Review: Loco Motive for Nintendo Switch

Loco Motive is like a breath of fresh air in the world of point-and-click graphic adventures. This game brings together a lively cast of fully-voiced characters, a hefty inventory for you to work with, and a plethora of clickable items that will keep any adventurer entertained. While there are some hitches with later puzzles and pacing, they don’t do enough to throw this adventure off track. (Apologies for the pun—it’ll be my last!)

Kicking off the intrigue, the wealthy Lady Unterwald gets murdered onboard the Reuss Express, and as you can imagine, the list of suspects on this moving train is anything but short. Don’t be misled by the confined setting, as the game cleverly incorporates diverse and vibrant locations both on the train and in flashbacks. These different scenes, coupled with the game’s decision to let you play as multiple characters, reminiscent of Thimbleweed Park, provide a delightful experience as you unravel how each story thread connects.

You begin this thrilling journey as Arthur, Lady Unterwald’s lawyer, who is tasked with retrieving her will amidst the circus of eccentric personalities onboard. Even though the murder sets a serious tone, Loco Motive earns its E10+ rating early on, largely due to its humor that consistently induces grins. Next, you step into the shoes of Herman, a detective novelist. His character is charmingly comedic, but the puzzles he faces can be pretty challenging. At times, too many steps seemed necessary when only a few would have sufficed. Lastly, you take on the role of Diana, an agent investigating the case from her own unique angle. Her sequences feel more polished compared to Herman’s, offering more engaging set pieces and puzzles that tend to stick with you. There are moments late in the game when the trio works together, but I’ll leave those discoveries for you to make to avoid spoiling anything.

Something I would’ve appreciated is a plot recap feature. With three characters splitting the narrative across different timelines, it can get a tad confusing, especially if you take a break from playing. Still, the storyline is incredibly engaging, and every mystery and unexpected twist you encounter leads closer to the truth about who killed Lady Unterwald. The game keeps you hooked right to the end, and while this genre isn’t typically one that beckons replay, you might find even more to enjoy on a second pass.

With an art style reminiscent of classic pixel design, Loco Motive brings a timeless charm to its ’30s noir setting. The vibrant colors and meticulous detail breathe life into each scene. Words alone can’t do justice to the quality of the animation; I recommend checking out a trailer to see it in action—it’s truly impressive. The train is bustling with life, and every character, even the side ones, has a clear purpose. Some foreground elements could use a bit more distinction, though that’s probably just me being picky as a fan of the genre. Audio-wise, the jazzy tunes are spot-on, adding atmosphere without overshadowing the action. Even more impressive is the voice acting, which gives each character a lifelike presence. Talkie adventures for the win!

For those not as seasoned with this genre, Loco Motive offers the option for direct character control, and thankfully, you can make your character run—a handy feature for those who find the traditional pace of these games a bit slow. Plus, it offers a neat in-game hint system via a rotary phone, designed to nudge players in the right direction. However, you may find the tips often reiterate what you already know, a small imperfection in an otherwise thoughtful feature. Keep an eye out for Herman’s witty remarks when using the phone, given his detective pride.

The effort and passion poured into creating Loco Motive are evident in every detail. It pays homage to its point-and-click forebears while establishing its distinct charm as a graphic adventure. Managing three characters does bring some pacing issues and a handful of less engaging puzzles, but these are minor blips. The overall experience is an entertaining journey with a satisfying conclusion. Depending on how much you enjoy the genre, you might want to adjust your expectations, but it’s a journey worth taking—and yes, I broke my pun pledge. Nonetheless, Loco Motive gets a solid recommendation.