Loco Motive, brought to life by Chucklefish and Robust Games, takes players on a nostalgic journey with its 2D whodunit point-and-click adventure, now accessible on the Nintendo Switch. In this review, we dig into why this title should be on your radar.
This delightful offering pays tribute to the legendary games of its kind, akin to the cherished Monkey Island or Sam and Max series, but it carves out its own unique identity. The pixel art visuals showcased in the game’s previews already captivate the eye, yet it’s truly the engaging voice acting that enriches the atmosphere, breathing life into this vibrant world. Born from a spur-of-the-moment concept during the AdvXJam 2020 game jam on itch.io, creators Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken found themselves so enchanted by their creation, they expanded it into a full-fledged game.
The story unfurls aboard a train, where the elderly Lady Unterwalf is poised to disclose her heir. But plans derail when she’s brutally murdered amidst the passengers. The twist? The crime takes place in pitch darkness as the Reuss Express journeys through a tunnel. Your task is to uncover the truth, stepping into the shoes of three intriguing characters: Arthur Ackerman, a straitlaced lawyer; Herman Merman, a crime novelist venturing into detective work; and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy, voiced by Sean Chiplock, Brent Mukai, and Savy Des-Etages respectively.
You first jump into the adventure as Arthur Ackerman, who unjustly finds himself as the prime suspect. His story begins with an interrogation by two policemen, setting the stage for what’s to follow. With some quick thinking and a bit of luck, Arthur looks to escape – if only he wasn’t shackled to a desk! Here’s where you’ll get a basic grasp on navigating the game, mastering its mechanics to help Arthur break free.
Loco Motive promises the quintessential point-and-click experience. You’ll maneuver your character with the left analog stick and interact with the environment or engage with other characters using the A button. Use L and R to cycle through interactable objects, and the right stick to hop between them. Need to hurry? The ZL and ZR buttons are your go-tos for a brisk run.
Let’s peek into some puzzle-solving, notably Arthur’s predicament. He’s stuck in a police station, bound to a desk by chains. No time to lose! Begin by examining your surroundings for clues. On one side of the room hangs a trench coat. Inside? A set of keys that just might hold the solution. But can Arthur snag them without making a racket?
The room offers a variety of items – a few books, cigarette stubs, a trashcan, a newspaper, and a desk fan. Engage your inner detective and think outside the box. Newspaper in hand, combine with the desk fan using the Y button to craft a makeshift air funnel. This clever contraption allows you to stealthily knock the umbrella from the coat rack and, using it smartly, retrieve those crucial keys.
As Loco Motive unfolds, you delve deeper into its compelling narrative. You’re charged with solving the mystery aboard the train where Lady Unterwalf met her fate—with the prime suspects being those you control. Each character brings their own vibe to the investigation, contributing unique perspectives – all while battling against time.
For an optional classic film noir vibe, activate Noir Mode, transforming the visuals into striking black and white. This title is available on Nintendo Switch for $17.99, a fitting price for a game that offers such a rich throwback to adventure gaming’s golden era.
This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish. It beautifully balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, making Loco Motive a must-try for any fan of the genre.
