The first-person shooter genre is about to get a whole lot grittier—and cartoonier. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, the explosive new FPS from developer Fumi Games and publisher PlaySide, is rapidly approaching its 2025 release, and TheBigBois got an exclusive up-close look at the game during TwitchCon San Diego 2025 that left us buzzing.
On Saturday, October 18, we (Zachary and Dustin) sat down at the PlaySide booth (#4825-IND) with Jonny Roses, Global Senior Communications Manager, for a 30-minute hands-off demo. What we saw wasn’t just a game; it was a black-and-white, jazz-fueled spectacle that perfectly marries the charm of 1930s “rubber hose” animation with the adrenaline rush of a modern FPS.
The Art of Monochromatic Mayhem
What immediately sets MOUSE: P.I. For Hire apart is its unparalleled aesthetic. The visual style is a meticulously crafted homage to cartoons like Steamboat Willie and the early animation era, executed entirely in striking monochrome. During our interview, Roses shed some light on the technical brilliance behind this unique look.
The entire world of Mouseburg is built within the Unity Engine, which Fumi Games has leveraged to make the hand-drawn, rubber-hose style truly pop in three dimensions. The result is a game that looks exactly like a living, breathing cartoon from the 1930s, right down to the character movements and comic demises of the enemies. This blend of cutting-edge engine technology and retro art techniques is what makes the visual identity so unique and memorable.
Unraveling the Gritty Noir Story
During the hands-off presentation, we learned more about the game’s protagonist, Private Investigator Jack Pepper. Pepper, a mouse who was once a war hero, is now a detective in the corrupt, noir-inspired city of Mouseburg. His journey begins with a classic damsel-in-distress scenario—a seemingly cliché start that quickly spirals into a complex web of intrigue.
As P.I. Pepper starts scratching the surface of the city’s seedy underbelly, he uncovers a plot involving murder, high-level corruption, and heavily armed gangs. This narrative thread is what keeps the over-the-top first-person action grounded in a dark, gritty noir atmosphere. The developers are clearly focused on delivering a compelling story that provides context for the comical, gun-blazing chaos.
Guns Blazing with Cartoon Chaos
The action itself looks frenetic and visceral. Pepper’s arsenal is designed to unleash cartoon chaos, ranging from crackling Tommy guns to explosive, creatively twisted weaponry. The gameplay blends classic FPS action with playful, non-linear map exploration.
What makes the combat unique is the use of comical demises and cartoon physics, adding a lighthearted twist to the violence. Upgrades are just as eccentric; Pepper can enhance his melee combat with a can of Spike-D Spinach, or use a Grappling Hook attached to his mouse tail for rapid aerial traversal across the diverse city playground—from dark city streets and casinos to vast underground sewers.
Release Date Hype
While the TwitchCon demo was hands-off, it certainly stoked our anticipation. The team at PlaySide confirmed they are still aiming for a 2025 release, with a definitive date announcement hopefully coming this month or next.
The BigBois team (Zachary and Dustin) is definitely excited to get our hands on the game soon, whether through a demo or the full release. MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is shaping up to be one of the most stylish and distinctive shooters of the year.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is scheduled for release in 2025 on Steam. A demo is expected soon. Follow the development team’s official channels for the latest updates.
