If you've been looking for a game that will make you deeply uncomfortable, Mouthwashing has just landed on Xbox Game Pass, and it's the perfect addition to your Halloween weekend. This sci-fi horror title, developed by Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex, is now available to subscribers, offering a uniquely disturbing experience that's been making waves since its release.
The premise is simple yet terrifying: you're aboard the freighter Tulpar, where the crew has survived a crash, but rescue isn't coming. Supplies are dwindling, and the five crew members are trapped together in a confined space. The game's official description sets the stage: the ship has enough power for six months, but the food will run out much sooner. It's a setup that promises isolation and tension, and it delivers on that promise in spades.
What makes Mouthwashing so effective is its focus on storytelling and exploration. Players are tasked with piecing together what happened aboard the ship as the crew's situation deteriorates. The less you know going in, the better—the story's impact comes from gradually understanding these characters and the dark secrets they hold. It's a narrative that's rarely comforting, and it's best experienced with fresh eyes.
The game's low-poly aesthetic might seem unassuming, but it does little to soften the violence. Wrong Organ has warned of extreme gore and mutilation, and the characters' suffering carries weight beyond the initial shock. It's a bleak, harrowing journey that isn't for the faint of heart, but for horror fans, it's a must-play.
If you're a Game Pass subscriber, you can dive into Mouthwashing right now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud gaming. It's available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass, so there's no excuse not to give it a try—if you dare.
The game has also caught the attention of Hollywood. A film adaptation is in the works, with Karyn Kusama attached to direct and Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi writing the screenplay. The trio previously collaborated on The Invitation, making them a fitting choice for a story about the horrors of human interaction. Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill, and Vince Cheng are producing through Crooked Highway.
For those who've been intrigued by the movie announcement, now's the perfect time to experience the original. Just be sure to have something lighthearted lined up afterward—you'll need it. And if you're looking for more horror to fill your Halloween, check out our list of the greatest sci-fi horror novels or see how 'From' is conquering Netflix.
