Welcome back to the grimy, rain-slicked streets of MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. After uncovering the secrets of Bandel’s Laboratory, it’s time to tackle a new case that hits close to home. In “A Bit of a Scene,” you’ll be diving into the heart of Clergy Row to investigate a mysterious shrew shortage at the request of the ever-watchful Stilton. This mission is a classic noir investigation, complete with crooked cops, a thrilling railway chase, and one of the game’s most infamous puzzles. So grab your trusty Tailpick and let’s get to it.
Main Objectives
Your main goals in this chapter are to uncover the truth behind the disappearing shrews. Here’s what you need to accomplish:
- Follow the trail of the roundups.
- Find the apartment key.
- Approach and infiltrate the police station.
- Solve the lever puzzle to open the cellblock.
- Reach the officer’s room and collect the report.
- Escape the district.
- Pin the Clergy Row clues to your investigation board.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
This mission will test your combat and puzzle-solving skills. Keep your wits about you and your Boomstick ready.
Following the Trail
Your investigation begins in Clergy Row. The first thing you’ll want to do is talk to a Startled Shrew. He’s terrified, and for good reason—cops are kidnapping shrews right off the street. Your conversation will be cut short by the arrival of a crooked cop. Take him down to protect the innocent.
With the immediate threat handled, it’s time to Follow the Trail of Roundups. This will lead you up a ladder and into a nearby apartment building. Be sure to explore thoroughly. You’ll find a valuable Schematic hidden under a barrel in one of the rooms. There’s also a safe tucked away under a staircase, so get your Tailpick ready to crack it open for some extra loot.
As you proceed, you’ll encounter more crooked cops. They can be tough, so use your environment for cover and don’t be afraid to use your special ammo. After dealing with them, look for a set of stairs leading down to the left. At the end of this path, you’ll find a Baseball Card.
The Railway and the Police Station
Your investigation will eventually lead you to a railway track. This area is fraught with danger. Not only will you have to fight off more cops, but you also need to watch out for passing trains, which can kill you instantly. However, you can use this to your advantage by luring enemies into the path of an oncoming train.
While you’re navigating the railway, keep an eye out for a secret area. You’ll need to perform a tricky double jump to reach it, but your efforts will be rewarded with a Newspaper collectible. After the railway section, you’ll face a Tailpick door puzzle. Solve it to continue your pursuit.
Your next major objective is to Infiltrate the Police Station. You’ll need to find an Apartment Key to gain access. The game offers three different approaches to the station, so choose the one that best suits your playstyle. Whether you go in guns blazing or take a stealthier route, your goal is to get inside and find out what the cops are hiding.
The Lever Puzzle and the Escape
Once inside the police station, you’ll be faced with the infamous Lever Puzzle. To open the cellblock and proceed, you need to manipulate the levers to achieve the values 35 and 26. This can be tricky, so take your time and think through the combinations. A good strategy is to focus on getting one number right first, and then adjusting the other levers to find the second number without messing up the first.
After solving the puzzle, the cellblock will open, allowing you to access the Officer’s Room. Inside, you’ll find a report that blows the case wide open. With the evidence in hand, your final task is to Escape the District. Expect heavy resistance on your way out.
Once you’re clear, head back to your office and talk to Stilton. Pin the new clues from Clergy Row to your board to complete the mission.
Collectibles
This chapter has a total of 9 collectibles to find. Keep your eyes peeled for these hidden items:
- Comics: 2
- Newspapers: 2
- Baseball Cards: 2
- Schematics: 3
- Figurines: 0
Remember to check every nook and cranny. The developers have hidden these items in some clever spots, like under barrels and in secret areas accessible only by double jumping.
Boss Fights and Tough Encounters
While there isn’t a traditional boss fight in “A Bit of a Scene,” you will face several tough encounters with crooked cops. These enemies are more aggressive and better armed than the standard thugs you’ve faced before. Use cover, aim for headshots, and keep your Boomstick handy for close-quarters combat.
The railway track is another significant hazard. The trains are an instant kill, so always be aware of your surroundings. Listen for the warning bells and get off the tracks as soon as you hear them. Remember that you can use the trains to your advantage by timing your dodges to lure enemies into their path.
Good luck, detective. The shrews of Clergy Row are counting on you.