Mouse: P.I. for Hire review

Mouse: P.I. for Hire, a newly released first-person shooter from developer Fumi Games and publisher Playside, combines noir detective storytelling with distinctive 1930s cartoon aesthetics. Players control Private Investigator Jack Pepper, a former war hero turned detective investigating corruption in a stylized noir world.

The game distinguishes itself through hand-drawn black and white rubber hose animation reminiscent of classic 1930s cartoons, paired with an original big band jazz soundtrack. Small design touches enhance the experience, such as protagonist Jack Pepper humming the theme tune and combat encounters punctuated by boxing gong rings and bell clangs. The isometric city map features beautifully animated environments that players traverse between missions.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire offers 10-20 hours of gameplay for a first playthrough, featuring a full single-player campaign supplemented by side content and collectibles. The game includes 35 PlayStation trophies covering typical first-person shooter objectives: defeating enemies with various weapons, collecting secrets and upgradeable gear, and thorough level exploration. The title has received positive critical reception, with reviewers praising its imaginative hard-boiled narrative, invigorating gameplay mechanics, and stellar artistic direction. The combination of stylish noir presentation and challenging shooter mechanics appeals to players seeking differentiated FPS experiences. The game launched on Nintendo Switch at $29.99 and is available across multiple platforms.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire review

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