Chucklefish and Robust Games’ Loco Motive offers a nostalgic dive into the world of classic 2D point-and-click adventures on the Nintendo Switch. As a loving homage to venerable titles like the Monkey Island series and Sam and Max Adventures, Loco Motive entices players with its delightful pixel art style and engaging voice acting that breathes life into the story. Originating from a brief two-week game jam during AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, Adam and Joseph at Robust Chicken found it too enticing to let go and decided to expand it into a complete game experience.
In Loco Motive, you’re thrust into a mystery beginning onboard a train, where Lady Unterwalf, a wealthy heiress, plans to disclose her heir. However, her plans derail when she’s murderously silenced amidst an audience, and the culprit remains unknown – the crime unfolds in a blackout as the Reuss Express tunnels through darkness. You’ll take on the roles of a diligent lawyer, a writer-turned-novice detective, and a covert spy – meet Arthur Ackerman (voiced by Sean Chiplock), Herman Merman (given life by Brent Mukai), and Diana Ostman (voiced by Savy Des-Etages).
Your adventure kicks off with Arthur Ackerman, the prime murder suspect, who finds himself strapped to a desk after a police grilling. Using this tricky dilemma to learn the game’s basics, you’ll navigate puzzles akin to those found in classic adventure games. Can Arthur free himself from his restraints and clear his name?
Loco Motive’s gameplay is all about interaction. You’ll move characters using the left analog stick and engage with the scene’s hotspots by pressing the A button. Swiftly cycle through interactive elements with the L and R buttons or fine-tune the selection with the right stick. Speed around with ZL or ZR for a quicker escape.
To illustrate, let’s look at your first dilemma. With Arthur chained at the station, you’ll need savvy thinking to secure his freedom. Scour the room’s hotspots: a trench coat with keys on the left catches your eye. Can you quietly snag those keys and break free?
Resourcefulness is the key. Gather items like books, cigarette butts, a trashcan, a newspaper, or a desk fan. Channel that classic adventure game logic. For instance, skip rooting through trash and repurpose the newspaper and desk fan for a makeshift air funnel. Combine these via your inventory, accessed with the Y button, to tap the coat with the funnel. Successfully snag the umbrella, then use it to hook the keys. Curious to know how this unfolds? Dive into the game!
Ultimately, Loco Motive beautifully intertwines humor and nostalgia, reminiscent of genre greats while telling its intriguing tale of mystery and intrigue aboard the Reuss Express. As you toggle between its three distinct characters, can you untangle this cunning enigma before it’s too late? For visual flair, toggle the Noir Mode, turning your screen into a classic black-and-white mystery. Loco Motive is now available on Nintendo Switch for $17.99.
This review was crafted using a Nintendo Switch copy of Loco Motive provided by Chucklefish.
