If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Mickey Mouse traded his gloves for a tommy gun and stepped into a gritty noir world, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is here to answer that question. Developed by Fumi Games and published by PlaySide Studios Limited, this first-person shooter (FPS) combines the charm of 1930s rubber hose animation with the adrenaline-pumping action of a boomer shooter. Set to release in 2025, this video game is already turning heads with its unique blend of nostalgia, noir storytelling, and chaotic gameplay. Let’s dive into what makes MOUSE: P.I. For Hire a must-watch title.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire puts you in the shoes (or paws) of Jack Pepper, a hard-boiled private investigator with a sharp tongue, a gambling problem, and a knack for getting into trouble. Once a war hero, Pepper now navigates the seedy underbelly of Mouseburg, a noir city teeming with gangs, mobs, and corrupt politicians. What starts as a simple case of a damsel in distress quickly spirals into a complex web of involving murder, political corruption, and racial segregation.
The game’s story is a love letter to classic noir tropes, but with a cartoonish twist. Think Humphrey Bogart meets Steamboat Willie, with a dash of Popeye and Bioshock thrown in for good measure. The devs at Fumi Games have promised a narrative that delves into darker themes, ensuring that the game isn’t just a visual gimmick but a story with depth and substance.
At its core, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is a fast-paced FPS with a playful twist. The game’s arsenal includes everything from crackling tommy guns to explosive firepower, all designed to bring out the grit and chaos of its noir setting. But it’s not just about shooting your way through levels. The game also features detective mechanics and side quests that add layers of depth to the experience.
Players can explore non-linear maps, uncover clues, and solve puzzles to unlock the game’s “true” ending. Backtracking is encouraged, as it reveals hidden side quests and additional story details. The game also introduces power-ups like the Spike-D Spinach (a nod to Popeye) and a Grappling Hook that lets you grapple across the environment with ease. These upgrades allow you to tailor your playstyle, whether you prefer enhance melee combat, extend aerial traversal, or good old-fashioned gunplay.
The enemies are as cartoonish as the protagonist, with bosses that are both mischievous and menacing. Each encounter feels like a scene straight out of a classic cartoon of the 1930s, complete with over-the-top animations and comical weapons to knock-down foes.
One of the standout features of MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is its rubber hose animation style, inspired by the classic cartoons of the 1930s. The hand-drawn rubber hose animation visuals are a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern polish, with a monochromatic palette that captures the essence of noir films. From the flickering neon signs of Mouseburg’s streets to the shadowy corners of its underground sewers, every frame is a work of art.
The game’s jazz soundtrack is equally impressive, setting the tone for each scene with smooth saxophone melodies and moody piano tunes. The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, creating an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a living cartoon.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is more than just a mashup of familiar ideas—it’s a bold attempt to create something fresh and exciting. By blending the charm of 1930s rubber hose animation with the intensity of a modern FPS, Fumi Games has crafted a video game that stands out in a crowded market.
The inclusion of detective mechanics and side quests adds a layer of depth that sets it apart from traditional shooters. And while the game draws inspiration from classics like Disney, Popeye, and Bioshock, it manages to carve out its own identity with a darker, grittier tone.
The developer Fumi Games, led by Maciej, has been hard at work creating this noir-fueled masterpiece. The lead producer and team have poured their hearts into crafting a game that boasts a unique visual style and playful weaponry. The gameplay trailer revealed at Gamescom showcased the game’s animation style and distinctive health display, which adds a lighthearted twist to traditional FPS mechanics.
The devs have also emphasized their commitment to creating a city of danger, where players must thwart the takeover by corrupt politicians while navigating a noir city teeming with danger. The mouse tail of Jack Pepper isn’t just for show—it’s a key part of the grappling hook mechanics, allowing players to swing across gaps and explore every corner of Mouseburg.
With Playside Publishing handling the release, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is set to make waves in the gaming and entertainment world. The release date of 2025 is eagerly anticipated, and fans can already wishlist the game on Steam.
With its unique visual style, engaging gameplay, and ambitious storytelling, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is shaping up to be one of the most exciting indie games of 2025. Whether you’re a fan of boomer shooters, noir detective stories, or just looking for something different, this game has something for everyone.
So, mark your calendars and add it to your Steam wishlist—because when MOUSE: P.I. For Hire drops, you won’t want to miss it.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is set to release in 2025 on PC. For more gaming reviews and updates, stay tuned to SAVEGAME.
