If you’re looking for a delightful blend of old-school charm and mystery, “Loco Motive” by Chucklefish and Robust Games should be on your radar. It’s a new point-and-click adventure on the Nintendo Switch, channeling the spirit of classic titles like “Monkey Island” and “Sam and Max,” without imitating them directly. The game features a captivating pixel art design and impressive voice acting that breathe life into its quirky world. Interestingly, this game originated from a two-week game jam at AdvXJam 2020 on itch.io, with Adam and Joseph from Robust Chicken refining it into a full-fledged game. Let’s dive deeper in this review of “Loco Motive”.
The story begins aboard a train – the setting for a thrilling mystery. As the scene unfolds, we meet Lady Unterwalf, an elderly heiress preparing to reveal her heir-apparent. However, things take an unexpected turn when she is murdered right before everyone’s eyes. The crime takes place in complete darkness while the train, the Reuss Express, passes through a tunnel, leaving everyone puzzled about the identity of the culprit. You get to step into the shoes of three intriguing characters: Arthur Ackerman, a straight-laced lawyer voiced by Sean Chiplock; Herman Merman, a crime novelist turned rookie detective voiced by Brent Mukai; and Diana Ostman, an undercover spy voiced by Savy Des-Etages.
Your adventure kicks off as Arthur Ackerman, who finds himself the prime suspect in this chilling murder. Left alone and chained to a desk after his interrogation by the police, this is your introduction to the game mechanics as you figure out how to break free.
Navigating through “Loco Motive” involves moving your character with the left analog stick, interacting with various elements using the A button, and cycling through interactive hotspots with the L and R buttons. You can run using the ZL or ZR buttons for efficiency. The game draws you into its puzzles which are engaging and cleverly designed. Let’s talk about the initial one involving Arthur, as a teaser without revealing too much. You need to unchain Arthur from a desk using various items around you. Combining the right objects cleverly, like a newspaper and a desk fan, helps you achieve the seemingly impossible.
In one part, you’ll observe a trenchcoat hanging with a set of keys – certainly one of them is the key to Arthur’s chains. The question is, can you snag those keys without drawing attention? By combining items wisely, you create a makeshift tool to liberate the keys, showcasing the ingenuity you’ll need throughout the game.
As the narrative unfolds, you’ll guide three distinct characters through various challenges to solve Lady Unterwalf’s murder while making use of clever puzzles and an interactive environment. “Loco Motive” also offers a Noir Mode, adding a stylish black-and-white filter for that classic mystery feel. It’s priced at $17.99 on the Nintendo Switch, providing a budget-friendly entry into a world of intrigue and humor.
This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of “Loco Motive” provided by Chucklefish.
