In the whimsical world of Locomoto, my journey begins with an unexpected twist: commandeering a train from a rather grumpy goat named McGruff. While this may sound dubious, I assure you, my motives are noble. Under the guidance of a raccoon named Finley—who has earned my trust as a representative of the ever-charming trash panda community—I embark on a mission to assist a struggling town. My new role as the train conductor is pivotal, as we aim to transport the future mayor, who holds the promise of revitalizing the community.
After clearing some clutter from the tracks at a dilapidated station, I receive a crash course in operating the train. From fueling the engine with coal to helping Finley settle in with his luggage, every detail adds to the immersive experience. With a map in hand, I set our course and pull the lever, setting our adventure in motion. What was intended to be a brief session quickly transforms into an engaging three-hour escapade, filled with quests and customization options that captivate my attention.
Customization and Crafting
Locomoto seamlessly blends elements reminiscent of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and a grid-based crafting system akin to Minecraft, creating a laid-back atmosphere that invites players to lose track of time. The character customization is particularly delightful; I find myself experimenting with various features—from ear shapes to fur patterns—before settling on Herbert, a charming little bear sporting a yellow cardigan and round glasses. The game allows for changes at any moment, thanks to photobooths scattered across the station stops.
The appeal of customization extends beyond character design to the train itself. As I progress, I unlock a plethora of options, including paints and wallpapers for the carriages, alongside new blueprints that enhance my crafting repertoire. The crafting system is user-friendly, allowing me to arrange resources in a grid to create everything from chairs to essential hot cocoa machines—an absolute must for any train journey.
As I navigate from station to station, the core gameplay involves filling the engine with coal and completing straightforward tasks for fellow animal characters. The quests are generally uncomplicated, such as transporting passengers or locating specific items. However, there are moments when clearer instructions would enhance the experience, as some objectives can lead to confusion without becoming overly frustrating.
Engaging with the various objectives and side activities, I often find myself caught in the delightful trap of “just one more task” before calling it a night. Hours slip away as I immerse myself in customizing my train’s interior or crafting new furniture for my carriages. This phenomenon, reminiscent of the Stardew Valley paradox, highlights how easily time can vanish in the pursuit of pixelated joy.
One of my favorite pastimes has become collecting parcels from station stops, transforming me into a bear-like postman, diligently delivering packages across the landscape. Though I am only a few hours into my adventure, Locomoto has already proven to be a charming and engaging experience, perfect for those seeking a delightful life simulation or an inviting train management game.
Locomoto is available now on PC. For more recommendations, be sure to check out our Indie Spotlight series.
