Loco Motive

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Adventure, point-and-click, detective, 2D, humorous, indie games, side-scroll, singleplayer

7.6

OpenCritic

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A point & click adventure game in which we take the role of three passengers of Reuss Express train. In Loco Motive we investigate to discover identity of the murderer. The game is kept in light slapstick comedy style.

Plot
Game mechanics
Technical aspects

Loco Motive is a point & click adventure game inspired by Murder on the Orient Express, a crime novel by Agatha Christie. It was developed by Robust Games, an independent studio, and its prototype was created during the AdvXJam 2020 game jam.

Plot

Loco Motive is set in the 1930s, aboard the exclusive Reuss Express train. When wealthy Lady Unterwald is murdered on the eve of an important speech, three characters are suspected of the crime - lawyer Arthur Ackerman, novelist Herman Merman, who wants to become a detective, and Diana Osterhagen, who works as a spy for Her Majesty the Queen. The three protagonists have no choice but to conduct an investigation that will clear their names and lead to the discovery of the killer's identity. Although it all sounds very serious, the story is kept in the vein of a slapstick comedy.

Game mechanics

In Loco Motive we watch the action from the side. During the game we have an opportunity to take the role of each of the three characters, whose paths start to cross with time. In order to bring the investigation to a happy end, we have to conduct numerous conversations with the remaining passengers and solve numerous puzzles. Puzzles are mainly about finding items and using them in a specific way.

An original hint system has been implemented in the game. If we have no idea how to push the action further, we can use the built-in hotline which is a source of useful tips. What's interesting, we can control the characters in two ways - directly or with the help of classic point & click interface.

Technical aspects

Loco Motive has colorful graphics made in pixel art technique. In the game we can listen to the soundtrack composed by Paul Zimmerman.

Videos and Screens

[1:04] Loco Motive Launch Trailer

[1:04] Loco Motive Release Date Trailer

7.6

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 67% of Critics. There are 22 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

LadiesGamers.com: by Kalina Mikova

I’ve been waiting for Loco Motive for quite some time, and I was not disappointed at all. It’s a great game, a welcomed return to classic adventure games, and hopefully, a first in a series.

Full Review

Thumb Culture: 5 / 5

Loco Motive isn’t just a game; it’s an experience—a hilarious, heartfelt, head-scratching romp through a murder mystery with more twists than a railway track. Yes, the pacing can be slow, and bugs like Don disappearing might momentarily derail your fun. But the witty writing, stellar voice acting, and replay value make up for it in spades. So, don’t miss this one if you fancy yourself a detective, love a bit of slapstick, and appreciate a good jazz track. Robust Games and Chucklefish have struck gold—or should I say platinum? This one’s a Thumb Culture Platinum Award, without a doubt. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your detective hat, board the Reuss Express, and solve this mystery together. And don’t forget—comment below with what excites you most about Loco Motive!

Full Review

Entertainium: by Eduardo Rebouças

Loco Motive is a gem to behold for lovers of the genre or casuals alike. It’s an obvious recommendation made not just because I’m an adventure gaming fan writing this review, but as someone who appreciates a good game, and god dammit, this is one of those! You’d do well picking this up regardless of which system you own – you won’t be disappointed.

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