Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5
Genre: First-Person Shooter, Boomer Shooter, Noir, 1930s Animation, Action

When a triple-A video game studio tries something new and unique, it’s a breath of fresh air. But what about if an indie studio with a fraction of that manpower doing that exact concept? It’s definitely nothing short of a marvel, especially if it’s a first-time project.

Through hell and highwater, new studio Fumi Games has made an impact with its meaty first-person boomer shooter, solely narrative-driven and has gameplay chops to back it up. Almost like as if it’s longing for the bygone days of the aughts shooters. The kicker? Everything is black-and-white and in rubberhouse 1930s Disney-esque animation, alongside all the cliches from pulp action and detective noir shows you know and love.

“We’re all monsters, buddy. Monsters in the pocket of god…”

You play as detective Jack Pepper who is given a slew of cases and investigations dealing with the denizens of Mouseburg. Sometimes you sneak around and find evidence, while other times you talk to random suspects and witnesses to get what you need. But most of the time, you’ll be shooting down thugs, cops, and cultists all out to get you and impede your case. In other words, a 2000s-era boomer shooter with a focused goal in mind and an aesthetic to stand out.

And boy, does is do so in a magnanomous way. Its presentation is nothing short of astounding and unique, with a ton of funny and detailed animations from how you use and cock your gun, to how enemies die when you fill them with lead or acid. Or use the nearby anvil that’s suspended onto a rope, Wile E. Coyote style. The last time this sort of rubberhose animation technique was pulled off successfully and with fanfare was with 2017’s Cuphead. MOUSE: PI For Hire really goes hard with its noir schtick and black-and-white grainy motion picture commitment, though it has a few surprises in store that will wow you.

Part of that is due to its voicework, with big names like Troy Baker reeling it in as main character Jack Pepper. Fumi Games spared no expense in its vocal work, and it pays off immensely. It’s hard to imagine this game playing like a true silent movie, as each character’s VO are in on the 1930s homage and jokes, playing it half straight and half comedic, fully coming up on top.

The levels too are just more than just arena fights against said cops and cultists; they pretty much are laid out and designed like actual stages and sets for the area they’re in. From dangerous bayous to Tinseltown-like sets used for Westerns and horror schlock, each level in MOUSE: PI For Hire is uniquely its own, and is worth exploring every nook and cranny of.

Even if some parts feel homogenous -like the crawlspaces and vents for a few of the sneaking bits- there are a few rug pulls in its stages and level design; the good kind that makes you go “gee why wasn’t this done in past boomer shooters?”. Without spoiling them, I honestly came away surprised and loving the title more the deeper I got into it.

Even the supposed window dressing is just too good to pass up; the side banter, the writing in the news articles you collect, and even the baseball cards you collect for the optional minigame; all of them just adds flavour and life to an already lively black-and-white action setting. That said, some repetition does set in for some of its main story quests, particular the combat rooms and arena shooter moments. The game could use a bit more enemy variety at times.

“Whichever way you turn, fate sticks out a foot to trip you…”

While a few missions may seem a bit same-y and wear out their welcome, you’re not going to find any first-person shooter as beautiful, as artistically focused, and thoughtfully laid-out as MOUSE: P.I For Hire. Fumi Games’ debut boomer shooter blasts through the proverbial indie games door with a bang with its fun-though-familiar-but-in-a-unique-coat-of-paint experience, and for 12 hours worth to boot! While you’ll be waylaid by a barrage of cheese puns & references, at least it’s the kind that’s filling, tastes good, and has little to no stench.

Pros

• Fun yet familiar boomer shooter gameplay that feels good.
• Great challenge, especially on the highest setting.
• Unique art style and music.
• Lovely narrative and voice work that pays homage to noir flicks & 1930s cartoons.

Cons

• One or two levels feel too long and repetitive in the tooth, even for boomer shooter standards.
• Needs a bit more enemy variety.

Final Score: 90/100

Review copy provided by publisher.