Loco Motive, crafted by Chucklefish and Robust Games, delivers a nostalgic point-and-click adventure packed with intrigue and mystery. Available on the Nintendo Switch, this whodunit game invites players into a world reminiscent of legendary classics like Monkey Island and Sam and Max. While it plays homage to these titles, Loco Motive brings its unique charm, complete with an engaging pixel art style and stellar voice acting that breathe life into the experience.
Originally conceived during a two-week game jam for AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, creators Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken felt compelled to expand their idea into a full-fledged game. And I’m here to say it was the right move!
The story unravels on a train, setting the stage for suspenseful drama. The plot thickens as Lady Unterwalf, an elderly heiress, is preparing to announce her heir, only to be murdered in cold blood during a moment of complete darkness in a passing tunnel. The suspects? Three intriguing characters: Arthur Ackerman, a disciplined lawyer voiced by Sean Chiplock; Herman Merman, portrayed by Brent Mukai, a crime novelist turned rookie detective; and Diana Ostman, played by Savy Des-Etages, an undercover spy. These varied roles promise a colorful mix of storytelling and gameplay.
Your adventure kicks off as Arthur Ackerman, unjustly accused and questioning begins. After a brisk interrogation, you’re left alone—but there’s a catch. Arthur finds himself chained to a desk, presenting your first big challenge which cleverly introduces the game’s mechanics. As you navigate using the left analog stick, interact with your environment with the A button, and cycle through points of interest with the L and R buttons—you’re immersed in classic point-and-click style. If you’re more of a speed-runner, pressing ZL or ZR will let you dash through the scenes.
The puzzles in Loco Motive are designed to tickle the brain without overwhelming it. For instance, your first conundrum involves liberating Arthur from his desk-bound predicament. Subtle clues in the room provide direction, like noticing a trench coat hiding a set of keys. Naturally, this discovery might lead you to concoct creative ways to snag them, aligning with that quirky Lucasfilm Games logic we all secretly relish.
You’ll soon find yourself piecing together items—a newspaper and a desk fan, for example—into a makeshift air funnel to help Arthur reach the coat’s hidden treasure. What comes afterward? Well, that’s for you to uncover in the game!
Loco Motive’s slick 2D visuals and nostalgia-rich vibes encapsulate the essence of the beloved point-and-click era. The unfolding tale invites you to solve Lady Unterwalf’s murder amidst the colorful personas of a lawyer, a writer, and a spy. Plus, for those craving a classic noir touch, a Noir Mode transforms your visual experience to monochrome, enhancing the dramatic ambiance.
Experience Loco Motive on Nintendo Switch for $17.99 and embark on this thrilling train journey. It’s a ride packed with mystery, laughter, and a dash of old-school charm.
Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish.
