Mouthwashing

Release Date: September 26, 2024

Adventure, FPP, science fiction, horror, indie games, very brutal, singleplayer

8.2

OpenCritic

96%

Steam

Rate It!

Mouthwashing is a psychological horror, in which we witness the agony of the crew members aboard a spaceship freighter. They have limited oxygen and food left, dealing with decreasing mental health. We get to know them better, explore the ship and solve puzzles.

Plot
Gameplay
Graphics

Mouthwashing is a psychological horror in which the player assumes the role of a member of a spaceship crew doomed to death. The game was developed by the independent studio Wrong Organ, whose portfolio includes How Fish is Made, a project from a similar genre and style. Its release was handled by Critical Reflex.

Plot

Mouthwashing touches on topics such as suicide and cannibalism and is therefore intended for adult audiences only.

The action of the game takes place on the space freighter Pony Express Tulpar. A routine mission turns into a real nightmare when Captain Curly decides to take his own life, sentencing to death not only himself, but also his colleagues. Not everything goes according to captain's plan – the transport ship gets stuck in an unknown region of space, and Curly himself survives as a mute, limbless hulk.

During the game we take on the role of one of the members of Tulpar's crew and take part in its last moments. Although the ship has about a six-month supply of energy, the food rations stored on board will run out much faster. The contents of the cargo hold may provide a chance for survival (or simply prolong the agony), but opening it was strictly forbidden by the client...

Gameplay

In Mouthwashing we view the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). During the game we traverse claustrophobic corridors and rooms on board the Tulpar, solve environmental puzzles and complete tasks, and above all - we get to know the other crew members better, learning about their emotions and the problems they struggle with. The situation in which the people stationed on Tulpar find themselves begins to affect their mental health over time. This also applies to the character we play.

Graphics

The visuals in Mouthwashing feature a dark, disturbing retro style reminiscent of the first PlayStation 2 games. The game does not shy away from brutal and often disgusting scenes.

Videos and Screens

[0:39] Mouthwashing Mouthwashing - Launch Trailer

[0:42] Mouthwashing Mouthwashing - Demo Trailer

8.2

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 89% of Critics. There are 21 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Use a Potion: 9 / 10

Mouthwashing is an engrossing psychological horror experience that kept me completely hooked in thanks to its captivating storytelling. I simply HAD to see how each thread of the tale would play out, and with the switch between time periods leaving me guessing and the brilliantly-written characters proving unpredictable, I loved every moment of it. The storytelling does take centre stage (and it’s best described as a walking sim), but with plenty of moments of interactivity as well as a few simple puzzles to spice things up, Mouthwashing certainly stands out as a horror hit that you won’t want to miss out on.

Full Review

Saving Content: 5 / 5 by Scott Ellison II

The horror is pervasive, and it’s absolutely worth the three hour runtime and $13 price tag. Every character is complicated and interesting, and you’ll have to pay close attention to every detail or you’ll miss something. There’s so much to revisit and deconstruct, it’ll have your brain buzzing long after credits roll. Mouthwashing is as compelling as it is unsettling, and this psychological sci-fi horror has heart that beats for this genre.

Full Review

PC Gamer: 87 / 100 by Ted Litchfield

My favorite horror game of 2024, and one of the year's best narratives, period.

Full Review

96%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (24,909)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Compelling Storytelling: The narrative is highly praised for its depth, complexity, and emotional impact. Many players found it to be a unique and thought-provoking experience that stays with them long after playing.
Strong Character Development: The characters are well-written and multidimensional, making their struggles and interactions feel real and relatable.
Atmospheric Design: The game excels in creating a tense and immersive atmosphere through its visuals and sound design, enhancing the psychological horror experience.
Non-linear Gameplay: The non-linear storytelling and chapter progression keep players engaged and intrigued, encouraging them to piece together the story.
Artistic Direction: The retro-inspired graphics and artistic choices contribute to the game's eerie and unsettling vibe, which many players found appealing.
Psychological Horror Elements: Players appreciated the focus on psychological horror rather than cheap jump scares, making for a more profound experience.

The main cons of the game

Short Length: Many reviews noted the game is relatively short, typically taking around 2 to 3 hours to complete. Some players felt this made it less worth the full price, suggesting it might be better to purchase on sale.
Limited Gameplay Mechanics: Some users pointed out that the gameplay is primarily a walking simulator with minimal interactivity, which may not appeal to everyone looking for more traditional gameplay elements.
Minor Bugs: A few players reported minor bugs that could interrupt immersion, although these were generally not seen as major issues.

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

More Gameplay Variety: Some players expressed a desire for more varied gameplay mechanics or challenges beyond simple navigation and dialogue.
Additional Content: Given its short length, players felt that additional content or a longer runtime would enhance the overall experience.
Trigger Warnings: A few users pointed out the absence of trigger warnings for sensitive themes, suggesting that the game could benefit from clearer content advisories.

Summary

In summary, "Mouthwashing" is highly regarded for its storytelling, character depth, and atmospheric design, while its short length and limited gameplay mechanics are noted as drawbacks. Players recommend experiencing the game without prior knowledge to fully appreciate its narrative twists and emotional weight.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024