Mouse: P.I. for Hire—a Whimsical Noir Adventure
Mouse: P.I. for Hire embodies the charm of turning whimsical concepts into a fully realized video game. Initially sparked by a casual social media discussion about a first-person shooter reminiscent of the Betty Boop era, this idea has blossomed into a tangible product showcased at the Summer Game Fest. During my time at the event, I sat down with Fumi Games’ lead producer Maciej Krzemień and game director Mateusz Michalak, who took me through a playable level of the game. The blend of first-person shooter mechanics, detective gameplay, and storytelling was captivating, especially when brought to life through the distinct black-and-white cartoon style paired with the voice of renowned actor Troy Baker, who voices the protagonist, Jack Pepper.
The game captures the essence of classic noir narratives, filled with themes of betrayal, crime, and allegiances. The writing plays a crucial role in constructing the game’s atmosphere, underscored by carefully selected period music and a vintage film grain filter. While the developers hail from Poland, they adeptly channel American noir influences, primarily inspired by Raymond Chandler’s literary works. Their meticulous approach includes historical research to ensure authentic language and settings resonate with players. As Krzemień explained, they respected the genre while infusing lighthearted elements, establishing a cohesive tone throughout the game.
During my preview, I navigated a level set in an opera house, where Pepper seeks to find an old magician friend tied to a convoluted case. The gameplay intricately weaves detective mechanics into the fabric of a traditional shooter. Players can choose to engage in stealthy tactics, such as bribing a kitchen worker for entry or sneaking through air ducts, or they can dive straight into action. An innovative mechanic lets players use a camera to gather evidence, creating layers of complexity that intrigue players and open side quests through photography. This investigative aspect adds depth to the narrative and enriches the gameplay, providing multiple routes to approach each mission.
Underlying the fun and lighthearted gameplay is a serious narrative exploring significant social themes, mirroring the socio-political landscape of the 1930s, including topics such as the rise of fascism. The game navigates these serious themes while maintaining a playful atmosphere. The creators’ selection process for voice actors was also notable, with Troy Baker standing out due to his ability to convey both the jaded complexity of Pepper and the game’s overall tone. The connection Baker had with the game, having followed its development, added excitement as the team brought him on board, elevating the production quality.
As I continued through the operative level, the mouse-themed mechanics became apparent, offering whimsical touches to gameplay. For instance, engaging environments required players to use a tail mechanic to navigate through the opera house effectively, emphasizing a contrast between serious narrative elements and playful gameplay. Enemies appeared regularly, prompting the use of a variety of weapons, all of which had cartoonish animations complementing the aesthetic. Beyond direct combat, collectibles like newspapers and baseball cards filled the environment with lore, enriching players’ understanding of the world and adding incentives for exploration.
Fumi Games’ dedication to capturing the vintage cartoon aesthetic was apparent in the animation quality despite the challenges of replicating such a classic art style. The dev team utilized various visual effects, including motion outlines and old-fashioned filters, creating an engaging and immersive player experience. These details not only enhance the visual fidelity but allow players to toggle certain effects for an even more authentic experience. As the preview level concluded amid chaos, the opulent theater served as a backdrop for character interactions and narrative revelations, paving the way for future adventures in this unique blend of the detective genre.
Mouse: P.I. for Hire is set to make its debut later this year on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. The game boldly merges old-school shooter elements with classic humor, platforming dynamics, and noir storytelling, creating a fresh experience that walks the fine line between homage and innovation. The artistic integrity with which Fumi Games has approached this project indicates that players can expect a meticulously crafted adventure, fueled by creativity and a respect for the timeless style of early animation.
