Ever since films like Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey first released in cinemas, we've been terrified of the endless void of space and all the creatures who may or may not live within it.
In the same way that the deep sea seems to tap in to that strange part of our brain where we're struck with immediate fear, it's the endless unknown that really seems to tip us over the edge as human beings.
Video games are no strangers to using this concept either, with the Alien franchise appearing once again in games like Alien: Isolation, which still serve as some of the seminal horror experiences in gaming history.
Another one to add to that list is the Dead Space franchise, which for two and a half games terrified a generation of players as they waded their way through abandoned ships infested with horrifying creatures.
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Now, another game is set to join those storied ranks in ROUTINE, an upcoming horror release that looks like it has all of the requisite ingredients to get us going to the toilet in our trousers once again.
ROUTINE Has Some of the Creepiest Vibes Around
ROUTINE is a first person sci-fi horror set on an abandoned lunar base, with design features focused around a 1980s version of the future (in a similar way to how Fallout uses the aesthetic of the late 1940s and 1950s).
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In the developer's own words, "Curious exploration turns into a need for survival when a lunar base goes completely quiet. Searching for answers puts you face to face with an enemy who is certain the main threat is you. Discoveries lead to deeper unknowns and the only way to go is forward."
It really does look like it's going to be a masterclass in isolated storytelling, as the lack of help or assistance in the immediate vicinity adds immense tension to even the most mundane of exploratory moments.
You'll be able to take advantage of the Cosmonaut Assistance Tool (C.A.T.), which you'll use to access terminals, navigate environments and search for clues along the way (again, a little like the Pip-Boy in Fallout).
Combat is also very minimal, as you'll mostly be relying on running and hiding to make sure you survive the experience to the end.
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In even better news, the game is out on 4 December and it's a day one Game Pass release, meaning you won't have to spend any extra money if you're already subscribed.
Topics: Dead Space, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox