We Love It's Guide to…
As mouse detective Jack Pepper, investigate a missing-person case across Mouseburg, then battle gangs in a hand-drawn noir FPS.
Released 16 Apr 2026
Uncover Mouseburg Corruption
Fight With Cartoon Weapons
Grapple and Wall-Run
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.
Developed by Fumi Games · Published by PlaySide
You play as Jack Pepper, a former war hero turned private investigator in Mouseburg. A missing-person case draws him into a wider story of crime and corruption, pursued through a single-player campaign.
Investigate locations, find clues and explore more than 20 levels, while fighting gangs and crooked cops with a cartoon-themed arsenal. Combat emphasizes movement, with abilities such as double-jumping, wall-running and grappling to navigate levels and arenas.
Return between missions to advance cases and meet characters. Search for collectibles and upgrade plans to improve weapons, take on side objectives and unlock additional movement abilities. Consumable power-ups can also give Pepper an edge in combat.
Players often praise the hand-drawn cartoon look, jazz soundtrack and voice performances for giving the game a distinctive noir atmosphere. Many find the fast-moving shooting and exploration enjoyable, though some describe combat as repetitive or the weapons as uneven. The story and humor appeal to some reviewers, while others find the jokes overused or the writing less engaging. A recurring complaint is that missed collectibles or objectives can be difficult to revisit because players report no level-select option.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is an action-packed first-person shooter that draws inspiration from the classic cartoons of the 1930s. Its black and white rubber hose visuals are drawn by hand, frame by frame, delivering a striking vintage aesthetic. Unravel layers of corruption with a thrilling noir-fueled detective story, lively environments to explore, an original big band jazz soundtrack, and a fully-loaded arsenal of cartoon weapons and devastating power-ups.
Meet Private Investigator Jack Pepper, a former war hero-turned-detective in a world where danger lurks even in the smallest mouse hole. Uncover the truth when a simple missing persons case quickly escalates into a complex web of intrigue, with corruption, kidnapping and murder all on the docket. Investigate the seedy underbelly of Mouseburg, battle heavily armed gangs and crooked cops, and discover clues to reveal the conspiracy buried underneath the surface.
From crackling machine guns to explosive firepower, each weapon in Pepper’s arsenal is designed to deploy non-stop cartoon chaos. Arm yourself with an array of classic, creatively twisted and experimental firearms, and consume powerful upgrades when you need that extra spinach-loaded punch! Lethal encounters and manic boss battles await in this boomer shooter-inspired, retro-vibed adventure - and the denizens of Mouseburg never go down without a fight.
Explore a diverse city playground, from dark streets to classic film studios, opulent opera buildings, poisonous swamps and underground sewers. With a myriad of cases to solve and collectibles to find, Mouseburg is truly a detective’s delight! Use every tool at your disposal to wall-run, grapple-hook and double-jump through this unrelenting cartoon world.
Black and white, hand-drawn rubber hose animation, inspired by cartoons of the 1930s
Fast-paced FPS combat, where constant movement is key
A thrilling single-player campaign that unravels a complex web of crime and corruption
Over 20 noir-infused levels, teeming with mice, rats and shrews
Fully-loaded arsenal of over ten unique weapons and equipment - with a cartoon twist
Devastating consumable power-ups, capable of turning the tide of any battle
Unlockable movement abilities and Metroidvania-inspired level traversal
Original jazz soundtrack, featuring a big band orchestral ensemble
| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 34 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller support | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 3 listed on Steam |
| DRM / EULA |
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| Content notices |
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| Metacritic | 80/100 View on Metacritic |
| Website | Official website |
