ROUTINE Review

Routine is a fascinating example of a game that refuses to bend to modern expectations. Instead of chasing fast action or constant rewards, it commits almost stubbornly to a slow, deliberate pace built around exploration and atmosphere. The result is a first-person experience that feels immersive in a very particular way: you’re not rushing through levels—you’re inhabiting them.

The game leans heavily on environmental storytelling. Corridors, abandoned rooms, and quiet spaces do most of the narrative work. They encourage players to observe closely and figure out what happened, rather than being told directly. This method enhances the feeling of isolation and tension that characterizes the game. 

Mechanically, Routine plays as a first-person, immersion-driven experience where exploration is the central pillar. Progress comes from curiosity and attention rather than constant combat or scripted events. When the game is working at its best, it delivers moments of genuine unease simply by letting the player exist in its eerie environment.

One of the most impressive aspects of Routine is that it managed to stay true to its original concept despite spending years in development limbo. Many projects that disappear for so long tend to re-emerge heavily altered or compromised. Routine instead feels like a product that remained faithful to the vision it started with, which is both admirable and rare these days.

That said, the experience isn’t without its flaws. The overall duration is fairly short, and some sections suffer from a lack of clear guidance on how to proceed. At times the player may find themselves wandering without understanding what the game expects next, which can interrupt the otherwise strong sense of immersion. The deliberately slow pacing—while central to the game’s identity—can also occasionally hinder it, making certain stretches feel slower than necessary.

Still, for players who appreciate atmosphere, exploration, and methodical pacing over constant action, Routine offers something distinct. It’s not a game that rushes you. It asks you to slow down, pay attention, and absorb its world. 

The Good: 
+ Eerie atmosphere and sci-fi settings well crafted 
+ Real first-person immersive exploration 

The Bad: 
- Short duration 
- Lack of guidance in certain sections slows down an already slow-paced experience