Mouse: P.I. For Hire stands out with its style and shooter part, but at its core is a detective story. The player, as Jack Pepper, investigates cases of missing people.
Despite the presence of an investigation board, as in Alan Wake 2, the plot is simpler. Fumi Games head Mateusz Michalak said:
Although in some cases you can explore levels and complete individual cases in the order you choose, the story in Mouse: P.I. For Hire remains relatively linear. But that doesn't mean you can't come to the wrong conclusions! By collecting clues and evidence, you may think you know the answers and how it will all end, but there are several plot twists along the way…
The developer also explained how the locations are arranged:
Most of the levels in Mouse: P.I. For Hire need to be visited to complete the main story – so yes, you will visit them all! There are additional tasks, but they are usually performed on the same levels, not in separate new locations.
The game combines a linear plot with elements of investigation, where the player's mistakes do not break the walkthrough, but affect the perception of the story.
