Info about Mouthwashing: Official game description: Mouthwashing is a first-person horror game following the dying crew of a shipwrecked space freighter. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Who could have known what good ol’ Captain Curly was capable of? Guess he thought his crew dying alongside him was only right. But some men can’t even kill themselves properly. Maimed, limbless and unable to speak, but alive, Curly is now at the mercy of the crew he has doomed to a slow death. Descend into Madness -------------------- Follow the lives of the crew as they weather starvation, isolation, and each other. People were never your strong suit anyway. Zero Chance of Rescue --------------------- The ship will run out of power within six months. Food rations long before that. Immersive Storytelling ---------------------- Pay attention to your surroundings. Psychological Scares -------------------- Your eyes are lying. Unforgiving Narrative --------------------- Hope to die, or for goodness sake, pray that everyone else did. Release date: Sep 26, 2024 Categories: First-Person Perspective, Psychological Horror, Atmospheric Horror, Walking Simulator, Narrative-driven Gameplay, Story-driven Gameplay, Exploration, Visual Novel Feature scans: - MTX: score 30; verdict: Mixed Feedback on Pricing; summary: The game receives mixed feedback regarding its pricing and monetization strategies. While some users find the base price to be high for the content offered, others are concerned about the additional real-money purchases required to maximize the gaming experience. There is also criticism about the overpriced merchandise, which contrasts with the game's anti-capitalist themes. - Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux and Steam Deck, but there are some input issues reported by a Linux user. These issues are likely due to the Linux setup rather than the game itself. Additionally, there are some minor inconveniences such as the need for launch options to bypass the menu and language settings, and save transfer issues between Steam Deck and PC. - Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several key issues. The most notable problem is the lack of cloud saves, which prevents users from seamlessly switching between devices. Additionally, there are reports of input issues, particularly with keys sticking, which may be related to Linux setups. Another issue mentioned is the lack of support for ultrawide resolution, which could impact the visual experience for some users. Despite these issues, many users have praised the game's unique visual style and engaging storyline. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00 - Reasoning: The evidence shows that many users feel the game is overpriced at its current price point and suggest waiting for a sale or discount. Several reviews mention that the game is worth playing but only at a reduced price, indicating that the community perceives the fair price to be lower than the current base price. The general sentiment is that the game offers a good experience but does not justify the full price due to its short length and limited content. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 3.0h - Story completion: 2.0h - Session length: N/A - Endgame: N/A - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct and indirect mentions of playtime. The first quote mentions a playtime of less than an hour, which is an outlier compared to other reports. The second quote suggests that the game is bloated, implying a longer playtime due to excessive content. The third quote indicates that the player spent a significant amount of time on puzzles, contributing to the overall playtime. The fourth quote suggests that the story could be extended over a few more hours, implying a typical playtime shorter than that. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The game starts fun and engaging but becomes tedious and boring towards the end, leading to a drop in enjoyment. - Stance: Fun then drops - Anchor: The initial action and crash sequence - Time to anchor: 0h 0m - Friction: Repetitive objectives; Bland task loops; Tedious mazes; Unexplained tasks and puzzles; Lack of direction; Repetitive chase sequences - Unlock drivers: Strong visual style; Engaging narrative; Atmospheric storytelling; Immersive sound design - Conditions: Appreciation for psychological horror; Tolerance for slow-paced games; Interest in narrative-driven experiences; Willingness to overlook repetitive gameplay for story - Player Archetypes: - Story-Driven Horror Enthusiast (sale) - Motivation: Engaging story and psychological horror elements - Playstyle: Immersive, story-focused gameplay - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: horror fan; story lover - Reference games: The Shining; Silent Hill; Hotline Miami 2 - Open-Minded Explorer (buy) - Motivation: Unique and exploratory gameplay experiences - Playstyle: Exploratory, open-minded gameplay - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: explorer; open-minded gamer - Reference games: Pony Island; Eraserhead - Value-Conscious Cinematic Fan (sale) - Motivation: Cinematic experiences with good value for money - Playstyle: Narrative-driven, value-conscious gameplay - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: cinematic fan; value-conscious gamer - Reference games: The