Mouse: P.I. For Hire Review: Rise Of The Gumshoe

It feels like ages since we first heard about Mouse: P.I. For Hire, and I still often think about how eagerly I awaited its release. There aren’t many games with that classic, rubber-hose animation style – reminiscent of old Fleischer Studios cartoons – but Mouse really distinguished itself after the success of Cuphead.

I’m happy to say that Mouse: P.I. For Hire isn’t just a pretty face. The team at Fumi Games clearly understands what makes classic shooters fun.

Ultraviolence In Black And White

A True Boomer Shooter Staple

Boomer shooters—fast-paced, first-person shooters reminiscent of the 90s—have become popular again recently, with older companies and game series making a comeback, like New Blood Interactive. However, not all modern boomer shooters truly capture the feeling of those classic, complex games. Playing Mouse: P.I. For Hire felt like experiencing a sequel to a game like Rise of the Triad, complete with plenty of over-the-top gore.

Okay, so at first glance, the game looks all cute and cartoony, but don’t let that fool you! Fumi Games really leans into the violence – enemies explode, leave trails of blood, and sometimes even melt! It’s not over-the-top or just there for shock value, but it definitely establishes a really unique, old-school rubber-hose animation style. It’s a weird, cool combination, honestly.

In this game, you take on the role of Jack Pepper, a witty mouse brought to life by Troy Baker, and investigate a large-scale criminal plot. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of characters who could be allies or enemies. While Troy Baker delivers a solid performance, I was particularly impressed with the entire cast, who all fit their roles seamlessly.

The music is also a highlight; composer Patryk Scelina successfully evokes the feel of classic noir films while still creating a fresh and original sound. The animation and voice acting are equally impressive, perfectly bringing this gritty, cartoon world inhabited by mice to life.

The world of this game is really enjoyable. It cleverly combines familiar elements with fresh ideas, and while I had a general sense of the story, I was still surprised by how the levels unfolded. Exploring the different locations in Mouse: P.I. For Hire was a particular pleasure, and I was always eager to see what the next area would bring.

A Noir Homage With Care

A Lot Of Detail Went Into This World

Playing and trying to complete Mouse: P.I. For Hire quickly should be really fun. Although the game has some long fights, it also lets you move around quickly from the beginning. You unlock a double jump pretty early, and combined with dashing and the grappling hook, you can zip through levels at a fast pace.

Many modern shooting games don’t prioritize fluid movement, so it was refreshing to see it combined with satisfying gunfights and a unique visual style in this game.

Overall, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is primarily an action-focused shooter. It does include some puzzles, RPG-style upgrades, and light exploration, but the core gameplay revolves around combat. You can improve your weapons by finding blueprints and even collect cards to play a baseball-themed minigame. However, at its heart, this game is all about fast-paced action.

I was hoping for more challenging safe-cracking puzzles – the kind where you skillfully maneuver to unlock them – but the game’s controls and overall action felt so good that it wasn’t a major issue. While some levels could have been more creatively designed, they still functioned well as they were.

I encountered a few small glitches while playing, but they didn’t ruin the experience. Sometimes items like armor or power-ups wouldn’t stick to my character. I also found some of the level design confusing. For example, I wasted time looking for a hidden switch to open a path, when I actually just needed to jump to reach a ‘no entry’ door, which then sealed shut behind me before the next door opened.

This problem isn’t a big deal because the game offers a helpful hint system when you press the d-pad. While I like to figure things out myself, especially in the harder levels, the occasional issue wasn’t frustrating, and it doesn’t happen often.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire Surprised Me

There’s A Lot Under The Hood

I was immediately drawn to Fumi Games because I enjoy noir stories and fast-paced action games. While you don’t need to be familiar with those styles to enjoy it, it’s fun to spot the clever nods and details that clearly pay tribute to them. The gameplay loop of exploring a new level, then returning to the central hub to analyze clues and improve your weapons, is really well done.

Although its art style is a major draw, Mouse: P.I. for Hire is more than just a tribute to other works. It successfully creates its own unique personality and stands out on its own merits.

2026-04-14 18:14