Have you ever wondered if combining the FPS genre with cartoon graphics would create a masterpiece? Do you think cartoon visuals can be paired with extremely violent gameplay? Introducing: MOUSE: P.I. For Hire.
A Symphony of Bullets and 1930s Jazz
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is a fast-paced “boomer shooter” that requires players to move constantly. The game is a first-person shooter (FPS) full of action featuring the signature black-and-white “Rubber hose” graphic style of the 1930s (similar to early Mickey Mouse cartoons or the game Cuphead).
Developed by Fumi Games and published by PlaySide, this game is expected to be released on April 16, 2026. Players will take on the role of Jack Pepper, a former war hero currently working as a private investigator. The story takes place in Mouseburg, a cartoon city full of corruption, crime, and dangerous gangs.
The story begins with a simple case of disappearance but quickly pulls Jack into a sinister web of conspiracy involving corrupt politicians and the underworld. Notably, the character Jack Pepper is voiced by the famous actor Troy Baker (who voiced Joel in The Last of Us). The game features an original big band jazz soundtrack, recorded by a live orchestra, creating a vivid and captivating noir atmosphere.
The most prominent feature of the game is the “Cartoon Violence” combat system. Although the game’s graphics look like a children’s cartoon, the gameplay is extremely violent in a satirical style. First, the game developer added many special interactive effects: enemies who are shot will have characteristic expressions of 1930s animation, such as eyes popping out, turning charred black when caught in an explosion, or melting into a puddle of ink.
In addition to the Tommy gun (an icon of the Noir genre), players will wield other “crazy” weapons such as fingers that shoot bullets, giant hammers, or bombs shaped like oranges and apples.
The game also integrates elements such as a grappling hook, double-jump, and wall-run to explore non-linear maps, creating an incredibly exciting experience for players. Players will also have to find clues, solve puzzles, and perform interrogations to solve cases.
Overall, this is a promising project that combines visual nostalgia with modern shooting gameplay. You can add the game to your Wishlist on Steam to receive a notification as soon as the game launches! Remember to use our comparison tool to buy MOUSE: P.I. For Hire at the best price!