Esoteric Ebb vs MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
A dialogue-driven investigation RPG versus a rubber-hose boomer shooter — which 2026 indie matches your mood?
Killer 12-hour cleric-investigation indie that earns 100% recommend — Esoteric Ebb wraps Disco-Elysium-style writing around D&D bickering-ability-scores combat.
Nails the rubber-hose aesthetic, earning its $20 if you can tolerate brutally tough bosses.
Steam popularity
Shared scale — sparklines are directly comparable across both games.
Esoteric Ebb
Apr 2026 peak CCU 1,404 ↓ 69% MoM
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
Apr 2026 peak CCU 13,723
Key differences
Combat approach
Esoteric Ebb uses D&D bickering-ability-scores combat that prioritizes dialogue and skill checks over action.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is a first-person shooter with guns blazing, inspired by classic 1930s cartoons.
Storytelling style
Esoteric Ebb wraps Disco-Elysium-style writing in a 12-hour clerical investigation with humor.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire presents a noir story with slapstick comedy and cheese puns.
Playtime and scope
Esoteric Ebb is a tight 12-hour single-player experience at a $20 price point.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire offers under 25 hours of gameplay but lacks NG+ and extensive post-game content.
Which one is for you?
Pick Esoteric Ebb if
- You enjoyed Disco Elysium's text density and want a tighter successor.
- You are a Pratchett/Gilliam fan curious about D&D-shaped CRPG storytelling.
- You can finish a 12-hour single-player without DLC drag.
Pick MOUSE: P.I. For Hire if
- You love Cuphead's art style and want a boomer shooter.
- You enjoy humor-laced noir storytelling with slapstick.
- You're okay with under 25 hours and no NG+.
Bottom line
Choose Esoteric Ebb for a witty, compact investigation RPG; pick MOUSE if you want a charming, short boomer shooter with cartoon aesthetics.