Shining; Silent Hill; Event Horizon Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Compelling and well-written story (weight 0.97): The game features a compelling and well-written story that captivates players with its deep and engaging narrative. The storytelling is praised for being excellent, intriguing, and emotionally impactful. - Engaging and impactful experience (weight 0.43): Players describe the game as an unforgettable and impactful experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The game's narrative and themes leave a lasting impression. - Outstanding atmosphere and sound design (weight 0.39): The game's eerie atmosphere and immersive sound design contribute significantly to its horror elements. The unsettling soundscapes and distinctive atmosphere enhance the overall experience. - Effective psychological horror (weight 0.36): The game is noted for its effective use of psychological horror elements, creating an immersive and terrifying experience. Players appreciate the unique and unsettling atmosphere. - Well-developed characters (weight 0.28): The game features well-developed and memorable characters that add depth to the story. Players appreciate the character development and the flaws that make them relatable. - Unique and impressive art style (weight 0.22): The game's art style is praised for its consistency and impressiveness, fitting the game's vibe perfectly. The retro-style graphics and visuals are highlighted as standout features. - Worth the investment (weight 0.13): Players feel that the game is worth the money and time invested, offering a valuable and enjoyable experience. The game is seen as a worthwhile purchase, especially if on sale. Common complaints: - High price for content (weight 0.34): The game is seen as overvalued and too expensive for the amount of content it offers. Players feel that the price does not reflect the gameplay value provided. - Game is too short (weight 0.33): Many players feel that the game is extremely short, with some completing it in around 2 hours. The gameplay is perceived as limited and lacking depth, with a significant portion of the time spent walking. - Confusing storyline (weight 0.18): The game's storyline is often described as confusing and hard to follow. Players struggle to understand the plot and the transitions between chapters, which can feel abrupt and unclear. - Disappointing ending (weight 0.13): The ending of the game is criticized for being disappointing, ridiculous, and boring. Players feel that the ending does not provide a satisfying conclusion to the story. - Gameplay mostly walking (weight 0.12): The gameplay is heavily criticized for being mostly walking and talking to people, with little substance or engaging activities. This has led to the game being labeled as a walking simulator. - Lack of gameplay variety (weight 0.12): The game is criticized for lacking actual gameplay and notable gameplay elements. This includes a lack of puzzles and engaging activities, leading to a repetitive and dull experience. - Puzzles are uninteresting (weight 0.12): The puzzles in the game are described as bland, too easy, and not interesting. Some puzzles are also criticized for being frustrating and requiring too much trial and error. - Repetitive and sluggish sections (weight 0.12): Some sections of the game are described as sluggish, repetitive, and drawn-out. These segments can be frustrating and could potentially be cut out to improve the overall experience. - Overuse of shock factor (weight 0.09): The game is criticized for overusing shock factor and dark themes, which can be off-putting and detract from the overall experience. - Lack of coherence (weight 0.06): The game lacks coherence and mechanical weight, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying experience. - Emotional difficulty and trauma (weight 0.05): The game deals with themes of trauma and discomfort, which can be emotionally difficult for some players. Gameplay feedback: - Nonlinear and immersive storytelling (weight 0.43): The game features a complex narrative structure with nonlinear and fragmented storytelling. It includes surreal elements, different temporalities, and hallucinations, creating a deep and immersive story-driven experience. - Psychological horror elements (weight 0.24): The game incorporates various psychological horror elements, including twists, turns, and a focus on psychological discomfort. It blends surrealist and sci-fi horror to create a tense atmosphere. - Walking simulator gameplay (weight 0.17): Gameplay primarily involves exploration and interaction with objects in a closed world. It is a first-person exploration game with mechanics typical of walking simulators. - Simple and minimal gameplay (weight 0.09): The gameplay is described as simple and average, with minimal mechanics. It focuses more on narrative and exploration rather than complex gameplay elements. - Light puzzle-solving elements (weight 0.09): The game includes light puzzle-solving and problem-solving elements. These puzzles are integrated into the gameplay to provide some challenge without being overly complex. - Tension-filled scenes (weight 0.07): The game features moments of tension and accumulation of suspense. These scenes are designed to keep players on edge and enhance the horror experience. - Horror labyrinth exploration (weight 0.07): Gameplay involves wandering through labyrinths in a slow-burn horror setting. This creates a sense of dread and exploration as players navigate through the game's environment. - Interactive film with puzzles (weight 0.06): The game is an interactive film that includes exploration and puzzle elements. Players spend time running around, speaking with NPCs, and solving light puzzles. - Unique interactions and mechanics (weight 0.05): The game features unique interactions and mechanics that set it apart. These elements provide a distinctive gameplay experience. - Minor jump scares (weight 0.05): The game includes a handful of jump scares, though they are not a major focus. These minor jump scares are used to enhance the horror elements sporadically. - Visual novel elements (weight 0.05): The game incorporates visual novel gameplay elements. This includes a focus on story and character interactions, similar to visual novels. - Character switching mechanics (weight 0.05): Gameplay involves picking and switching between different characters. This mechanic allows players to experience the story from multiple perspectives. - Ship exploration (weight 0.05): Players can explore a ship as part of the game's environment. This exploration is a key element of the gameplay experience. - Point-and-click elements (weight 0.05): The game features point-and-click mechanics where players interact with elements in the environment. This is a core part of the gameplay and exploration. - Pixel art and stylized graphics (weight 0.05): The game uses pixel art and heavily stylized graphics. This artistic choice contributes to the game's visual identity and atmosphere. - Fetch quests (weight 0.04): The game includes fetch quests where players need to retrieve items. These quests are part of the gameplay mechanics and objectives. Performance notes: - Runs on low-end hardware (weight 0.08): The game can run on lower-end hardware such as the i3 1115g4, making it accessible to a wider range of players. - Visibility issues in dark levels (weight 0.06): Certain levels in the game are too dark, making it difficult for players to navigate and enjoy the game. - Frequent crashing issues (weight 0.04): Some players are experiencing frequent crashes on PC, which is affecting the overall gameplay experience. - Optimized for Steam Deck (weight 0.04): The game runs well on the Steam Deck, making it a great choice for handheld gaming. Recommendations: - Recommended for horror fans (weight 0.25): The game is highly recommended for fans of psychological horror, creepy vibes, and deep themes. It is praised for its atmospheric tension and unsettling experiences. - Praised for deep themes and atmosphere (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for its deep themes, unique aesthetic, and thought-provoking experiences. It is highly regarded for its storytelling and atmospheric tension. - Highly recommended overall (weight 0.14): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game for its overall experience and realism. It is frequently described as a must-play. - Recommended for narrative fans (weight 0.14): The game is recommended for those who enjoy narrative-driven games and unique narrative structures. It is praised for its dialogue and deep narrative experiences. - Worth the price (weight 0.11): The game is considered worth the price for its unique experience, especially when purchased on sale. - Recommended to all players (weight 0.1): The game is strongly recommended to anyone, regardless of their specific preferences. It is seen as a universally appealing experience. - Best experienced blind (weight 0.1): Reviewers suggest playing the game without prior knowledge for the best experience. Going in blind is highly recommended. - Recommended for abuse survivors (weight 0.05): The game is highly recommended for victims of abuse and those seeking to understand the complexity of abuse. - Caution for sensitive topics (weight 0.03): The game contains sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all players. - Attention to small details (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for its story and the small details that enhance the overall experience. - Not for anxiety disorders (weight 0.03): The game is not recommended for those with anxiety disorders due to its potentially disturbing content. - Worth trying (weight 0.03): The game is considered worth trying, even if it may not appeal to everyone. - Avoid spoilers (weight 0.03): Players are advised to avoid spoilers to maintain the game's suspense and surprises. - Suitable for kids and young adults (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for kids and young adults, suggesting it has content appropriate for younger audiences. - Not for sour moods (weight 0.03): The game is not recommended for those in a sour mood, suggesting it may require a positive mindset to fully enjoy. - Spend a night with the game (weight 0.03): Reviewers recommend spending a night with the game to fully immerse in its experience. - Use guides if stuck (weight 0.03): Players are advised to use guides if they get stuck during the game. - Use a headset (weight 0.03): Using a headset is recommended to fully appreciate the game's audio design. - Watch Euro Brady's playthrough (weight 0.03): Reviewers recommend watching Euro Brady's YouTube playthrough for an enhanced understanding or experience of the game. - Watch Russian dubbing playthrough (weight 0.02): Reviewers recommend watching a playthrough with Russian dubbing for an enhanced experience. - Use mouthwash (weight 0.02): A peculiar recommendation to use mouthwash, possibly related to an in-game scenario or personal preference. Other player notes: - Accessibility issues (weight 0.03): Some players have encountered accessibility problems. