Mouthwashing review: Acclaimed space horror arrives on consoles
The 2024 indie hit is out on consoles from 29 October. It holds 85 on OpenCritic and 88 on Metacritic.
Photo: NASA/Jonny Kim / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (cropped and resized)
Trailer: YouTube · CRITICAL REFLEX · youtube.com
Critics' rating
Scores: OpenCritic 85 · Metacritic 88 (PC) · Final Weapon 4.5/5
- Platforms
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
- Studio
- Wrong Organ
- Release
- 29.10.2026
+ Pros
- Intricate, non-linear storytelling
- Oppressive atmosphere on board
- Distinctive low-poly retro look
- Strong characters and satire of corporate greed
– Cons
- Clunky combat and stealth sections
- Very simple puzzles
- Some sections feel repetitive
Critics' verdict
A short, disturbing psychological horror that ranks among recent indie highlights thanks to its storytelling and atmosphere.
Summary of published reviews – sources below.
Following its PC success in autumn 2024, Mouthwashing launches on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch on 29 October, with a Microsoft Store version for PC as well. The horror adventure was developed by Swedish studio Wrong Organ and is published by CRITICAL REFLEX. Physical editions for PS5 and Switch are set to follow via Fangamer. The game takes place aboard the cargo ship Tulpar, left drifting through space after an accident: Captain Curly is severely injured, co-pilot Jimmy takes command, and the five-person crew is running out of supplies.
Critics celebrated the game at its PC launch: OpenCritic rates it 85 ("Mighty"), Metacritic 88. Reviewers particularly praised the intricate storytelling that jumps between scenes before and after the accident, the oppressive atmosphere, the characters and the satire of corporate greed; Final Weapon awarded it 4.5 out of 5. At the 2024 Horror Game Awards, Mouthwashing won Best Narrative and the Players' Choice award.
In terms of gameplay it is slim: players explore, talk and solve item puzzles. Critics pointed to clunky combat and stealth sections, very simple puzzles and some repetitive stretches. Worth knowing: the game deals with deeply disturbing themes and is aimed squarely at adults.