Loco Motive by Chucklefish and Robust Games takes you aboard a nostalgic ride through the world of 2D point and click adventures, now available on Nintendo Switch. Bringing back memories of classic titles like Monkey Island and Sam and Max, the game cleverly avoids entirely mimicking these classics, creating something refreshingly unique. The pixel art style is immediately eye-catching, but it’s the lively voice acting that truly breathes life into this world. Born from a two-week game jam, Loco Motive started as a small project on itch.io during AdvXJam 2020. Developers Adam and Joseph from Robust Games enjoyed the process so much that they expanded it into a full-fledged game.
The story kicks off on a train where the elderly heiress, Lady Unterwalf, is about to announce the heir to her fortune. Things take a dark turn when she is murdered, leaving us clueless since the crime took place in the dark as the train moved through a tunnel. The narrative unfolds through three distinct characters: Arthur Ackerman, a methodical lawyer; Herman Merman, a detective straight out of a crime novel; and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy. And you get to step into their shoes, with notable voices like Sean Chiplock, Brent Mukai, and Savy Des-Etages bringing them to life.
Your adventure begins with Attorney Arthur Ackerman, initially the prime suspect in Lady Unterwalf’s murder. After a brief interrogation sets the tone, Arthur finds himself chained to a desk, offering a perfect chance to get acquainted with the game’s mechanics. But escaping is no easy feat and you’ll have to think on your feet to orchestrate a clever exit.
This point and click adventure requires you to navigate using the left analog stick and interact with different objects and characters by pressing the A button. You can also speed things up by using the L and R buttons to cycle through interactive spots or the right analog stick to quickly hop from one hotspot to another. Pressing ZL or ZR puts your character in a hurry – something that might come in handy!
As for puzzles, without giving too much away, let’s focus on the first one starring Arthur Ackerman. Stuck in a police station, handcuffed to a desk, escape becomes top priority. With no one around to notice, it’s time to get creative. Start by examining your surroundings; a conspicuous trench coat on the left holds a keyring. The challenge is in reaching it without alerting anyone.
Gather useful items and figure out how to combine them. Among reachable items are books, cigarette butts, a trashcan, a newspaper, and a desk fan. Using a bit of old-school adventure logic, you’ll steer clear of the trash and instead see how the newspaper and fan can be your savior. Combine these with a few clicks in your inventory to create an air funnel, knock over the umbrella with it, and snag the keys. And just like that, you’re a step closer to freedom – though your journey doesn’t end here.
Loco Motive stands as a charming homage to the classics, wrapping itself in the warmth of familiar gameplay while crafting its own identity. Set primarily on the Reuss Express, the narrative momentum is driven by a murder-your-duty to solve during unforeseen circumstances. Alongside compelling puzzles and engaging storytelling, the game offers a Noir Mode for a black-and-white cinematic touch, cementing its vintage appeal.
Priced at $17.99, Loco Motive on Nintendo Switch promises fans of the genre a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and nostalgia. Let’s see if you can unravel the enigma before it’s too late!
(Please note that this review reflects my personal experience, based on a Nintendo Switch copy supplied by Chucklefish.)
