Loco Motive is a “whodunit” graphic adventure that perfectly aligns with my gaming preferences. It’s an engaging point-and-click experience, bustling with vivid characters who are fully voiced, a hefty inventory to manage, and an abundance of clickable elements. Although a few puzzles toward the end slow the pace somewhat, they don’t detract significantly from the overall journey. Excuse me if the pun feels a bit on-the-nose, but this game indeed stays on track!
Set aboard the Reuss Express, the story kicks off with the murder of wealthy heiress, Lady Unterwald. With so many potential culprits confined to the train, the mystery deepens as escape is nearly impossible during the journey. But don’t be misled—there are multiple intriguing locations you’ll explore while onboard, alongside different settings through flashbacks as you assume other character roles. In fact, Loco Motive uses a multi-character perspective akin to classics like Thimbleweed Park, and seeing how each narrative thread interlinks provides a gratifying experience.
You begin the adventure as Arthur, Lady Unterwald’s attorney, who is on a mission to retrieve her will. This task is anything but simple due to the assortment of quirky characters who meddle in your quest. Although the game opens with a murder, it effectively maintains its E10+ rating through a humorous tone that consistently elicits smiles. Next, you take on the role of Herman, a detective novelist who, while amusingly portrayed, faces puzzles that can be somewhat perplexing. Often, they require numerous steps when a simpler solution would suffice. Lastly, there’s Diana, an agent unraveling the mystery from her own angle. Her segments deliver better set-pieces and less frustrating puzzles, likely leaving a lasting impression. At some points, all three characters collaborate in the narrative, but I’ll withhold details to avoid spoilers.
One thing I’d suggest is a plot recap mechanism. Switching between three characters with timelines flipping from past to present can be a tad disorienting, especially if you pause playing for a while. Despite this, the storyline is compelling, with each resolved mystery and unexpected twist leading you closer to discovering who murdered Lady Unterwald. It’s a game you’ll want to see through to its conclusion, and though this genre typically lacks replay value, a second playthrough might surprise you with additional insights.
The pixel art, despite being slightly pixelated, possesses a timeless charm. The color palette beautifully breathes life into the 1930s noir setting. It’s one thing to hear about the high-quality animation, but watching a trailer highlights its excellence—truly fantastic work. The train itself feels alive, and even the secondary characters have purpose. While I found myself wishing for more distinct foreground elements, that’s merely a small criticism from a genre enthusiast’s perspective; many players likely won’t even notice. The audio is a definite highlight, with a jazzy soundtrack that complements the atmosphere without being intrusive. The voice acting shines, bringing each character to life through expressive performances. Long live talkie adventures!
For those less accustomed to the genre, Loco Motive offers an option for direct character control. Players can also select a running mode, a welcome inclusion for fans who prefer a brisker pace, avoiding some of the more leisurely gameplay associated with similar titles. The game also features a handy in-game rotary phone to offer hints if you find yourself stuck. While often it might reiterate information you’ve already uncovered, it’s a thoughtful addition that, albeit imperfectly implemented, offers useful guidance. Take care when utilizing this feature as Herman, though—his detective ego might lead to some amusing outcomes.
The meticulous care and affection poured into Loco Motive are evident throughout. It’s a standout game that pays homage to its point-and-click roots while establishing its unique identity as a graphic adventure. Balancing three characters occasionally disrupts the flow and a few puzzles don’t quite hit the mark, but overall, this engaging talkie adventure offers great fun with a rewarding conclusion. Depending on your enthusiasm for the genre, you might feel inclined to adjust your rating slightly up or down, but either way, this is a journey worth embarking on—oh dear, have I slipped into pun territory again? Regardless, Loco Motive is definitely one to recommend.
