Mouse: P.I. for Hire Brilliantly Blends Steamboat Willie and 30s Film Noir

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Mouse: P.I. for Hire quickly gained attention when it was first shown. Its classic rubber-hose animation style immediately appealed to fans of Cuphead, and the announcement that Troy Baker, a well-known voice actor in gaming, would be playing the main character made people even more excited.

The game really impressed everyone when the final previews showed just how expansive it was. Mouse: P. I. for Hire is a special and delightful experience that delivers on its promise, with stunning graphics that perfectly complement its captivating detective story.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire’s Classic Animation Gives the Game Its Own Identity

Similar to the game Cuphead, Mouse: P.I. for Hire has a classic cartoon appearance, but it also boasts a distinct style all its own. While Cuphead is known for its vibrant colors, Mouse: P.I. for Hire uses a striking black and white aesthetic to create a classic noir atmosphere.

I’m really enjoying Mouse: P.I. for Hire! What’s cool is you always feel like something’s about to jump out at you – enemies can pop up anywhere. It’s clearly inspired by those classic Steamboat Willie cartoons and others from that era, but the detective story keeps it feeling new. I especially like that not everything is done in that old-timey, rubber-hose animation style – just the characters and certain objects. It’s a nice touch!

I really like how Mouse: P.I. for Hire draws your eye to important stuff – things actually bounce to get your attention, which is a cool touch and adds to the overall vibe. It can get pretty spooky, with enemies getting ‘taken out’ in a way that reminds me of old-school cartoons, but it’s never too serious. Like, you might see a bad guy get completely incinerated, leaving just a skeleton or a pair of eyeballs behind. It’s creepy, but also kind of funny!

Mouse: P.I. for Hire Has Fun With Its Film Noir Influences

Mouse: P.I. for Hire features Jack E. Pepper, a mouse who works as a private detective. The game is funny, and a big part of that humor comes from its characters playing it straight – they say ridiculous things with complete seriousness. It’s reminiscent of the comedy style of the Zucker Brothers, where the actors’ dedication to the bit makes everything even funnier.

Troy Baker is fantastic, as usual. He really nails the classic, tough detective voice, bringing a great mix of cynicism and sarcasm to the character of Jack, making him complex and interesting. The other characters also fit the film noir atmosphere perfectly.

Okay, so I’ve been playing Mouse: P.I. for Hire, and the characters are seriously cool – you’ve got femme fatales, shady guys, the whole deal. But it’s not just who you meet, it’s where you are. Mouseburg feels like a real, breathing city, and it’s packed with secrets and conflict. The way they use shadows really adds to the atmosphere, making everything feel mysterious and a little creepy. It’s a really immersive world!

Mouse: P. I for Hire’s Gameplay Is Fun But Janky

Because Mouse: P.I. for Hire is inspired by 1930s crime dramas, the weapons in the game feel true to that time period. You’ll find a Tommy gun – playfully named the James gun – and other weapons from the era. I especially liked the bare knuckles; they’re presented as if someone is throwing a punch.

The game plays a lot like the 2016 version of Doom, putting you in a fast-paced, first-person shooter where you fight waves of enemies. The controls are generally good, though there are occasional hiccups during intense battles. Sometimes, crouching or dashing doesn’t feel quite as responsive as it should, which can be a little annoying. However, overall the gameplay is inventive and enjoyable.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire Is One of 2026’s Most Unique Games

Despite its playful title, Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a surprisingly effective detective story. The classic black-and-white cartoon visuals perfectly suit the gritty, hard-boiled plot. While fans of film noir will especially enjoy it, the humor makes it accessible and entertaining for everyone.

While the controls in Mouse: P.I. for Hire could be a little clunky and unresponsive at times, that doesn’t diminish how amazing and enjoyable the game is. It’s a truly unique experience, and easily one of the best games of 2026 we’ve seen so far.

The detective game Mouse: P.I for Hire will launch on April 16th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Versions for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the original Nintendo Switch will be released at a later time.

This review was written with a PC review code of Mouse: P.I for Hire provided by PlaySide Studios.

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2026-04-14 19:18