Routine

The main pros of the game

• Immersive Atmosphere: Players frequently praise the game's atmosphere, which is enhanced by its retro-futuristic aesthetic and audio design. The sound design, in particular, is highlighted as being top-notch, contributing significantly to the horror experience.
• Visual Quality: The graphics are described as stunning and polished, showcasing a high level of detail and artistry that exceeds expectations for a small indie team.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The game utilizes a tool called C.A.T. that players must interact with to solve puzzles, adding a tactile element to the gameplay. The lack of hand-holding encourages players to think critically and explore their environment.
• Cohesive Storytelling: While some players found the narrative vague, many appreciated the environmental storytelling and the way the lore unfolds through notes and audio logs, which adds depth to the experience.
• Challenging Puzzles: The puzzles require players to engage with their surroundings and think creatively, making the gameplay rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving.

The main cons of the game

• Short Length: Many reviews mention that the game is quite short, with playtimes ranging from 4 to 10 hours, which some players feel does not justify the price.
• Inconsistent Pacing and Story: The narrative's second half is criticized for losing momentum and coherence, with some players feeling that it shifts focus abruptly and leaves too many questions unanswered.
• Enemy AI Issues: While the game features enemies that add tension, some players found them to be too easy to evade or exploit, diminishing the horror aspect.
• Limited Replayability: The game lacks features that would encourage multiple playthroughs, such as different endings or significant choices, which some players found disappointing.

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

• Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for more depth in gameplay mechanics, such as additional uses for the C.A.T. tool or more varied enemy interactions.
• Longer Playtime: Many users wished for a more extended experience, with additional levels or content to explore, as the game feels short given its potential.
• Improved Narrative Clarity: Some players wanted a clearer story arc and resolution, with less ambiguity about the plot and character motivations.
• Enhanced Environmental Interactivity: Suggestions included making the environments more dynamic and interconnected, allowing for more exploration and discovery.

Summary

• Overall, "ROUTINE" seems to be a visually stunning and immersive experience with unique gameplay mechanics, but it falls short in terms of length and narrative coherence.

Summary generated on: December 22, 2025