Reflecting on Responsibility and Trust
As my wife and I prepare to welcome our first child, I’ve been contemplating the weighty concepts of leadership, responsibility, accountability, and trust. The impending arrival of a new life has prompted me to assess my own character and ponder how I can raise a child without passing on my flaws. It was during this introspective period that I encountered Mouthwashing, a game that profoundly impacted me.
The Unique Storytelling of Mouthwashing
Although the gameplay of Mouthwashing is relatively simple – primarily involving conversations with characters, exploring the spaceship setting, and interacting with objects – its narrative is delivered in a way that leverages the interactive nature of video games. This form of storytelling exploits the medium’s distinct qualities, distinguishing it from traditional passive forms of entertainment like movies or television shows. Despite moments where I felt the weight of the experience, the urge to unravel the mysteries aboard the ship propelled me forward.
The Intriguing Premise and Visual Style
The premise of Mouthwashing centers around a group of individuals aboard the long-haul space freighter Tulpar, grappling with the aftermath of a calamity. The storytelling unfolds across different timelines, revealing snippets of events over the course of a year. The details of the story are best left unspoiled, as the element of surprise enhances the experience of uncovering the unfolding narrative, replete with dread, character exploration, and elements of body horror.
The visual style of Mouthwashing, reminiscent of the PS1 era, enhances the surreal atmosphere of the game. Characters possess a human likeness but exhibit subtle deviations that impart an unsettling quality. This distorted depiction serves as a metaphor for how we sometimes dehumanize individuals in reality, blurring the lines between humanity and something otherworldly. The deliberate choice of visuals, along with the distorted sound design and muted voice acting, creates an immersive experience that evokes a sense of navigating through obscured truths.
The Disorienting Structure and Unsettling Encounters
Mouthwashing’s narrative structure, which oscillates between pre- and post-disaster timelines, may initially disorient the player but maintains a coherent thread throughout. Interspersed dream sequences introduce seemingly mundane tasks infused with an underlying sense of unease, transforming the ordinary into something sinister. The game skillfully presents subtle cues of malevolence through realistic yet disconcerting interactions, reflecting how evil can manifest itself through seemingly innocuous gestures.
While some characters in Mouthwashing exhibit extreme behavior, they are portrayed with nuance, leaving room for interpretation. The game employs sensory cues like screen flashes and sound effects to punctuate key moments, enhancing the narrative without resorting to mere jump scares. These devices heighten the emotional impact of the unfolding story, culminating in a climactic revelation that underscores the darkness underlying the plot.
A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Flawed Characters
Mouthwashing challenges players to confront deeply flawed characters, whose actions and worldviews elicit visceral reactions. The discomfort of empathizing with loathsome individuals prompts introspection about the nature of evil and the consequences of unchecked personal flaws. The game’s portrayal of reprehensible behavior serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential inherent in human nature, urging players to confront uncomfortable truths.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
While Mouthwashing’s narrative delves into dark themes and unsettling scenarios, it serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the complexities of human nature. The game poses poignant questions about personal integrity, ethical conduct, and the capacity for growth amidst adversity. As I anticipate the arrival of my daughter, Mouthwashing’s probing narrative has resonated with my own fears and uncertainties, challenging me to reflect on the kind of person I am in challenging moments. Good art, like this game, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and invites introspection about our own values and actions.