Mouse: P.I. for Hire, Into the Unwell Follow the Trail Blazed by Cuphead

by

Summary

  • Mouse for Hire: P.I. and Into The Unwell emulate Cuphead’s retro art style and intense gameplay.
  • Both games promise unique experiences, blending charming animation with the FPS and third-person roguelite genres.
  • With Mouse: P.I. releasing sometime in 2025 and Into The Unwell coming to Early Access, fans can expect two distinctly entertaining adventures.

2025’s Summer Game Fest grand finale has concluded. In this yearly spectacle, a variety of intriguing new game unveilings and world premieres from indie to AAA productions were showcased, culminating with the much-anticipated next installment in the Resident Evil series. Among the many games presented, two titles specifically—Mouse for Hire: P.I. by Fumi Games, and Into The Unwell from She Was Such A Good Horse—were particularly noteworthy due to their strong resemblance to one of 2017’s most acclaimed games, Cuphead. Both the art design for Mouse for Hire: P.I. and that of Into The Unwell evoke the distinctive animation style reminiscent of Steamboat Willy from Cuphead.

The distinctive art style of Cuphead, combined with its nerve-wracking and challenging gameplay, has made it a favorite for numerous gamers. It seems that Into The Unwell and Mouse for Hire: P.I. are drawing significant inspiration from Cuphead by adopting a similar approach – blending appealingly vintage art with intense gameplay mechanics across two distinct genres.

“Mouse for Hire: P.I.” is slated for release in 2025, but a specific date hasn’t been set yet. On the other hand, “Into The Unwell” will be transitioning into Early Access later this year, and sign-ups are currently open for its upcoming beta testing phase.

Into The Unwell and Mouse: P.I. for Hire Look to Capture the Retro Cartoon Style and Chaotic Action Popularized by Cuphead

Mouse for Hire: P.I. and Into The Unwell Are Clearly Channeling Cuphead’s Aesthetics

Instead of striving for more realistic graphics as technology progresses, games like Cuphead stand out by adopting a distinctive “rubber hose” animation style reminiscent of 1930’s American cartoons. This is evident in the recent trailers for Mouse for Hire: P.I. and Into The Unwell, both of which emphasize their use of this exaggerated art form. It seems that games resembling Cuphead might become more popular, as these titles blend this unique artistic approach with their own original twists and gameplay mechanics.

Into The Unwell and Mouse for Hire: P.I. Promise Intense and Zany Experiences Like Cuphead’s

According to its Steam page, “Mouse for Hire: P.I.” is a thrilling first-person shooter set in a noir environment. The city of Mouseburg is filled with dangerous gangs and shady characters, and our protagonist, Private Eye Jack Pepper, will uncover its corruption. The game features hand-drawn visuals in monochrome and retro jazz music, both created using techniques from the past era. At SGF, it was also announced that Troy Baker, a renowned voice actor, will lend his talent to give life to our hard-boiled detective character, adding an extra layer of appeal to the game’s entertaining gunplay within its humorous world.

In the vein of Double Fine’s cherished Psychonauts series, Into The Unwell employs a satirical setup reminiscent of a third-person action roguelite. Players assume roles as an eclectic group of characters who are heavily medicated and lost in a whimsically gloomy dreamscape. This journey takes the form of a spiritual quest where players strive for self-control, ultimately triumphing through their personal vices. Along the way, they’ll encounter peculiar bosses, eccentric characters, and traverse the fantastical landscapes of The Unwell.

In addition to single-player mode, Into The Unwell offers cooperative gameplay for up to three players. Arsenal of weapons include the absurdly large ice cream cone and the lobotomized lollipop, among others. The game also features a system for unlocking progression and enhancing abilities as you advance through the game.

For enthusiasts of the distinctive blend of stylish violence and humorous narrative found in games like Cuphead, it’s worthwhile to watch out for Mouse for Hire: P.I. and Into The Unwell. These upcoming titles are set to offer captivating fresh experiences that continue this unique art direction and genre exploration.

Read More

2025-06-07 20:24