PlaySide Studios and Fumi Games dropped a special treat for fans of noir shooters and vintage American animation alike, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – A Deep Dive Documentary. This behind-the-scenes featurette pulls back the curtain on one of the most stylish indie projects in years, giving players an in-depth look at how the hand-crafted world of MOUSE P.I. For Hire came to life.
This amazing documentary, which can be viewed below, dives straight into the creative process behind the game’s distinct aesthetic. The developers at Fumi Games discuss how they’ve painstakingly recreated the “rubber hose” animation style that defined 1930s American cartoons; a hallmark of classic series like Betty Boop and Steamboat Willie. Every character, weapon, and motion is hand-drawn, frame by frame, resulting in a visual experience that feels authentic, nostalgic, and alive.
Watch this, and come away amazed like I was.
At the heart of MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is Jack Pepper, a hardboiled detective voiced by the one and Troy Baker… some person I’ve never heard of before (LOL). Pepper’s story is a gritty dive into the underbelly of a city riddled with corruption, kidnappings, and murder. It’s a true noir playground where justice often comes from the barrel of a gun. The documentary teases bits of this tangled narrative, setting the tone for a world dripping in atmosphere and attitude.
I’ve been watching this game since it was announced and the one thing that draws me in is the early American animation look. Seriously, this looks like a cartoon come to life and just like other gems like Cuphead, this looks amazing. It’s like instead of waking of to watch a cartoon, we’re jumping into it.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire doesn’t have a set release date yet, but after this latest showcase, it’s clear that Fumi Games is building something special, and I’m looking forward to this gritty, yet beautiful shooter where every frame tells a story, and every bullet is drawn with care.
I just hope this game has ultrawide monitor support when it finally drops. So, Fumi Games, how about that?
