The Maritime Nerd MOUSE: P.I. For Hire Review

What’s up, everybody? I’m back with another review, and today we’re taking a look at the highly anticipated indie title Mouse: P.I. for Hire. Does it get caught in the trap, or does it walk away with all the cheese? Let’s find out. Story: Set in the stylish world of 1930s cartoons blended with classic noir film, you play as Jack Pepper, a sharp-witted detective investigating a missing person case and a murder. As Jack digs deeper into these mysteries, he becomes entangled in something far more sinister involving corruption, politics, and dangerous conspiracies. It’s up to you to uncover how everything connects in this gripping detective adventure. Gameplay: At first glance, Mouse: P.I. for Hire may appear to be a standard first-person shooter, but once you dive in, it reveals itself as a creative blend of arena shooter and classic FPS action, similar to Doom. Combat encounters are triggered in specially marked rooms where skull-marked doors unleash waves of enemies. During these intense shootouts, the music escalates, your weapon is drawn, and once the battle concludes, the doors open with the ringing of a boxing bell, signaling the end of the round. The weapon variety is where the game truly shines. While traditional firearms like pistols, shotguns, and machine guns are available, the game introduces highly imaginative weapons such as acid guns that melt enemies, ice guns that freeze foes for devastating melee attacks, and sonic ray guns capable of exploding enemy heads. These inventive weapons add a fresh layer of excitement to every encounter. The game also features standout sections inspired by classics like Popeye and Cuphead. In some moments, Jack can consume spinach to unleash powerful melee attacks, while other sequences allow for rapid-fire hand shooting reminiscent of Cuphead’s gameplay style. Outside of combat, players will platform through levels using special abilities, search for hidden cash, collect secret blueprints for weapon upgrades, and gather baseball cards. These cards unlock a mini-game between missions that resembles Gwent from The Witcher 3, though it becomes increasingly challenging as the game progresses. Between missions, you’ll return to Jack’s office, where you analyze evidence to piece together your cases through a simplified investigation board similar to Alan Wake 2. You’ll also explore sections of the city, speaking with politicians, reporters, shopkeepers, and bartenders while enjoying the game’s constant stream of charmingly cheesy humor. Conclusion: Mouse: P.I. for Hire is an outstandingly original experience that stands out through its black-and-white visual style, authentic 1930s cartoon aesthetic, and creative weapon design. It proves that color isn’t necessary to deliver a memorable and engaging adventure. With roughly 20 hours of gameplay and a $40 price point, this title offers exceptional value. Mouse: P.I. for Hire — 8.5/10