When Mouse: P.I. for Hire was first revealed years ago as a proof-of-concept, it immediately captured the internet's attention with its hand-drawn 1930s animation style and quirky concept. Now that it's a full-fledged game, the initial promise has translated into a product that’s filled with charm but not without its flaws. Here's how this noir-inspired indie title stacks up.

A World of Rubber Hose Animation

One of the defining features of Mouse: P.I. for Hire is its meticulous attention to the art and atmosphere of 1930s cartoons, often referred to as the "rubber hose" animation style. Everything, from the hand-drawn characters to the animated weapons, feels like a moving piece of classic cartoon history. Players step into the shoes of Jack Pepper, a private eye navigating Mouseberg, a vibrant rodent noir city, to solve a mystery involving personal stakes and the city’s fate, all while blasting cartoonishly violent enemies.

Visually, the game is stunning. From its detailed overworld map, where players can pilot Jack’s tiny car around Mouseberg, to the grainy textures that echo vintage films, it’s clear the visuals are the strongest asset here. The game allows you to tweak these aesthetic elements with various filters—ranging from crisp black-and-white to a washed-out, grainy look—and sound settings, including radio crackles and vinyl warmth. This flexibility is exciting, offering players the opportunity to tailor the experience to their nostalgic preferences.

The animations add another layer of immersion. Enemies disintegrate into piles of dust, their skeletons flash cartoonishly during electrifying moments, and Jack’s weaponry—squishy and highly expressive—comes alive. Paired with a big band swing and jazz soundtrack performed by a real band, Mouse: P.I. for Hire creates an auditory and visual feast that old-school animation fans will adore.

Gameplay: A Mix of Old-School and Modern Mechanics

At its core, Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a first-person shooter that embraces simplicity. It’s been described as a "boomer shooter," with its fast-paced action, lack of aim-down-sights mechanics, and an old-school approach to encounter design. Players zip around levels, kick enemies, switch between unique weapons, and toss dynamite via a weapon wheel, all while navigating relatively big, multi-layered levels.

The shooting mechanics are straightforward, with a zippy pace that keeps the action flowing. However, the hit detection and feedback can sometimes feel lackluster, detracting from the satisfaction of combat. What makes up for this are the creative weapon animations and upgrades. Through exploration, players collect currency and blueprints to enhance their arsenal, introducing alt-fire modes and better performance upgrades. These elements of progression encourage thorough exploration, though the environments themselves often feel generic. While some areas showcase the same meticulous artistry found in the characters, many corridors and set pieces lack the distinct vibrancy of Mouseberg’s bustling streets.

A Story that Stumbles

Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a story-driven game, which may catch some off guard. Unfortunately, despite its ambitious narrative focus, the storyline struggles to fully captivate. As Jack Pepper, you uncover clues in your investigator office and transition into new missions, supported by voice acting—it’s worth noting that Troy Baker voices Jack Peppe. This noir-tinged performance lends authenticity to the character, but the overall dialogue and mystery fall flat. Attempts at humor and tongue-in-cheek noir tropes often miss the mark, and the considerable dialogue sections might leave players anxious to jump back into the action.

What saves the story moments from total irrelevance are some of the animated NPCs in Mouseberg. With anthropomorphic characters like rats, mice, and shrews engaging in public life, these instances feel like glimpses into a richly imagined world. The city oozes atmosphere when it’s bustling, but many static story sequences frame the otherwise lavishly drawn characters too rigidly to truly sell the narrative.

Challenges and Puzzles

Mouse: P.I. for Hire doesn’t shy away from providing a challenge. With three difficulty levels (easy, normal, hard), the game gradually ramps up, presenting tougher shooting encounters and some surprisingly tricky puzzles. Enemy encounters often take place in tight, confined arenas, forcing players to employ dashes, jumps, and strafing to avoid attacks. Boss fights, while visually thrilling, don’t always elevate the gameplay, as they heavily rely on movement and quick shooting rather than innovative strategy.

The game’s puzzles, intended to break up the action, also range in challenge, with some sections proving frustrating. While they bring variety, they don’t always feel polished in their implementation.

Who Is This For?

Mouse: P.I. for Hire feels like it was made for a specific group of players—those who are drawn to its rubber hose animation style, enjoy simple old-school shooters, or are fans of the noir aesthetic. While the game’s presentation hits the mark, particularly its visuals and music, the moment-to-moment gameplay doesn’t reach the same heights. The environments can feel repetitive, and the lack of impactful hit feedback diminishes some of the combat’s fun. The narrative, while ambitious, feels undercooked, which is a significant gap given the game’s focus on world-building and story delivery.

A Foundation for the Future

Despite its flaws, Mouse: P.I. for Hire has great potential for a sequel. Building on its immersive visual style, the developers could refine the shooting mechanics, add more creative environments, and double down on crafting a compelling story. This initial outing is a "decent enough" experience for those who are intrigued by the art style and nostalgia. For others, it might be worth waiting until the backlog clears before giving it a try.

As an indie game with AA aspirations, it delivers in presentation but leaves room for improvement in gameplay and story design. Here’s hoping any future iterations of Mouse Pepper’s noir adventures fully realize the potential bubbling beneath its stylish surface.