MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
Action
Indie
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Camera Comfort
Custom Volume Controls
Adjustable Difficulty
Playable without Timed Input
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Join private investigator Jack Pepper on a guns blazing, jazz-fueled adventure in MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. MOUSE combines the charm of hand-drawn rubber hose animation inspired by the classic cartoons of the 1930’s with the adrenaline and action of an explosive first person shooter.

Developers: Fumi Games
Publishers: PlaySide
Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026
Price (USD): $14.99 USD
Current Players: 9.3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(96%)
art style
voice acting
unique blend
fun gameplay
jazz soundtrack
black-and-white
detective elements
cheese puns
repetitive gameplay
lack of replay
technical issues
weapon balance
Overall, reviews reflect a enthusiastic reception for the game's unique graphical style and captivating audio, which combine to create a standout player experience. However, issues related to gameplay repetitiveness, and feedback on its narrative execution, suggest room for improvement. Many players are willing to overlook these flaws due to the game's style and charm, which are seen as significant achievements for an indie release.

Positive Points

  • The game effectively captures the 1930s cartoon style with its stunning black-and-white, rubber hose animation, coupled with a phenomenal jazz soundtrack.
  • Players appreciated the unique blend of classic noir storytelling and 'boomer shooter' mechanics, which are executed with a fresh and engaging twist.
  • Voice acting, particularly by Troy Baker, was highly praised for bringing depth and authenticity to the game's characters.
  • The game received positive remarks for its artistic direction and careful attention to detail in both visual and audio elements.
  • Despite being an indie game, it runs well on a variety of systems, including lower-end hardware like the Steam Deck.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players felt the game could become repetitive over time, with predictable enemy encounters and not enough variety in gameplay.
  • The lack of an option to replay levels was a significant point of contention, leading to difficulties in obtaining missed collectibles or correcting mistakes.
  • Various players reported minor technical issues, including audio bugs and performance drops, which affected their experience.
  • Certain weapons and abilities were considered underutilized, with some players feeling that newer weapons were acquired too late in the game.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the art style was generally praised, a few players found the black-and-white visuals could become monotonous over time.
  • The detective elements of the game were seen as both a strength and a weakness, with some appreciating the narrative depth while others wanted more hands-on investigative mechanics.
  • The humor and numerous cheese-related puns were enjoyed by some but found excessive or forced by others.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's unique aesthetic and art style are major highlights, drawing comparisons to Cuphead and other classic animations.
  • Players frequently noted the strong influence of past games like Doom and Bioshock, combined with a vintage, noir setting.
  • The love and attention to detail from the developers were repeatedly noted, with many users expressing appreciation for the evident passion behind the project.
  • Updated 4/20/2026, 12:01:39 AM UTC