Review of Loco Motive on the Switch eShop

Imagine a classic murder mystery tale but with a quirky twist—set on a train, of course! That’s the backbone of Loco Motive, a point-and-click adventure that might initially remind you of a good old Agatha Christie yarn. With its playful nods to the genre, the game carves out its own space, standing proudly among the modern titans of interactive storytelling.

In Loco Motive, you’re not just following one protagonist. Instead, you embody three distinct characters: Arthur, an attorney buried in paperwork; Herman Merman, a writer-turned-sleuth; and Diana, a no-nonsense IRS spy. Together, they unravel the strange circumstances surrounding the sudden demise of a wealthy heiress aboard a moving train. The gameplay is peppered with absurd yet clever puzzles, punctuated by plot twists and humor.

The charm of Loco Motive lies in its unapologetic embrace of its influences, from the intrigue of Christie to the delightful silliness of Monkey Island. Yet, it doesn’t merely jumble these elements together. This is a game that knows how to honor its roots while confidently striding into new territory, establishing itself as a noteworthy contemporary to its predecessors.

The visual experience is outstanding, bringing each scenario to life with some of the most intricate pixel art animations you’ll find in the genre. Every character interaction feels dynamic, from a bartender confidence-building with a raised eyebrow to twins duking it out over a briefcase. The whole game, impressively, has even achieved accurate lip-syncing—a rarity for pixel titles—and it all combines to create a particularly vivid experience.

While the animations captivate, the writing holds its ground impressively well. Taking its cue from the sharp dialogue of classics like Monkey Island, Loco Motive crafts characters that sparkle with wit and individuality. Every role, even the minor ones, are given a distinct voice, with standout performances from a starry cast including Samantha Béart and Jim Meskimen.

When it comes to gameplay, Loco Motive spices up the classic point-and-click formula, delivering an intertwining tale with multiple characters and cleverly engaging mechanics. Spoiler alert: these intersecting plotlines lead to moments where you have to adapt using items pilfered along the way. It’s a refreshing take on traditional gameplay that feels both challenging and invigorating.

Naturally, as with any point-and-click adventure, some puzzles can be perplexing. The hint system is helpful but sometimes falls short, prompting us to consult external walkthroughs. Ultimately, whether you see this as a frustration or a nostalgic nod to the genre’s legacy depends entirely on your perspective.

However, a few gremlins in the machine present themselves in the form of bugs. While the game attempts to deliver a polished experience, issues like save file mishaps or unintentional character detours can disrupt progress. These hiccups are frustrating, especially when they cause you to lose progress or re-interpret puzzles as deliberate challenges.

All said, Loco Motive is a delightfully entertaining entry into the point-and-click canon. Though currently plagued by some technical issues, it stands out with its lovable characters, exquisite art, and brain-teasing puzzles. We have high hopes that with the support of Chucklefish, these bugs will soon be ironed out, allowing players to enjoy a smooth ride through this engaging mystery.

### Conclusion

Loco Motive serves up a delightful mix of humor, intelligence, and spectacular pixel art, crafting a point-and-click murder mystery that’s destined to be a classic. While the initial release on Switch is somewhat tainted by bugs, we anticipate it will soon recover, offering a seamless experience worthy of its storied influences.