Take a step back in time with “Loco Motive,” a captivating and nostalgic 2D point-and-click adventure that Chucklefish and Robust Games have crafted for the Nintendo Switch. This game harks back to classic titles like the iconic Monkey Island series, yet manages to stand out on its own. From the vibrant pixel art to the incredible voice acting, every element combines to create a lively and immersive experience. The journey of “Loco Motive” began as a modest two-week project during AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, where creators Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken were inspired enough to develop it into a full-fledged game.
Start your adventure on a train, where the storyline unfolds with the impending disinheritance announcement by aging heiress Lady Unterwalf. Just as the revelation is about to happen, a dreadful murder takes place in the dark embrace of a tunnel. The intriguing cast you will control includes Arthur Ackerman, a lawyer (voiced by Sean Chiplock); Herman Merman, a novelist-turned-detective (voiced by Brent Mukai); and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy (voiced by Savy Des-Etages).
You kick things off with Arthur Ackerman, who finds himself in the tricky predicament of being the prime suspect. After a tense interrogation with two officers that perfectly sets the stage, Arthur is left to his own devices—literally trapped, chained to a desk. It’s the ideal moment for players to dive into the mechanics of the game and familiarize themselves with its workings.
“Loco Motive” embraces the essence of point-and-click essentials. Move Arthur using the left analog stick, and explore the world by interacting with pivotal hotspots—scouted using the A button or toggled through with the L and R buttons. For a swifter inspection, utilize the right stick, and don’t forget you can dash by pressing ZL or ZR.
Curious to solve your first challenge? Without spoiling much, your initial task involves creatively freeing Arthur from his unfortunate situation at the police station. By exploring the room and its many interactive elements, you’ll stumble upon a trench coat with keys hanging on the left side—keys that perhaps unlock Arthur’s chains without raising suspicion?
Your cunning escape requires utilizing a medley of items within your reach, be it books, a newspaper, or even a desk fan. By merging these, reminiscent of Lucasfilm Games’ quirky logic puzzles, you fashion an impromptu air funnel to cleverly unhook an umbrella, aiding you in snagging the keys. What happens after? You’ll need to play to uncover the rest!
“Loco Motive” doesn’t just defy genre expectations with its fresh take; it offers a richly woven narrative set aboard a tension-filled train journey doomed by an unforeseen murder. Featuring a unique choice such as activating its Noir Mode, players can switch the aesthetic to a classic black-and-white, enhancing the vintage detective vibe. Available now on Nintendo Switch for $17.99, this murder-mystery adventure is quite a catch for fans of the genre.
Please note, this review of “Loco Motive” comes from a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Chucklefish.