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the game is playable for everyone. - Mouthwashing monitor screen (weight 0.03): Players reported an unusual action of mouthwashing the monitor screen. This could indicate a bug or an unexpected behavior in the game. Emotions: - Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoyed the game's story, characters, and atmosphere the most. The psychological horror elements, unique interactive experiences, and the game's art style and details were also highly appreciated. The game's music, sound, and environments contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment. - Frustration (weight 0.08): Players experienced frustration due to confusing and abstract gameplay segments, including challenging achievements and specific segments like the Swansea graveyard. Issues with gameplay mechanics, unclear expectations, and repetitive or boring gameplay also contributed to this frustration. - Excitement (weight 0.08): The game's storytelling, psychological horror elements, and unique aesthetic generated significant excitement among players. The immersive atmosphere, effective use of horror, and the overall gripping nature of the game were key factors. Players also enjoyed the game's sensory experience and the psychological aspects. - Disappointment (weight 0.08): Disappointment stemmed from the game not meeting high expectations, particularly regarding the storyline, character development, and gameplay mechanics. Players found the game too short, lacking in meaningful progression, and repetitive. The ending and overall narrative were also points of disappointment. - Joy (weight 0.06): Players found joy in the game's unique and humorous take on personal hygiene, the overall positive gaming experience, and the engaging storyline. The emotional impact of the game and its memorable story contributed to a sense of joy and satisfaction. - Positive (weight 0.05): Players had a positive experience due to the game's unique design, psychological horror elements, and engaging story. The high-quality writing, well-developed characters, and overall execution of the game were highly praised. - Admiration (weight 0.05): Players admired the game's storytelling, pacing, and art direction. The narrative quality, deep plot, and emotional impact were particularly noteworthy. The game's visuals, story, and unique aspects were praised as a work of art. - Fear (weight 0.05): The game's horror elements, including scary gameplay, intense atmosphere, and effective scares, induced fear among players. The psychological horror elements and unsettling audio contributed to a sense of fear and anxiety. - Love (weight 0.05): Players expressed deep love for the game's story, characters, and atmosphere. The game's design, storytelling, and unique art style were highly appreciated. The emotional impact and overall experience of the game were significant factors. - Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciated the game's art, ideas, and storytelling. The representation of difficult themes, engaging story, and unique narrative structure were highly valued. The game's effective psychological horror and oppressive atmosphere were also appreciated. - Sadness (weight 0.03): The game's tragic plot, character suffering, and emotional story development induced feelings of sadness. The heartbreaking stories and emotional impact of the game contributed to this sense of sadness. - Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players felt satisfied with the game's story, value, and overall quality. The engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and effective sound design were key factors. The game's handling of difficult themes and unique main theme were also appreciated. - Engagement (weight 0.02): The game's psychological experience, unique interactions, and well-developed characters kept players engaged. The immersive and atmospheric gameplay, along with interesting visual effects, contributed to a sense of engagement. - Nostalgia (weight 0.02): The game's PS2 vibe, soundtrack, and overall impact induced feelings of nostalgia. The feeling of being on the ship and interacting with the crew contributed to this sense of nostalgia. - Anxiety (weight 0.02): The game's dreadful atmosphere, terrifying nature, and horror moments induced feelings of anxiety. The tension and psychological horror elements contributed to a sense of anxiety among players. - Interest (weight 0.02): Players found the game interesting due to its hard-hitting themes, strong immersion, and exploration of morality and ethics. The unique narrative and psychological depth were key factors in maintaining interest. - Awe (weight 0.02): The game's narrative, psychological horror elements, and unique art style induced a sense of awe. The impactful storytelling, character development, and overall impact of the game were significant factors.}