Review: Loco Motive for Nintendo Switch

I have a genuine fondness for “whodunit” graphic adventures, and Loco Motive fits right into that category. It’s a point-and-click game bursting with vibrant characters, complete with voice acting, an ample inventory, and numerous items to interact with. Though some of the later puzzles and pacing can be a bit problematic, these issues don’t significantly detract from the experience. Trust me, even with its minor hiccups, Loco Motive delivers an impressive journey.

The adventure kicks off on the Reuss Express, where the wealthy heiress Lady Unterwald meets an untimely end. Though the suspects are all contained within the confines of the train, the game’s setting is anything but limited. As you progress, you’ll find yourself in a range of unique locales and engaging in flashbacks from the perspectives of different characters. This multiple-character perspective, reminiscent of titles like Thimbleweed Park, adds depth and intrigue, making the unfolding stories all the more rewarding.

Initially, you step into the shoes of Arthur, an attorney tasked with retrieving Lady Unterwald’s will. His efforts are continually thwarted by the antics of quirky fellow travelers. Despite the grim murder mystery backdrop, Loco Motive maintains a light-hearted tone, earning its E10+ rating with clever humor that keeps the mood buoyant. Next on the character roster is Herman, a detective novelist. His humorous persona is engaging, but the puzzles he faces can be puzzling in more ways than one. I often found myself asking why so many convoluted steps were necessary when fewer could have sufficed. Finally, we meet Diana, an agent tackling the case from another angle. Her journey feels more streamlined, offering engaging set-pieces and puzzles that leave a lasting impression. Later in the game, without revealing too much, there are opportunities for these three to collaborate, which adds an exciting dynamic.

One improvement I wish for is a plot recap feature. With the narrative hopping back and forth between three characters and different timelines, things can get quite confusing, especially if you take a break from playing. Nonetheless, the story remains captivating, delivering unexpected twists and keeping the “who killed Lady Unterwald” mystery gripping until the very end. While not typically designed with replayability in mind, I suspect a second playthrough might reveal more details you missed initially.

The pixel art might be a bit on the chunky side, yet it exudes a classic charm that perfectly captures the 1930s noir ambiance. Each scene is beautifully colored, breathing life into the era. While words can describe the quality of animation, seeing it in action through a trailer truly showcases its brilliance. The train feels dynamic, and even the supporting characters have a meaningful presence. Though I’d prefer some foreground elements to stand out more clearly, that’s just a small gripe from a genre enthusiast’s perspective—most players probably won’t notice. The jazzy soundtrack complements the setting without overwhelming it, and the voice acting is spot-on, bringing each character to life with expressive nuances. Kudos to the creators for continuing the legacy of talkie adventures!

For those less acquainted with point-and-click games, Loco Motive offers direct character control—your character can even sprint, a feature sure to be appreciated by those who find the traditional leisurely pace a tad too slow. It also includes a nifty system for hints. By using an in-game rotary telephone, you can request guidance to help steer you in the right direction. Sometimes, though, the hints can be a bit redundant, reiterating what you already know. But it’s a nice addition to have, even if it’s not entirely foolproof. Just a heads up: when using the phone as Herman, his detective pride leads to some amusing responses.

It’s clear how much care and passion went into creating Loco Motive. It’s a high-caliber game that pays homage to its point-and-click predecessors while forging its own path in the realm of graphic adventures. Although juggling three protagonists occasionally disrupts the flow and results in puzzles that might not always hit the mark, the game as a whole offers a delightful experience and a gratifying conclusion. Depending on how fond you are of the genre, you might adjust your rating slightly, but rest assured, this is one ride worth taking. Oops, did I just sneak in another train pun? In any case, Loco Motive comes highly recommended.