When it comes to "whodunit" graphic adventures, Loco Motive easily falls into my favorites list. It’s got that classic point-and-click feel, complete with a full cast of quirky, fully-voiced characters, a hefty inventory, and a plethora of clickable items. Sure, a few of the later puzzles and some pacing issues make the journey a tad bumpy, but nothing that throws the whole train off track. (Oops, there’s my one and only pun!) Overall, Loco Motive is an impressive title.
The game kicks off with a murder onboard the Reuss Express, where Lady Unterwald, a wealthy heiress, meets her unfortunate end. On a moving train, suspects can’t exactly escape, making for a tense and engaging setting. But don’t be fooled by the confined space. You’ll explore plenty of unique areas, especially in flashbacks when you play different characters. Just like in Thimbleweed Park, you’ll see how multiple characters’ stories converge, providing a satisfying twist on the storytelling.
Initially, you step into the shoes of Arthur, the late Lady’s attorney, who’s tasked with finding her will. This task proves easier said than done, as you’re constantly thwarted by eccentric characters. The game strikes a perfect balance early on, ensuring that its E10+ rating is upheld with a generous sprinkling of humor that keeps you smiling. After Arthur, you transition to Herman, a detective novelist. While his character is amusing, some of his puzzles are head-scratchers that often feel over-complicated. Finally, you play as Diana, an agent with her own angle on the case. Her segment feels like a step up, with more engaging set-pieces and puzzles that stick with you. There’s even an exciting point where all three characters work together, but I’ll refrain from spilling the beans here.
One aspect I wish was a bit different is the inclusion of a plot recap feature. With three characters bouncing between past and present, it’s easy to lose track, especially if you take a break from playing. Nevertheless, the story remains a riveting read, stringing you along with mysteries and twists until you unravel the main question: who killed Lady Unterwald? Finishing Loco Motive is a must, and even though replay value in this genre is typically low, a second run might reveal more than the first.
The pixel art, though a touch chunky, truly captures a timeless charm. The vivid colors bring the 1930s noir setting to life. Words don’t quite do justice to the high-quality animation, so I recommend checking out a trailer to truly see it in action. The train feels bustling, and even the minor characters contribute purposefully. While some foreground elements could stand out more (that’s just my nitpicking side), most players won’t notice. The audio deserves praise, too, with jazzy tunes that complement the mood without being intrusive. Best of all is the voice acting, which breathes life into every character. Long live talkie adventures!
For those not too familiar with the genre, Loco Motive offers direct character control and the ability to run—features sure to be appreciated by those not fond of the traditionally slower pace. The game also provides an elegant hint system through a rotary telephone, where you can call for hints if you’re stuck. Although the advice is sometimes redundant—you’ll see this early on—it’s a caring addition nonetheless. Just be cautious of using it too often with Herman, as his detective pride might lead to some funny reactions.
Clearly crafted with a lot of care and passion, Loco Motive is a top-notch game that honors classic point-and-click titles while staking its own claim in the genre. While juggling three characters can occasionally disrupt the flow, and a handful of puzzles might not hit the mark, this talkie adventure is a delightful and rewarding journey. You might adjust your rating by a half point based on your genre preferences, but Loco Motive definitely delivers a satisfying experience. Oh no, did I sneak in another train pun? Regardless, I highly recommend hopping aboard.
