Loco Motive is a free 2D pixelated adventure video game wherein you have to solve a crime on a train. Developed by Robust Games, this murder mystery comedy game is an indie point-and-click adventure that features classic puzzles, colorful characters, and a hilarious but gripping tale.

Loco Motive was made for the AdvXJam 2020 contest. It’s a short journey that takes about an hour or so to complete, with one ending. With its engaging storyline, detailed pixel art, and a blend of humor and mystery, this game promises a captivating experience for fans of classic adventure games.

Got some investigating to do

Loco Motive is a comedic point-and-click adventure aboard the luxurious Reuss Express train. You take control of three quirky characters — Arthur Ackerman, a lawyer; Diana Osterhagen, an amateur secret agent; and Herman Merman, a self-proclaimed detective extraordinaire — each bringing unique perspectives to the unfolding mystery. When a murder occurs, you must navigate the train's vibrant settings, solve intricate puzzles, and piece together clues to uncover the truth.

You only need your mouse for controls—click on the ground or walls to walk and on objects and characters to interact with them. Move your mouse to the top of the screen to access your inventory. Then, you can use these items on other objects or people. You can unequip it by just right-clicking and clicking on the object again or using it in any blank space.

This game will immediately remind you of LucasArts point-and-click games with its overall art style, intuitive puzzles, and witty dialogue. While a wonderful homage to these nostalgic games and their developer, this indie game still holds well on its own without being too similar to them. Perhaps the only real issue here is that the audio will sometimes cut off after doing an action.

Brings back memories

Loco Motive is a charming, free 2D adventure that blends humor, mystery, and nostalgia. With its engaging storyline, colorful characters, and intuitive point-and-click mechanics, it delivers a delightful experience reminiscent of classic LucasArts games. While short playtime and occasional audio glitches may be drawbacks, its clever puzzles and vibrant pixel art make it a worthwhile journey for fans of comedic murder mysteries and retro-styled indie games.