MOUSE: P.I. For Hire

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire

Released Apr 2026

Join private investigator Jack Pepper on a guns blazing, jazz-fueled adventure in MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. MOUSE combines the charm of hand-drawn rubber hose animation inspired by the classic cartoons of the 1930’s with the adrenaline and action of an explosive first person shooter.

93% positive · 16K reviews
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam $29.99
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Evaluation

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire launched on April 16, 2026 at $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe Edition at $39.99 that bundles the base game, the original soundtrack, a digital comic book, and access to the first Story DLC expansion. Both the soundtrack and comic book DLCs shipped on launch day, but the Story DLC remains unlisted with no release date. The developer has been actively supporting the game since launch. A series of hotfixes followed release, then a major patch (v1.1.0) on June 2, 2026 added widescreen support, performance improvements, and extensive bug fixes. On July 9, 2026, an even larger update (v1.2.1) added the highly-requested Level Revisit feature — letting players return to completed levels to collect missed items — along with further performance and quality-of-life improvements. A follow-up bug fix patch (v1.2.2) shipped on July 27, 2026. In the v1.2.1 patch notes, the team explicitly stated: "We are absolutely not done yet, so please follow our channels for more updates in the future." The most recent news post, dated August 5, 2026, announced a Steam bundle collaboration with New Blood Interactive and highlighted the Level Revisit feature addition. The unreleased Story DLC — sold as part of the Digital Deluxe Edition since before launch — remains the primary outstanding commitment. Players who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition are still awaiting this content.
Evidence
Update v1.2.1 patch notes state 'We are absolutely not done yet, so please follow our channels for more updates in the future,' confirming ongoing development intentions.
news post · Jul 9, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Launch announcement describes the Digital Deluxe Edition as including 'access to the first DLC expansion (releasing at a later date),' confirming a post-launch content commitment.
news post · Apr 16, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

2 of 3 released · 1 planned

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
PlaySide
Achievements
34
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is an action-packed first-person shooter that draws inspiration from the classic cartoons of the 1930s. Its black and white rubber hose visuals are drawn by hand, frame by frame, delivering a striking vintage aesthetic. Unravel layers of corruption with a thrilling noir-fueled detective story, lively environments to explore, an original big band jazz soundtrack, and a fully-loaded arsenal of cartoon weapons and devastating power-ups.

Meet Private Investigator Jack Pepper, a former war hero-turned-detective in a world where danger lurks even in the smallest mouse hole. Uncover the truth when a simple missing persons case quickly escalates into a complex web of intrigue, with corruption, kidnapping and murder all on the docket. Investigate the seedy underbelly of Mouseburg, battle heavily armed gangs and crooked cops, and discover clues to reveal the conspiracy buried underneath the surface.

From crackling machine guns to explosive firepower, each weapon in Pepper’s arsenal is designed to deploy non-stop cartoon chaos. Arm yourself with an array of classic, creatively twisted and experimental firearms, and consume powerful upgrades when you need that extra spinach-loaded punch! Lethal encounters and manic boss battles await in this boomer shooter-inspired, retro-vibed adventure - and the denizens of Mouseburg never go down without a fight.

Explore a diverse city playground, from dark streets to classic film studios, opulent opera buildings, poisonous swamps and underground sewers. With a myriad of cases to solve and collectibles to find, Mouseburg is truly a detective’s delight! Use every tool at your disposal to wall-run, grapple-hook and double-jump through this unrelenting cartoon world.

  • Black and white, hand-drawn rubber hose animation, inspired by cartoons of the 1930s

  • Fast-paced FPS combat, where constant movement is key

  • A thrilling single-player campaign that unravels a complex web of crime and corruption

  • Over 20 noir-infused levels, teeming with mice, rats and shrews

  • Fully-loaded arsenal of over ten unique weapons and equipment - with a cartoon twist

  • Devastating consumable power-ups, capable of turning the tide of any battle

  • Unlockable movement abilities and Metroidvania-inspired level traversal

  • Original jazz soundtrack, featuring a big band orchestral ensemble

Last evaluated Aug 14, 2026
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