MOUSE: P.I. For Hire Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Step into a world of cartoon animation and retro action-packed adventure in Mouse. Inspired by the best of 30s rubber hose animation and the classic noir style, this retro shooter is a story-driven experience that will take you on a thrilling journey through a dangerous and corrupt city.Step into a world of cartoon animation and retro action-packed adventure in Mouse. Inspired by the best of 30s rubber hose animation and the classic noir style, this retro shooter is a story-driven experience that will take you on a thrilling journey through a dangerous and corrupt city.

    Armed with a variety of mid-century firearms and explosives like the Revolver, Tommy Gun, Hammer, Carcano, Dynamite, you'll be able to take on enemies in any way you choose. Whether you prefer to run and gun, jump and dodge, or carefully plan your attacks, Mouse gives you the freedom to approach combat your way.

    And with the Fantastic-o-Matic power-up system, you'll be able to upgrade your weapons and abilities to become even more deadly. Look for the vending machines scattered throughout the city and choose the power-ups that best suit your playstyle.

    But be warned: the city is full of danger and betrayal. To survive, you'll need to stay sharp and keep your wits about you. With every step you take, you'll uncover more of the story and find yourself caught up in a web of deceit and murder.

    So gear up, get ready to fight, and take on the challenges of Mouse - a retro shooter that will take you on an unforgettable adventure.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Apr 14, 2026
    90
    MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is a visual treat, but it’s also a memorable experience to play. It’s a classic shooter that oozes charisma and will provide hours of good fun.
  2. Apr 15, 2026
    80
    MOUSE: P.I. for Hire offers incredible art and animation, as well as enjoyable first-person shootouts. For that, it certainly succeeds — just don't expect it to do much of anything else.
  3. Apr 14, 2026
    80
    Mouse: P.I. For Hire is one of those titles that works better than you think it would. Nailing the Doom-like gunplay and rubber-hose art style, it’s just as enjoyable to play as it is to look at. Plus, with a stellar cast, especially Troy Baker, it’s one of the most memorable shooters you can play. There are a few holes in it, like various glitches and repetitive elements, but it's a cheese worth taking a bite of.
  4. Apr 17, 2026
    80
    Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a good game, it plays well with an engaging story brought to life by the excellent Troy Baker. However, tonally it is all over the shop and the detective part of the game is perfunctory at best, but it gets away with it thanks to the joyous visuals and music.
  5. Apr 26, 2026
    80
    Mouse P.I delivers an exceptional amount of cheese and laughter. You will love this boomer shooter when you see it for what it is: an exaggerated, classic cartoon that isn’t concerned with logic.
  6. May 4, 2026
    80
    MOUSE: P.I. For Hire doesn’t reinvent the boomer shooter formula, but it carves out its own space through a strong visual and audio identity. Its gameplay is solid, accessible, and fun, though it can feel somewhat simple at times. The blend of noir cinema and cartoon aesthetics works better than expected, resulting in a cohesive experience that stands out more for its style and execution than for its ambition.
  7. Apr 14, 2026
    60
    Segmenting out these little nuggets of cheese harms much more than its story. Mouse’s ability to successfully channel the golden age of American animation in boomer shooter form is fascinating, as the comedic qualities of this embellished animation style are timeless and not exclusive to just one medium. But that slick presentation can’t make up for unremarkable gunplay and lethargic pacing. It’s common for rubber-hose animation to stretch out various limbs and body parts, but Mouse took that inspiration too far by stretching out its levels, gameplay, and story, too.

See all 25 Critic Reviews