One theme that I find really compelling in Mouthwashing is capitalism and how it has adverse effects on those who partake in it, whether forced to or not. In the story, Pony Express is almost its own character and we can surmise a lot about them through the in-game environment. One detail that sticks out is the posters found about the ship. PE doesn’t let them sleep for more than 5 hours, docks their pay at any chance, and places all their blame on the employees instead of on the company. It’s a cold and callous entity, treating their employees as mindless working robots, which is ironic considering they’re the only company left with human workers. The height of PE’s ruthlessness is seen when the entire crew gets laid off mid-journey. They offer no safety nets and wash their hands clean of their ex-employees. Curly is affected by capitalism through his unfulfilling job. Logistically, he should be happy. He pretty much won at capitalism. He has a good job, a high position, and presumable high pay. However, none of that makes him happy. The reason why he can’t bring himself to quit or switch jobs is because he can’t bring himself to leave behind the safety of his work. Jimmy is on the bottom. There are lines that suggest he hasn’t had the best life. He’s clawing his way up through the corporate ladder, just as society tells him is the right thing to do. Well, at least that’s what he thinks. Curly most likely helped him. That help has probably left Jimmy feeling even more emasculated and envious, growing his resentment and leading to him lashing out at Curly once he’s vulnerable. I have more to add but this is getting a little long😭😭 Oh and btw great vid as always ^w^
I've seen people call this "corporate horror" which I love as a specific subgenre. I am obsessed with this game. It's a short game but such a RICH text, from the actual dialog to the stuff on the walls to things like the board game in the lounge changing state to reflect the state of its players.
Yes to ALL of this!! I really wanted to talk about Pony Express and how it dehumanizes the crew (as capitalism is wont to do) but ended up leaving that on the cutting room floor :’) So yes!! Completely agree!!
I am so late but Tinyleaf is back omg, love your content As someone that kinda despises mouthwash, this game hit a particularly niche spot of horror in my brain
It's great to hear about this game from you! Great analysis, as always! I especially liked the idea that not acknowledging our worst moments makes us monsters. The characters in this game all feel real and believeable, and it's clear WHY each person does what they do, even if their actions are misguided. There's certainly a lot to discuss, but I think you did a very good job :)
SURPRISE!! There's closed captions personally reviewed and edited by me in this video! So if you're a freak like me, turn those on baby!
One theme that I find really compelling in Mouthwashing is capitalism and how it has adverse effects on those who partake in it, whether forced to or not.
In the story, Pony Express is almost its own character and we can surmise a lot about them through the in-game environment. One detail that sticks out is the posters found about the ship. PE doesn’t let them sleep for more than 5 hours, docks their pay at any chance, and places all their blame on the employees instead of on the company. It’s a cold and callous entity, treating their employees as mindless working robots, which is ironic considering they’re the only company left with human workers. The height of PE’s ruthlessness is seen when the entire crew gets laid off mid-journey. They offer no safety nets and wash their hands clean of their ex-employees.
Curly is affected by capitalism through his unfulfilling job. Logistically, he should be happy. He pretty much won at capitalism. He has a good job, a high position, and presumable high pay. However, none of that makes him happy. The reason why he can’t bring himself to quit or switch jobs is because he can’t bring himself to leave behind the safety of his work.
Jimmy is on the bottom. There are lines that suggest he hasn’t had the best life. He’s clawing his way up through the corporate ladder, just as society tells him is the right thing to do. Well, at least that’s what he thinks. Curly most likely helped him. That help has probably left Jimmy feeling even more emasculated and envious, growing his resentment and leading to him lashing out at Curly once he’s vulnerable.
I have more to add but this is getting a little long😭😭
Oh and btw great vid as always ^w^
I've seen people call this "corporate horror" which I love as a specific subgenre.
I am obsessed with this game. It's a short game but such a RICH text, from the actual dialog to the stuff on the walls to things like the board game in the lounge changing state to reflect the state of its players.
Yes to ALL of this!! I really wanted to talk about Pony Express and how it dehumanizes the crew (as capitalism is wont to do) but ended up leaving that on the cutting room floor :’) So yes!! Completely agree!!
I am so late but Tinyleaf is back omg, love your content
As someone that kinda despises mouthwash, this game hit a particularly niche spot of horror in my brain
honestly mouthwashing is a mental breakdown
It's great to hear about this game from you! Great analysis, as always!
I especially liked the idea that not acknowledging our worst moments makes us monsters. The characters in this game all feel real and believeable, and it's clear WHY each person does what they do, even if their actions are misguided. There's certainly a lot to discuss, but I think you did a very good job :)
I love how you actually have a bottle of mouthwash in the background of the intro.
It's nice to see you again! Have you seen the new cbapter of Project Edens Garden? It's so good!
It’s on my list to play it soon! I’ve been busy playing another game and haven’t been able to do so yet!
@thetiniestleaf That's okay! Take your time.
Take responsibility for your bad reaction speed.
😔
quick everybody start playing headlock by imogen heap at exactly the same time
Hi
Hello! :)