Loco Motive, brought to life by Chucklefish and Robust Games, offers a nostalgic ride into the world of 2D point-and-click adventures on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a delightful nod to the classics, echoing the charm of titles like Monkey Island and Sam and Max, but carving out its unique identity—a refreshing take on the whodunit genre. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Loco Motive stand out, beyond the captivating pixel art and stellar voice acting that brings the story vividly to life. Originally birthed from a two-week game jam during AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, creators Adam and Joseph at Robust Chicken saw its potential, expanding it into the full-fledged game we experience today.
Your adventure kicks off aboard a train, where the elderly Lady Unterwalf is poised to announce her heir. However, tragedy strikes as she is murdered in complete darkness in a tunnel, leaving everyone in suspense about the culprit’s identity. You’ll step into the shoes of three intriguing characters: Arthur Ackerman, an upstanding lawyer voiced by Sean Chiplock; Herman Merman, a crime-writer-turned-detective brought to life by Brent Mukai; and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy portrayed by Savy Des-Etages.
Your journey starts with Attorney Arthur Ackerman, initially struggling with accusations of the murder. His interrogation by two officers sets the tone for the unfolding mystery, after which he’s left, inconveniently chained to a desk. This scenario sets the stage for players to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics, unraveling puzzles to aid Arthur’s escape.
Navigating Loco Motive involves using the left analog stick to guide your character, while the A button lets you interact with various elements and characters. To streamline interactions, the L and R buttons can cycle through hotspots, with the right analog stick offering additional navigation options. Running is as simple as pressing ZL or ZR.
Let’s delve into the game’s first puzzle without giving too much away. Arthur must free himself from his current predicament, chained in interrogation. By carefully exploring the room, you’ll discover a trench coat on the left side holding the keys to freedom. The challenge is how to quietly get those keys.
Within your reach are a collection of books, cigarette butts, a trash can, a newspaper, and a desk fan. By applying some sharp wit akin to classic Lucasfilm Games logic, you overlook digging through trash, instead opting to combine the newspaper with the desk fan in your inventory—crafted using the Y button. This new tool—a makeshift air funnel—is then used to retrieve an umbrella, and ultimately, the keys. The story unfolds from here, but you’ll need to play to discover what lies ahead!
With Loco Motive, you get a charming homage to iconic point-and-click adventures, starting with a murder mystery on a train. The darkness of the tunnel during Lady Unterwalf’s demise leaves players in suspense, piecing together clues with three distinct characters. Each carries their own narrative thread and adds depth to the investigation. Will you crack the case before time runs out? If you prefer a classic vibe, the game’s Noir Mode offers a black-and-white visual experience. Priced at $17.99, Loco Motive awaits mystery enthusiasts on the Nintendo Switch.
This review of Loco Motive is based on a review copy provided by Chucklefish.
