Loco Motive is my kind of release, blending a “whodunit” mystery with the charm of a point-and-click adventure. You’ll find yourself immersed in this game thanks to a lively cast of fully voiced characters, a hefty inventory, and plenty of clickable elements. While some later puzzles and pacing issues add a few bumps along the way, they hardly detract from the overall experience. Forgive the pun—it’s the only one I’ll toss in here! Loco Motive certainly makes a lasting impression.
The story kicks off with the murder of wealthy heiress Lady Unterwald aboard the Reuss Express, leaving no shortage of suspects trapped on a train racing along the tracks. But don’t let the setting fool you; this journey is filled with diverse scenes and unique locations to explore, even through flashbacks that introduce other characters. Just like Thimbleweed Park, Loco Motive employs multiple perspectives, weaving together these varied storylines in a fun and engaging way.
You begin the game as Arthur, Lady Unterwald’s attorney, tasked with locating her will. This quest proves more challenging than anticipated, thanks to an eclectic mix of characters who delight in getting in your way. Despite the grim beginning, Loco Motive cleverly maintains its E10+ rating with humor that lightens the mood. The adventure then shifts to Herman, a detective novelist whose comic relief is entertaining but whose puzzles can occasionally be bewildering, requiring more steps than one might expect. Lastly, you’ll step into the shoes of Diana, an agent on the same case from her angle. Her chapters bring improved set-pieces and puzzles that are less of a chore and more memorable. Later in the game, all three characters get chances to collaborate. However, I’ll keep the specifics under wraps to avoid any spoilers.
A small gripe I have is the lack of a plot recap option. With three characters jumping around in time, it can get a bit disorienting if you pause your playthrough. Despite this, the narrative hooks you, compelling you to unravel each mystery and surprising twist, all leading to the central question: Who killed Lady Unterwald? This game has a gripping story that warrants completion, and you might even uncover new details with a second playthrough, despite the genre’s typical lack of replayability.
The pixel art, though slightly chunky, carries a charming, timeless quality. The rich color palette breathes life into the ’30s noir setting, making the Reuss Express feel vibrant and dynamic. While I notice room for improvement in distinguishing foreground elements, that’s merely my critique as a fan of the genre—you might not even notice. The game excels in audio too; the jazzy score complements the action without being intrusive, while the voice acting infuses characters with personality and depth. Long live talkie adventures!
For those not entirely versed in point-and-click mechanics, Loco Motive offers direct character control, including a running option—a welcome feature for players preferring a quicker pace. Adding to its appeal is an intuitive hint system, accessed through a rotary phone within the game, providing valuable pointers. The hints can sometimes echo what you’ve already done, a point you’ll quickly note during your initial use. Regardless, it’s a thoughtful feature, although not flawlessly executed. Use the phone as Herman, and you’ll get a kick out of his prideful reactions.
The dedication and care invested in Loco Motive are palpable. It’s a top-notch game that honors its point-and-click heritage while carving its own niche in the genre. Despite the narrative pacing hiccups and some puzzles that could use tweaking, this talkie adventure is undeniably fun with a satisfying story payoff. Your satisfaction might vary depending on your affinity for the genre, but it’s a journey well worth embarking upon—even if I accidentally poke fun with another pun! Give Loco Motive a try; you won’t be disappointed.
