a bygone era of space exploration.
This retro aesthetic is not merely a stylistic choice; it serves to heighten the sense of isolation and dread. The astronaut is a lone figure navigating a labyrinthine and unfamiliar environment, surrounded by the remnants of a failed mission. The retro-futuristic setting adds an extra layer of unease, as it evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when humanity’s dreams of space exploration seemed limitless.
Psychological Horror at Its Finest
Routine is not a game that relies on jump scares or gore to elicit fear. Instead, it employs a more subtle and effective form of psychological horror. The game’s atmosphere is one of constant tension and dread. Players are never quite sure what lurks around the next corner or what horrors they may uncover.
The unknown enemy adds to this sense of unease. Players catch only fleeting glimpses of the creature, but its presence is felt throughout the game. The astronaut’s isolation and vulnerability are palpable, making every encounter with the unknown a terrifying ordeal.
A Haunting and Unforgettable Experience
Routine is a game that lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled. Its haunting atmosphere, retro-futuristic setting, and relentless pursuit of horror create an unforgettable experience. It is a game that explores the darker side of space exploration, where dreams of progress and discovery can turn into nightmares of isolation and fear.
Whether you are a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Routine is a must-play. It is a game that will challenge your nerves, unsettle your mind, and leave you with a lasting sense of dread. So, prepare yourself for a descent into lunar isolation and terror, and experience the haunting masterpiece that is Routine.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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