Loco Motive, brought to us by Chucklefish and Robust Games, is a delightful throwback to classic 2D point-and-click mysteries, available on the Nintendo Switch. In this Loco Motive review, I’ll dive deeper into what makes this game a worthy homage to the genre’s greats like Monkey Island and Sam and Max, all without copying them outright. The trailer and screenshots might have already pulled you in with its nostalgic pixel art, but it’s the stellar voice acting that truly breathes life into the quirky world. Initially birthed from a two-week game jam at AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, its creators, Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken, found the concept so enticing that it grew into a full-fledged game.
The story kicks off aboard a train where the elderly Lady Unterwalf is poised to announce her heir. However, things swiftly take a dark turn when she’s murdered in the open–or so it seems. The truth remains shrouded since the crime took place as the Reuss Express sped through a pitch-black tunnel. Players will unravel this mystery through the eyes of three distinct characters: Arthur Ackerman, the upstanding lawyer; Herman Merman, a crime author-turned-novice detective; and Diana Ostman, a covert spy. With voices lent by Sean Chiplock, Brent Mukai, and Savy Des-Etages, each character adds depth to the storytelling.
Starting with Arthur Ackerman, you’ll find him in quite the predicament, being the suspected murderer and chained to a desk during his police interrogation. This sets the stage for the adventure and teaches you the ropes of the game. It’s all about escaping, although those pesky chains keep him anchored down, offering a perfect moment to get accustomed to the gameplay mechanics.
In Loco Motive, you’ll guide characters using the left analog stick, while interacting with points of interest using the A button. Cycling through interactive hotpots is made easy with the L and R buttons, or you can play around with the right stick to switch between them. Want to move faster? The ZL or ZR buttons will have you running in no time.
Curious about the puzzles? Let’s take a look at the first one, without giving too much away. Arthur needs to break free from his current situation, and despite being under careful watch at the police station, you’ll need to be crafty. Survey the room for anything useful!
One hotspot might bring your attention to a coat with keys hanging on the left side – a clear target! But how to grab them quietly? Look around, and you might find a stack of books, a few cigarette butts, a trash can, a newspaper, and a desk fan. Ignore the trash and focus on the fan and newspaper. By opening your inventory with the Y button, you can creatively combine items. Combine these two, and voilà—a makeshift tool to snag the keys silently. Ready to see what happens after? You’ll have to play to find out!
Loco Motive is a true nod to the classic 2D point-and-click adventures, weaving mystery on a moving train ride with its aged heiress and her secretive will announcement. The murder casts a shadow on the journey as the story unfolds in total blackout. You’ll step into the shoes of the competent lawyer Arthur Ackerman, novice detective Herman Merman, and crafty spy Diana Ostman. With its option to switch on Noir Mode for a timeless black-and-white flair, solving the mystery becomes an intriguing challenge. You can dive into this riveting adventure on the Nintendo Switch for $17.99.
Disclaimer: This review of Loco Motive is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish.
