"Expectations Met" and "The Visuals Are Top-Notch" — Here's How Steam Players Are Reacting to Space Horror Routine

The sci-fi horror game Routine has received its first reviews on Steam, and as of this writing, it boasts a 90% positive rating. Players are praising its 80s-inspired futuristic visual style, chilling space horror atmosphere, and high-quality sound design. The game peaked at 1,400 concurrent players on launch day.

Here’s what gamers are saying:

Routine is set on an abandoned lunar station with a strong 80s sci-fi vibe. Players explore decaying living quarters, stations, and commercial zones, gradually uncovering what happened before their arrival. The atmosphere is built through full body control, a minimalist interface, and impressive sound design.

A key gameplay element is navigation without checkpoints, meaning survival depends on careful observation and analysis of your surroundings. Players use a special Cosmonaut Assistance Tool to access terminals, orient themselves, and search for clues. Encounters with enemies force you to hide, run, or risk a dangerous confrontation. It’s worth noting that Routine was originally announced back in 2012.

You can check out press reviews for the game here. Critics have praised its atmosphere, though some have criticized the weak storyline.

Recently, we also reported on the release of the atmospheric horror game SLEEP AWAKE, which promises players a “unique gameplay experience.”