Loco Motive Review — Slapstick Point and Click

Loco Motive is a point-and-click detective noir brimming with sharp wit, stellar voice acting, and stunning pixel art. The game channels the spirit of classic ’90s and early 2000s adventure games like Pajama Sam and Monkey Island, offering a modern tribute to that golden era of PC gaming.

Gameplay-wise, Loco Motive embraces the simplicity of its inspirations, relying on familiar point-and-click mechanics. There’s never a task that’s too complex or overwhelming. The game challenges players to use their reasoning skills and think creatively to solve puzzles, focusing on deduction and encouraging clever solutions without resorting to overly difficult mechanics or obscure tricks. This balance of accessibility and clever problem-solving gives the game a nostalgic feel while remaining fresh and engaging.

Within its simplicity, Loco Motive masterfully creates moments of complex artistry. Every time you interact with an object, the game goes beyond a simple description. Arthur Ackerman, the star lawyer, and our protagonist, actively engages with whatever you’ve clicked on. The game brings these interactions to life with fully animated scenes, showing Arthur physically interacting with the object. Whether he’s examining evidence or fiddling with a quirky prop, the rich and detailed animations are often surprising. The care given to even mundane tasks, like opening a drawer or picking up a pencil, imbues the game with liveliness and personality. This is an impressive feat, especially considering the game’s minimalist aesthetic.

The art style of Loco Motive is as deceptively simple as the gameplay, perfectly complementing the vibrant animation. The characters are designed with clear, bold silhouettes and minimal detail, yet each is instantly recognizable and distinct. The style recalls classic cartoons and old-school pixel art, where characters were defined by their shapes and movements rather than intricate textures. The fluidity and expressiveness of the animation add an unexpected layer of depth to the characters’ personalities and interactions. The contrast between the simple, almost cartoonish, look and the surprisingly complex animations elevates the game’s aesthetic, making the experience dynamic and engaging without sacrificing the charm of its minimalist design.

Loco Motive is undeniably a work of art, not just for its vibrant pixel art and smooth animations. It’s the way these elements combine with the story, characters, and humor that truly elevates the game.

At its core, Loco Motive is a fresh, parodic spin on the murder mystery genre. The story begins when wealthy socialite Madame Unterwald is found dead just before announcing her heir. Naturally, the prime suspect is Arthur, our bumbling lawyer protagonist, who is also handling her estate. As Arthur scrambles to prove his innocence, he must unravel the truth behind the murder, diving into a web of intrigue and deception—all with a comedic twist.

From the moment you step into Arthur’s shoes, Loco Motive stands out for its remarkable sense of humor. The dialogue is packed with witty, character-driven writing. Refreshingly, the humor never relies on cheap shock value, crass jokes, or over-the-top vulgarity. Instead, the comedy is sharp and clever, effortlessly blending slapstick, puns, and absurd character interactions that are more wholesome than crude, even with occasional cartoonish gore.

The humor has a nostalgic quality, reminiscent of old-school cartoons where the comedy comes from quirky characters, silly situations, and playful logic. Loco Motive leans into this tradition with its colorful cast of eccentric characters and zany humor. The jokes feel natural, not forced, and the game’s ability to make you laugh with quirky writing and absurd scenarios without resorting to cheap tricks truly makes it shine. It’s as smart as it is silly.

Loco Motive thrives on its witty writing. The humor is smart, full of quirky characters and absurd situations, offering both playful slapstick and sharp wordplay. This lighthearted approach to a classic genre makes the game entertaining and endearing, proving that even in a world of complex, triple-A titles, there’s still room for games that embrace simplicity, creativity, and a good laugh.

No discussion of Loco Motive would be complete without mentioning the phenomenal voice cast, which elevates the experience and brings the characters to life. For this, you’ll have to play the game—but Loco Motive wouldn’t be the same without the voice actors’ incredible work.

Try Hard Guides received a PC review code for this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! Loco Motive is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.