Routine

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Immersion: The game excels in creating a tense, immersive atmosphere that captures the retro-futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of the 80s. The sound design, including the audio cues and ambient noises, has been widely praised for enhancing the horror experience.
• Visuals: Players have noted the stunning graphics and attention to detail in the design of the environments, contributing to the overall immersion.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The game features minimal hand-holding, requiring players to engage with the environment and solve puzzles using their wits. The use of the C.A.T. tool for various interactions adds a unique gameplay element.
• Narrative and Lore: The story unfolds through environmental storytelling, notes, and audio logs, which many players found engaging, even if the narrative leaves some questions unanswered.
• Challenge: The game encourages critical thinking and exploration, offering a rewarding experience for players who enjoy piecing together clues and solving puzzles.

The main cons of the game

• Short Length: Many users found the game to be quite short, typically taking around 6-8 hours to complete, which some felt was not sufficient given the long development time.
• Enemy AI and Threat Level: While the enemies are designed to create tension, some players noted that they are not particularly threatening or challenging, which detracted from the horror experience for some.
• Second Half of the Game: Several reviews mentioned a decline in quality or coherence in the second half of the game, with a shift in tone or gameplay that left some players feeling unsatisfied.
• Story Execution: While the lore was appreciated, some users felt the narrative was vague or poorly executed, leading to confusion or disappointment with the ending.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Replayability: Many players expressed a desire for more content or reasons to replay the game, as it felt linear and lacking in varied outcomes or secrets to discover on subsequent playthroughs.
• Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: Some users wished for more interactive elements or mechanics that could have been utilized throughout the game, particularly with the C.A.T. tool.
• Difficulty Options: A few players suggested that difficulty settings could enhance the experience, particularly regarding enemy AI and challenge levels.
• Larger, Interconnected Environments: There were comments about wanting a more expansive world to explore, similar to games like Alien Isolation, where players can navigate a more complex space with greater freedom.

Summary

• Overall, while ROUTINE has garnered praise for its atmosphere, visuals, and innovative gameplay, it has also faced criticism for its length, narrative execution, and the effectiveness of its horror elements.

Summary generated on: December 15, 2025