· Alice Darla · Lifestyle
Mouthwashing: A Balanced Take on Space Horror Gaming
When was the last time a game made you question humanity’s limits while leaving you chuckling at the absurdity of drinking mouthwash for survival?
Welcome to Mouthwashing, a psychological space horror that blends existential dread with narrative intrigue.
Released on 26 September 2024, this indie gem takes gamers on a harrowing journey aboard the freighter spaceship Tulpar, where the line between survival and madness blurs faster than a space-walk gone wrong.
Developed by Wrong Organ, this indie gem takes gamers on a harrowing journey aboard the freighter spaceship Tulpar, where the line between survival and madness blurs faster than a space-walk gone wrong.
The Premise That Sets Mouthwashing Apart
Five crew members, stranded in deep space after a mysterious crash, must contend with dwindling resources, mounting tensions, and an oddly sinister shipment of mouthwash.
Mouthwashing ! pic.twitter.com/9fTlDpiqYq
— puré (@komemerda) October 10, 2024
The game’s split narrative unfurls across disjointed timelines, shifting between Captain Curly’s pre-crash perspective and co-pilot Jimmy’s post-crash descent into chaos.
The nonlinear storytelling keeps players on edge, piecing together fragmented events while grappling with themes of moral failure and corporate indifference.
It’s less about jump scares and more about the creeping dread of human fallibility—a psychological puzzle with teeth.
The Gameplay: A Mixed Bag?
What Works:
Mouthwashing excels in its environmental storytelling. The Tulpar’s cramped corridors and retro-futuristic aesthetic create a hauntingly immersive setting.
As resources dwindle, the ship mirrors the crew’s unraveling minds—a once-functional workplace devolving into a suffocating maze.
The minimal gameplay mechanics, often labelled as “walking simulator” elements, actually enhance the focus on character dynamics and narrative depth.
The low-poly visuals, reminiscent of PS1-era games, evoke nostalgia while cleverly masking modern design sensibilities.
Every creak of the Tulpar, every shadow flickering in its dim halls, feels deliberate and unsettling.
It’s not a game about surviving aliens or monsters; the real terror is the psychological implosion of its characters.
What Falls Flat:
That said, Mouthwashing isn’t without flaws. Critics have called out its simplistic puzzles and repetitive transitions, which can interrupt the otherwise seamless immersion.
For example, the abrupt scene shifts, while intended to reflect the crew’s fractured mental states, can occasionally feel jarring and disrupt the pacing.
These transitions sometimes force players to reorient themselves unnecessarily, breaking the tension and pulling them out of the moment.
The short runtime (clocking in at just over two hours) also leaves some players wanting more.
Replayability is limited unless you’re eager to unearth every narrative nuance or collect every achievement.
Themes That Stick: Space, Isolation, and Humanity
Overall, Mouthwashing is a meditation on humanity under pressure. The game explores primal fears—isolation, obsolescence, and the fragility of trust.
It’s not shy about tackling dark themes like corporate exploitation and moral compromise, situating it alongside classics like Alien and Sunshine.
Yet, its satire and black humour keep it from feeling preachy. The absurdity of the crew’s descent into drinking mouthwash for sustenance is both horrifying and oddly comical—a perfect encapsulation of desperation.
The Pros of Playing Mouthwashing
- A Fresh Approach to Horror: Subtle psychological scares replace clichéd jump scares, making for a more cerebral experience.
- Character Depth: Each crew member—from the affable Daisuke to the morally ambiguous Jimmy—is richly developed.
- Art Direction: Nostalgic low-poly graphics heighten the game’s unsettling charm.
- Cultural Relevance: Themes of workplace dynamics and corporate greed resonate with today’s audience.
The Cons to Consider
- Narrative Pacing: Nonlinear storytelling might confuse some players, especially those new to psychological horror.
- Simplistic Gameplay: The lack of challenging puzzles or action elements can feel like missed opportunities.
- Short Length: While impactful, the brief campaign may leave players craving more depth.
Why Gamers and Pop Culture Enthusiasts Should Care
Beyond its gameplay, Mouthwashing has sparked conversations in gaming and pop culture circles.
@kkoiiokk #ANYA || anya might be me at board games || #anya #anyaedit #anyamouthwashing #anyamouthwashingedit #anyamouthwashingdeath #anyamouthwashingpov #anyamouthwashingmeme #mouthwashing #mouthwashington #mouthwashinggame #mouthwashinghorror #mouthwashinganya #mouthwashinganyaedit ♬ original sound – <Koi>
Online forums and Reddit threads buzz with theories about its deeper meanings, while fans dissect the narrative’s moral complexities.
@luckyleftie on polle from mouthwashing
♬ original sound – Lucky
Some have even created memes of Polle, the unnerving equine mascot, further cementing its status as a cult phenomenon.
Memes featuring Polle, the unsettling equine mascot, have gained traction, adding to its cult status.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit often highlight Polle’s ominous presence in the game, with fans sharing artwork and creating jokes about its unnerving yet absurd role as a corporate mascot.
These reactions highlight the game’s dark humour and its resonance with fans.
The game’s narrative depth and innovative storytelling set a benchmark for indie horror, showing that you don’t need AAA budgets to deliver a gripping experience.
Is Mouthwashing Worth the Hype?
Absolutely—but with caveats. Mouthwashing is a gem for fans of narrative-driven horror and indie innovation, offering a unique lens on survival, morality, and madness.
It’s not without flaws, but its bold storytelling and atmospheric design make it a standout in the indie horror scene.
If nothing else, it’ll have you thinking twice about the next time you reach for mouthwash… in space.
And perhaps, as its cult following grows, one can hope for a cinematic adaptation that brings the Tulpar’s eerie corridors and moral dilemmas to the big screen.
After all, some stories are too haunting to remain confined to a single medium.
