Step aboard the gripping world of Loco Motive, a 2D point-and-click whodunit adventure brought to life by Chucklefish and Robust Games, available on the Nintendo Switch. If you’re a fan of vintage-style mystery games, reminiscent of the all-time classics like Monkey Island or Sam and Max, then stick around for our in-depth review. This game embraces a nostalgic pixel art style that immediately draws the eye, but it’s the engaging voice acting that truly brings the quirky world to life. Originally, Loco Motive emerged from a two-week game jam during AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io. Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken were so thrilled with the creation that they decided to expand it into a full-fledged game.
Kicking off on a train, the story introduces us to Lady Unterwalf, an aging heiress on the brink of revealing the heir to her fortune. However, fate has other plans as she meets her untimely end in a murder carried out amidst the dark confines of a tunnel. As a result, the identity of her killer is shrouded in mystery. Players will take on the roles of three distinct characters: Arthur Ackerman, a straight-laced attorney portrayed by Sean Chiplock; Herman Merman, a crime novelist new to detective work played by Brent Mukai; and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy brought to life by Savy Des-Etages.
Your journey begins with Arthur Ackerman, now on the hot seat as the primary suspect in the dastardly murder. The adventure sets its tone with an interrogation by two officers before they leave Arthur alone, handcuffed to a desk—his predicament offering you the perfect opportunity to dive into the game’s mechanics.
Navigating this point-and-click escapade, you’ll maneuver with the analog stick, engaging with your surroundings by pressing the A button. You can quickly switch between interactive spots using the L and R buttons, or the right analog stick, while the ZL and ZR buttons allow you to run.
What puzzles lie ahead on this mystery-laden train ride? While details remain largely undisclosed to avoid spoilers, the game whets your appetite with an initial conundrum featuring Arthur. With his movement restricted, it’s up to you to free him from this captive scenario at the police station. After confirming the coast is clear, it’s time to think outside the box!
Upon careful exploration, you’ll spot a trench coat on the left side, conveniently harboring a set of keys. Naturally, your task is to figure out how to reach them without drawing unnecessary attention.
Gathering items might just do the trick! You’ll find old books, cigarette butts, trash, a newspaper, and a desk fan—each seemingly mundane at first glance. Perhaps viewing the situation through the lens of classic Lucasfilm Games inspiration could lead to some creative problem-solving. While delving into the trash isn’t quite necessary, your ingenuity will guide you to combine the newspaper and desk fan.
With them in hand, access your inventory by pressing Y. Combine the newspaper with the desk fan by moving the cursor over and pressing A. Voilà! You’ve crafted an air funnel to tip over the umbrella and snag the keys. But will you be able to successfully escape? Only by playing will you uncover the rest of the story.
Loco Motive truly embraces its old-school roots, filled with mystery and intrigue akin to the classic Monkey Island or Sam and Max games. Set against the backdrop of the ill-fated Reuss Express train journey, players explore an intricate tale interwoven with humor and surprise. Will Arthur Ackerman, Herman Merman, and Diana Ostman be able to unravel the truth before it’s too late? For noir enthusiasts, the optional Noir Mode adds a vintage black-and-white aesthetic to your experience. Loco Motive is now available on Nintendo Switch at a price of $17.99.
Do note that our review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish, ensuring a comprehensive look at this nostalgic adventure.
