There’s been a lot of noise around MOUSE: P.I. For Hire in the build-up to launch – and for good reason. Few games look quite like it, and even fewer lean so confidently into a style that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh at the same time.
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 for £24.99, this long-awaited shooter from Fumi Games and PlaySide steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight… in full black and white.
At A Glance
- Game: MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
- Developer: Fumi Games
- Publisher: PlaySide
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2
- Price: £24.99
- Game Type: First-Person Shooter / Noir Action
A Cartoon World With A Dangerous Edge
First impressions matter, and MOUSE: P.I. For Hire absolutely nails them. Its hand-drawn, rubber hose animation – inspired by 1930s cartoons – gives it an instantly recognisable look, but this isn’t some lighthearted throwback.
Beneath that vintage aesthetic sits a gritty noir tale. You play as Jack Pepper, a private investigator dragged into a case that quickly spirals from a simple missing person job into something far more sinister.
Corruption, crime and conspiracy run deep through Mouseburg, and it doesn’t take long before you’re knee-deep in trouble.
Fast, Loud And Surprisingly Fluid
Once the shooting starts, MOUSE wastes no time showing its other side.
This is a fast-paced FPS at heart, drawing inspiration from classic boomer shooters while layering in modern movement options. Wall-running, grappling hooks and double jumps all come into play, giving you the freedom to move through levels with speed and style.
Weapons follow that same philosophy. They may look cartoonish, but they pack a punch, with a wide arsenal that leans into creative, exaggerated chaos. Add in power-ups that can completely shift the tide of battle, and encounters rarely play out the same way twice.
Mouseburg Is More Than A Backdrop
The city itself plays a big role in keeping things interesting.
From shadowy streets and film studios to opera houses, swamps and sewer systems, Mouseburg feels varied without losing its identity. There’s a strong sense of place throughout, helped by the consistent art style and a soundtrack that leans heavily into big band jazz.
It’s not just about moving from fight to fight either. There are secrets to uncover, side cases to explore, and collectibles scattered throughout, giving you a reason to slow down… at least occasionally.
Style Meets Substance
It would’ve been easy for MOUSE: P.I. For Hire to rely purely on its visual identity, but there’s more going on here than just looks.
The mix of storytelling, movement, and combat systems gives it a solid foundation, while the unique presentation ensures it stands out in a crowded genre. It’s a combination that feels carefully considered rather than thrown together.
And we’ve been playing this for a while, happy to confirm that it absolutely works and comes together briliantly. Our full review is very much on the way.
Worth The Wait?
With so much anticipation behind it, expectations for MOUSE: P.I. For Hire (here’s your Xbox Store link) were always going to be high. It’s a shame then that MOUSE is not on Game Pass at launch.
Thankfully, it seems to deliver on the promise, offering a shooter that feels distinct, confident and full of personality. It’s not just another FPS; it’s one that knows exactly what it wants to be and leans into it fully.
Just be warned: in Mouseburg, nothing is ever quite as simple as it first appears.
Find the game on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC (Steam).
