The Indie Informer

Suspense and tension blossom into full-blown fear in the opening minutes of Mouthwashing. It doesn’t feel like minutes, but I promise it is. It all unfolds without cheap jump scares. My fear radiates out from my own actions — my own inexplicable, uncontrollable, and unstoppable actions. As the sands slip through the hourglass, the creeping realization overcomes me that there’s no hope — only a smiling corporate mascot whose grin reflects my own madness back to me.

If that sounds like your jam, have at it, because my first step into the wildly fantastic horror experience might be my last. At least, it would be if I had any sense of self-preservation.

The scene, so jarringly mundane and unconcerned considering what I had just gone though, following the opening events urges me to peek just behind the next corner. Behind that corner will, more than likely, hide another reason for me to tiptoe anxiously to the next turn in the bend.

That’s how these spine-tingling games get you. It’s atmosphere is undeniably compelling, it’s story intriguing. On top of all that, the look is perfect to capture my imagination — sometimes in the worst ways. All the elements make me want to ignore the alarm going off in my head that I should walk away.

If you want to join me staring into the dark maw that is Mouthwashing, lucky you. The game launches today. Good luck figuring out what happened to the ill-fated crew members of The Tulpar with your sanity intact.