Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a standout video game that blends classic noir storytelling with fast-paced boomer shooter gameplay. Developed by Fumi Games and supported by PlaySide Studios, this unique title introduces players to private investigator Jack Pepper, a hard-boiled detective navigating the dark streets of Mouseburg.
With its white rubber hose visuals inspired by classic cartoons of the 1930s and an original big band jazz soundtrack, the game delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience across platforms like PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
At its core, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a narrative-driven boomer shooter set in the diverse city playground of Mouseburg. You play as Jack Pepper, a determined detective taking on a myriad of cases, starting with what appears to be a simple missing persons case.
However, things quickly spiral into a complex web of intrigue involving kidnapping, corruption, and the seedy underbelly of Mouseburg. As private investigator Jack Pepper, you’ll dive deep into a world filled with shady characters, hidden motives, and escalating danger.
The game’s unique identity even positions it as a potential new intellectual property with strong stylistic roots reminiscent of classic film studios—while remaining entirely original.
As of now, there is no widely available public demo for Mouse: P.I. For Hire across PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. However, limited previews and gameplay showcases have been shared, especially around events leading up to its expected release window in April.
No, Mouse: P.I. For Hire does not feature multiplayer or co-op gameplay. The video game is built as a strictly single-player experience, focusing on the story of private investigator Jack Pepper as he uncovers a complex web of intrigue in Mouseburg.
Instead of online modes, Fumi Games emphasizes narrative depth, boomer shooter combat, and exploration through the dark streets and lively environments of the city. At this time, there are no confirmed plans for multiplayer, co-op missions, or online features on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.
The gameplay in Mouse: P.I. For Hire leans heavily into boomer shooter design, offering fast-paced, responsive combat powered by Pepper’s arsenal.
Players can expect:
Classic machine guns and experimental firearms
Heavy explosive firepower for intense firefights
Constant lethal encounters across tight, dynamic levels
Combat is aggressive and fluid, encouraging players to stay mobile while dealing with waves of enemies, including the denizens of Mouseburg who populate its dangerous corners.
As you progress, you unlock powerful upgrades that enhance your weapons and survivability, making each new encounter more strategic and rewarding.
The game doesn’t hold back when it comes to intensity. Manic boss battles serve as major highlights in Mouse: P.I. For Hire, testing your reflexes and mastery of Pepper’s arsenal.
These fights are set within lively environments that feel handcrafted and full of personality. From the smallest mouse hole to sprawling city sections, the level design keeps players engaged and constantly moving.
While not strictly a metroidvania, the game borrows some structural elements, encouraging exploration and revisiting areas to uncover hidden details and secrets.
The narrative is where Mouse: P.I. For Hire truly shines. What begins as a simple missing persons case quickly evolves into a story filled with layers of corruption and moral ambiguity.
As Jack Pepper, you’ll navigate a tangled docket of cases that reveal deeper connections between criminals, corporations, and the city itself. The story explores:
The seedy underbelly of Mouseburg
A rising wave of kidnapping incidents
A hidden network controlling the city from the shadows
The writing leans heavily into noir traditions, with internal monologues and sharp dialogue that perfectly match the tone of the game.
One of the most striking aspects of Mouse: P.I. For Hire is its white rubber hose visuals, directly inspired by the classic cartoons of the 1930s.
This art style, reminiscent of early animation from classic film studios, creates a fascinating contrast with the darker themes of the story. The exaggerated animations and monochrome aesthetic give the game a timeless feel while maintaining clarity during fast-paced combat.
Complementing the visuals is an original big band jazz soundtrack that enhances every moment of gameplay in Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The music shifts seamlessly between exploration and combat, reinforcing the noir atmosphere.
This original big band score helps define the identity of the game, making even the most chaotic firefights feel cinematic and immersive.
The biggest strength of Mouse: P.I. For Hire lies in how confidently it executes its vision. The combination of boomer shooter mechanics and noir storytelling creates a cohesive experience.
The diverse city playground of Mouseburg feels alive, filled with lively environments and memorable characters. Meanwhile, the gameplay loop—driven by lethal encounters, upgrades, and exploration—keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Despite its originality, Mouse: P.I. For Hire does have some limitations. The core mechanics, while polished, don’t always push beyond established boomer shooter formulas.
Additionally, while the story introduces a complex web of intrigue, some players may wish for deeper investigative mechanics to match the narrative depth.
If you’re a fan of stylish shooters with personality, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is absolutely worth checking out—especially if it lands on services like Xbox Game Pass in the future.
Available across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, the game is accessible to a wide audience and offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional shooters.
Early impressions of Mouse: P.I. For Hire have been largely positive, with critics praising its white rubber hose visuals, original big band jazz soundtrack, and stylish boomer shooter gameplay. Reviews highlight its unique identity, though some note familiar mechanics beneath its creative presentation.
Mouse: P.I. For Hire successfully blends fast-paced action with a compelling noir narrative. Through the story of Jack Pepper, players experience a world filled with danger, mystery, and style.
With its explosive firepower, memorable manic boss battles, and immersive setting of Mouseburg, this video game proves that strong artistic direction can elevate even familiar gameplay into something unique.
Whether you’re drawn in by the original big band jazz soundtrack, the white rubber hose visuals, or the promise of unraveling a complex web of intrigue, this is one case worth taking.
Olivia Blake · Editor
Editor
