A Blast from the Past, and a Blast to the Face
Every now and then, a game comes along that makes you stop scrolling and say, “What on earth is that?” ‘Mouse: P.I. For Hire’ is one of those games. When the first clips dropped, the internet immediately made the comparison: it looks like ‘Cuphead’ but plays like ‘DOOM’. It’s a black-and-white, gritty noir first-person shooter set in a world that looks exactly like a 1930s cartoon. And the most incredible part? It’s not a gimmick. It’s a jaw-dropping artistic achievement that is poised to be one of the most stylish games ever made.
In a new behind-the-scenes trailer from developer Fumi Games and publisher PlaySide, we got a deeper look into how this “hand-crafted entertainment” is being made. And if you weren’t already hyped, you will be now.
The Art of Rubber Hose Animation
The first thing that grabs you about ‘Mouse: P.I. For Hire’ is its unbelievable art style. This isn’t a 3D game with a cartoon filter slapped on top. As the developers proudly state in the new trailer, “Everything you see-characters, weapons-it’s drawn by hand, frame by frame.” This is the same painstaking ‘rubber hose’ animation technique used by Disney and Fleischer Studios in the golden age of cartoons. The result is a game that moves with a bouncy, fluid energy that feels both nostalgic and utterly unique for a first-person shooter.
The team at Fumi Games has leaned into this aesthetic completely. The levels are inspired by classic cartoon locations, the enemies are goofy-looking crooks, and your arsenal includes everything from a Tommy gun to a cartoonishly large stick of dynamite. It’s a world that feels pulled directly from a lost animated classic.
Guns Blazing in Toon Town
Behind the charming visuals is a fast-paced, action-packed “boomer shooter.” You play as Jack Pepper, a private investigator mouse voiced by the legendary Troy Baker (‘The Last of Us’, ‘BioShock Infinite’). The gameplay is all about high-speed movement, explosive gunplay, and taking on hordes of enemies. It’s a perfect marriage of old-school aesthetics and modern FPS design.
The developers have designed the game around one simple principle: having fun. The behind-the-scenes trailer shows off a variety of weapons and abilities, from standard firearms to more creative cartoon tools, all designed to make you feel like a hard-boiled detective in a world gone mad. It’s a jazz-fueled adventure that promises non-stop action.
More to Come: A Deep Dive and a Release Date
This latest trailer is just a taste of what’s to come. Fumi Games has announced that a full, in-depth making-of documentary will premiere as part of the ID@Xbox showcase on Tuesday, October 28th. This will give fans an even closer look at the incredible artistry and development process behind the game.
Even more exciting is the news that the game’s highly anticipated release date will finally be revealed during the Galaxies Gaming Showcase on October 23rd. While we know the game is coming in 2025, we’ll soon have a firm date to mark on our calendars.
FAQs
1. What kind of game is ‘Mouse: P.I. For Hire’?
It’s a stylized first-person shooter (often called a “boomer shooter”) with a visual style inspired by 1930s rubber hose animation cartoons.
2. Is the game really hand-drawn?
Yes. The developers have confirmed that all characters, weapons, and animations are drawn by hand, frame by frame, just like classic cartoons.
3. Who do you play as?
You play as Jack Pepper, a hard-boiled mouse private investigator voiced by the prolific and acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker.
4. When is the release date?
The official release date will be announced on October 23, 2025. The game is confirmed to be releasing sometime in 2025.
5. What platforms will ‘Mouse: P.I. For Hire’ be on?
It is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
6. Where can I see more about the game’s development?
A full deep-dive documentary about the making of the game will be shown during the ID@Xbox showcase on October 28, 2025.
Conclusion
‘Mouse: P.I. For Hire’ is more than just a clever idea; it’s a testament to the power of artistic vision in game development. In a sea of hyper-realistic graphics, Fumi Games is crafting something that stands out, not just for its unique look, but for its commitment to a classic animation style that requires immense skill and dedication. It’s a game made with love, by real people, for real people. Keep your eyes peeled for the release date reveal next week, because this is one case you’ll definitely want to take on.