Mouthwashing
Mouthwashing introduces players to the harrowing confines of a damaged space freighter, where the surviving crew must navigate the complexities of an unplanned disaster in deep space. The game begins with the crew awakening to find their ship critically damaged and drifting near an unknown celestial body. Captain Curly, once a competent and respected leader, is now severely injured, leaving the crew to fend for themselves in a rapidly deteriorating situation. With limited resources and failing systems, the crew must work together to manage their supplies, repair vital systems, and uncover the cause of their misfortune—all while dealing with the psychological stresses of isolation and the creeping dread of the unknown.The Thin Line Between Order and Chaos
As the game progresses, players are challenged to maintain order among the crew, making critical decisions that affect morale, health, and the likelihood of survival. Relationships between crew members become strained as the reality of their situation sets in, forcing players to manage resources and interpersonal dynamics. Decisions made by the player can lead to cooperation or conflict, with potential mutinies or alliances forming based on leadership style and crisis management. The game's mechanics involve balancing the need for strict discipline with the human need for compassion and understanding, providing a complex layer of strategy to the survival elements.
Tech and Sanity: The Dual Challenges of Survival
Mouthwashing excels in integrating technical survival aspects with the psychological pressures of space travel. Players must navigate through damaged ship sections, conduct repairs, and sometimes jury-rig solutions to keep the ship operational. Simultaneously, the mental health of the crew plays a crucial role, as fear and paranoia can lead to disastrous decisions or heroic acts of self-sacrifice. The game features a unique system where psychological states affect physical performance and decision-making processes, adding depth to the character development and storyline progression. As players delve deeper into the mystery of what happened to their ship, they must keep their wits about them, balancing the need to maintain both their technology and their sanity in the face of overwhelming odds.