Esoteric Ebb vs MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
Dialogue-driven detective comedy versus rubber-hose FPS chaos — both short indies with distinct frustrations.
Updated 12d ago
Killer 12-hour cleric-investigation indie that earns 100% recommend — Esoteric Ebb wraps Disco-Elysium-style writing around D&D bickering-ability-scores combat.
Stylish cartoon noir that's worth playing for the hand-drawn world, but the combat stales and detective work is thin — rent it before you buy.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 7; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 7.
| Measure | Esoteric Ebb | MOUSE: P.I. For Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Value Esoteric Ebb wins on value | ||
| Price now | $19.99 −20% · GamesPlanet US | $23.99 −20% · Steam |
| All-time low | $17.59 | $23.99 |
| Cost / hour | $0.96/hr $19.99 · 21 h main story | $1.98/hr $23.99 · 12 h main story |
| Off its low | +14% low was May 2026 | At its low vs $23.99 low |
| Main story | 21 h | 12 h |
| Health Esoteric Ebb wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 95% 9k reviews | 94% 15k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 95% 573 votes · vs 95% lifetime | 91% 930 votes · vs 94% lifetime |
| Peak players | 1,116 Jul 2026 · ↓ 38% MoM | 1,657 Jul 2026 · ↑ 0% MoM |
| Launch peak | 24% of Mar 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 | 12% of Apr 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | 4,568 Mar 2026 | 13,723 Apr 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 4 months ago | 12 days ago |
| Patch cadence | 0 in last 90 days | 3 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Platinum | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Esoteric Ebb
Dialogue depth and political themes reminiscent of Disco Elysium are what keep veteran players engaged.
The immense text volume and unconventional combat system pose the primary friction for long-haul players.
from our May 2026 verdict
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
Rubber-hose animation and jazz soundtrack keep long-time fans hooked; cheese puns and Troy Baker's voice acting are the recurring praise.
Wave-based combat grows old after a few hours; the detective premise fades as levels turn into linear corridor shooting.
from our August 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Esoteric Ebb if
- You loved Disco Elysium's text density and want a tighter, funnier successor.
- You prefer dialogue and skill checks over twitch combat.
- You want a short $20 indie you can finish in a weekend.
Pick MOUSE: P.I. For Hire if
- You loved Cuphead's art style but want a first-person shooter.
- You enjoy fast-paced boomer shooters like Dusk or Amid Evil.
- You appreciate hand-drawn animation and noir detective stories.
Bottom line
Choose Esoteric Ebb for witty dialogue puzzles; pick MOUSE for hand-drawn FPS action — both deliver at $20.