### Routine Review: A Lunar Horror Experience

**Overview**

Routine is an elegantly crafted horror game set against a backdrop of a desolate moonbase, drawing strong influences from the horror cinematic classics like *Alien* and the retro-futuristic aesthetic of 80s sci-fi. Developed by Lunar Software and published by Raw Fury, it is set to release on December 4th, 2025, for Windows platforms. With its meticulous design and intense atmosphere, Routine promises to deliver a unique horror experience that goes beyond its inspirations.

#### Game Details
– **Developer:** Lunar Software
– **Publisher:** Raw Fury
– **Release Date:** December 4th, 2025
– **Platform:** Windows
– **Availability:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/606160/ROUTINE/), [Game Pass](https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/routine/9pcjt6tlcggv)
– **Price:** To Be Confirmed
– **Reviewed On:** Intel Core i7 12700F, 16GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3060, Windows 11

### Gameplay Mechanics

Players navigate the game primarily with a multipurpose CAT scanner, reminiscent of a retro tricorder, which functions as a pivotal tool in both gameplay and atmosphere. The scanner’s manual interactions evoke nostalgia while accentuating the tense gameplay mechanics that hinge on exploration and puzzle-solving amidst lurking dangers.

Unlike many horror games that feature iconic monsters, Routine introduces players to a variety of threats that require strategy and cunning to evade. The game’s design fosters a sense of suspense as players decipher gameplay patterns involving enemies, which contribute significantly to the horror atmosphere.

### Atmosphere and Sound Design

One of Routine’s standout features is its atmospheric sound design. The game excels in creating a haunting ambience filled with mechanical noises, enhancing the feeling of unease. Players will find themselves jumping at the sound of doors, and the ambient sounds contribute to a relentless tension that permeates the gameplay.

With echoes of machinery that mimic distant growls and metallic reverberations, the soundscape serves not only to craft an immersive environment but also to instill a constant apprehension of the unknown lurking in the shadows.

### Narrative Depth

The narrative of Routine leans heavily into existential themes, drawing comparisons to works like *Solaris* and *Annihilation*. Collectible documents within the game provide insights into the unsettling lore of the moonbase, including missing personnel and cryptic theories on consciousness, enhancing the feeling of isolation and mystery.

### Challenges and Engagement

Routine’s gameplay design encourages players to confront their fears, as survival often hinges on stealth and strategic resource management rather than direct confrontation. Players must grapple with manual save points and limited resources, intensifying the experience of dread as they traverse through hostile environments.

While the game does not provide modern conveniences such as maps or extensive in-game documentation, it rewards exploration and careful listening, creating an engaging experience that requires attention to the game’s subtleties.

### Conclusion

Routine is poised to deliver a profound and unsettling experience, seamlessly blending nail-biting horror with intricate, retro-inspired design. It stands out as a love letter to classic sci-fi and horror, coupled with a modern twist that challenges players to become part of its haunting narrative. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds around Lunar Software’s ability to captivate an audience that craves horror experiences steeped in character and atmosphere. Routine is undeniably set to be a moonshot in the world of independent horror gaming.