Loco Motive by Chucklefish and Robust Games delivers a nostalgic 2D whodunit experience straight to your Nintendo Switch. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes Loco Motive a delightful nod to classic point-and-click adventures like Monkey Island and Sam and Max, while maintaining its unique charm.
Initially conceived during a two-week game jam known as AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, creators Adam and Joseph of Robust Chicken had so much fun developing the prototype that they decided to expand it into a full-fledged game. What makes Loco Motive truly stand out is its captivating pixel art and vibrant voice acting, making the characters and world come alive.
The plot kicks off aboard a train where Lady Unterwalf, a wealthy heiress, is set to announce her heir. That’s when things take a dark turn—literally. The train, the Reuss Express, plunges into a tunnel just as a murder takes place, shrouding the crime in mystery. You’ll play as three intriguing characters: Arthur Ackerman, an upright attorney voiced by Sean Chiplock; Herman Merman, a fledgling detective played by Brent Mukai; and Diana Ostman, a savvy spy brought to life by Savy Des-Etages.
Your adventure starts with Arthur Ackerman, who promptly finds himself as the prime suspect in Lady Unterwalf’s murder. After a tense police interrogation, you need to guide him in a daring escape—if only he weren’t handcuffed to a desk! This scenario is your introduction to Loco Motive’s mechanics.
This classic point-and-click adventure involves exploring the environment by moving your character with the left analog stick and interacting with objects and people using the A button. To streamline your detective work, the L and R buttons let you scroll through interactive spots, while the right stick changes your view to different elements in the room. You can even make Arthur run by pressing the ZL or ZR buttons.
As the game unfolds, you’ll solve puzzles like Arthur’s escape, where you’re challenged to unlatch his bindings in the police station. With no one watching, it’s your time to investigate! Notice the trench coat on the screen with keys in its pocket—perhaps one could unlock those chains. Can you cleverly retrieve them without drawing attention?
Collect items in your reach—a pile of books, cigarette butts, a trashcan, a newspaper, and a desk fan. Here, the gameplay echoes the cerebral puzzles of Lucasfilm Games. You’ll steer clear of rifling through trash and instead use the newspaper and desk fan with a touch of resourcefulness.
Open your inventory with the Y button, select either item, then combine them with A. Voila, you craft an air funnel. With that, poke at the coat rack, tip the umbrella, and snag those keys. What happens next is a surprise waiting for you to uncover by playing more.
In essence, Loco Motive is a nostalgic 2D mystery that pays tribute to genre staples yet stands apart with its own flair. As the story evolves on the train ride, you’ll unravel the murder while changing perspectives between a lawyer, a detective, and a spy. Noir Mode, an optional retro black-and-white display, adds another layer of intrigue. Loco Motive is available on Nintendo Switch priced at $17.99, offering hours of captivating gameplay.
_Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish._
