Some games linger in memory long before release, and ROUTINE is one of them. Originally announced over a decade ago, the sci-fi horror project from Lunar Software has resurfaced in recent years with striking trailers, including one of the most memorable moments of Opening Night Live at Gamescom. Now in the hands of Raw Fury for publishing, the game is finally preparing for launch. Having gone hands-on with a demo at Gamescom, it’s clear ROUTINE is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive survival horror experiences in recent memory.
What we know
ROUTINE is a first-person sci-fi horror game set on an abandoned lunar base built on an alternate vision of the 1980s. Players take on the role of a lone explorer who arrives to investigate why the facility has gone silent, only to find that the real danger is an AI-driven enemy that perceives them as the threat. Exploration takes you through diverse parts of the station, from deserted malls to crumbling living quarters, where observation and deduction are just as important as survival.
The game emphasizes immersion, using full-body awareness, diegetic audio, and minimal HUD elements to heighten tension. Its standout tool is the Cosmonaut Assistance Tool, or C.A.T., which functions as a scanner, hacking device, and last-resort weapon. Every interaction with the device is manual and tactile, reflecting the game’s analog-inspired design. ROUTINE is currently in development for PC, with Raw Fury set to publish.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we met with Raw Fury and were able to go hands-on with a playable build of ROUTINE. The demo offered a curated slice of different mechanics, giving us a chance to test exploration, puzzle-solving, stealth, and the unique weapon/tool hybrid at the heart of the experience. The visuals were already highly polished, showcasing the retro-futuristic VHS-inspired aesthetic that has become the game’s signature.
What we thought
The most immediate impression from the demo was how different ROUTINE feels compared to other sci-fi horror titles. Rather than relying on jump scares or heavy combat, the game builds its tension through deliberate pacing, tactile mechanics, and a wonderfully oppressive atmosphere. Moving through the base feels unsettling in all the right ways – flickering lights and mechanical groans set the tone, while every darkened corridor raises the question of what might lie in wait.
Gameplay strikes a careful balance between first-person exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth. The C.A.T. device, which doubles as both a tool and a defensive option, is central to this design. Using it is slow and involved, demanding that you physically manipulate switches and cartridges, even in tense situations. It can temporarily disable robotic enemies, but at a steep battery cost, which means planning and resource management are essential. This design not only reinforces the retro aesthetic but also raises the stakes during encounters, forcing you to think before acting.
The robotic adversaries themselves are a standout feature. Rather than scripted enemies, they patrol the environment in ways that keep you guessing. A clever AI system means escaping one doesn’t guarantee safety – its intelligence can transfer seamlessly into another nearby unit, making blind flight a risky strategy. In practice, this creates moments of real tension, where crouching under tables or leaning around corners becomes just as important as using your tools. Coupled with environmental puzzles, such as reconstructing access codes through fingerprints and blood smudges on screens, the game constantly keeps players engaged with both mind and reflexes.
What ties it all together is ROUTINE’s audiovisual design. The VHS-inspired visuals are more than a gimmick; they make the lunar base feel authentically like a 1980s vision of the future. The sound design, meanwhile, is deeply unsettling, from the distorted hum of machines to the chilling mechanical screeches of hostile robots closing in. It’s clear that Lunar Software’s obsession with detail has paid off – every click of a button or grind of a hinge adds to the immersion. The result is a survival horror game that demands patience but rewards it with atmosphere and authenticity.
If there’s a potential concern, it’s that ROUTINE’s slow-burn design and lack of guiding UI may feel too opaque for players accustomed to more accessible horror titles. But for those willing to invest the time, its combination of analog immersion, tactile mechanics, and narrative intrigue could make it one of the most memorable horror games of the year. With its long history and small team of developers behind it, ROUTINE already feels like a passion project brought to life – and one well worth the wait.
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