Game: Locomoto
Genre: Simulation, Cosy
System: Nintendo Switch (Also on Steam (Windows))
Developer | Publisher: Green Tile Digital | THQ Nordic
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: US $29.99 | UK £24.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: June 26th, 2025
A review was code provided with many thanks to Dead Good Media.
Locomoto – A First-Class Ticket to Cosy Vibes
Locomoto is the very definition of wholesome. If games could give you a hug, this one would wrap you in a warm blanket, hand you a hot drink, and tell you everything’s going to be okay. With a mix of train management, crafting, character customisation, and an uplifting atmosphere, Locomoto is easily one of the cosiest titles released this year. Whether you’re playing solo or with your kids, it’s an experience designed to make you smile, especially if you’re a fan of trains or just need something low-stress in your life.
All Aboard: Setting Off on the Right Track
You begin your journey by designing your character, an adorable, cuddly animal of your choice. The customisation options are flexible and surprisingly detailed. Whether you want antlers, a fluffy tail, or just the perfect frowny face, Locomoto has you covered. Even better, you’re free to revisit and tweak your creation at any time, so you’re never locked into a design.
The game’s opening premise sees you and your buddy stumble across a seemingly abandoned train. With little hesitation, you hop aboard and start learning how to run it. From there, Locomoto becomes a laid-back journey across a vibrant world, meeting quirky NPCs (all animals, naturally) and helping them with their personal woes. Each character feels distinct thanks to thoughtful writing, and while the dialogue is text-only, it lends itself well to silly voices, making it great for playing with children.
Train Management Made Simple
Controlling your train is as easy-going as the rest of the experience. You’ll collect coal from the back of the train and feed it into the furnace, keeping an eye on the fuel meter to avoid overheating. Once powered up, you plot your next destination on a charming map, pull the lever, and off you go.
During your travels, you can tend to passengers, serving drinks or snacks, or get a little work done by cleaning the train, crafting items, or simply relaxing. Boarding passengers is equally charming: grab their bag, plop it onto a seat, and watch them settle in. You’ll also collect and install new train parts as you go, expanding your carriages and functionality over time.
Crafting, Cleaning, and Creating
Beyond train operation, there’s a variety of satisfying side activities. You can pick up litter (more fun than it sounds), recycle items for crafting tokens, chop trees for wood, or mine ore using a pickaxe. These materials can be used to craft new tools, furniture, and various other items, provided you’ve unlocked the right blueprints through exploration or helping NPCs.
The game’s crafting system blends nicely with its decorating options. You’re free to personalise your train’s interior, from wall colours to furniture layout. It’s user-friendly too: areas are colour-coded to show where items can be placed, and repositioning is a breeze. Add in character outfits and train paint jobs, and it’s easy to make the experience entirely your own.
Looks That Warm the Heart
Visually, Locomoto delivers exactly what its vibe promises. The characters are soft and huggable, the environments burst with colour and charm, and the soundtrack features a gentle lo-fi vibe that encourages you to breathe deep and relax. Every visual and audio element has clearly been crafted with care and warmth.
Minor Gripes on the Rails
If there are any downsides, they’re minor. Your character’s starting inventory is a bit limited, which means you’ll need to be mindful of what you collect. And for players seeking a challenge, Locomoto likely won’t deliver; it’s deliberately easy, meant more for unwinding than testing your reflexes or strategic planning. But for most, that’s exactly the point.
Conclusion: First-Class Cosiness
Locomoto is a delightful and gentle ride that provides the perfect balance of interaction and relaxation. Even as someone who doesn’t typically click with games like Animal Crossing, I found myself charmed by its heart and simplicity. There’s always something to do, but never any pressure to do it quickly. It’s a game that welcomes you warmly, lets you set the pace, and quietly celebrates every small accomplishment.
And the best part? My little boy adores it. Of all the train-themed games I reviewed this month, this was the one that completely won him over, and that dual thumbs up means more than any score I could give.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
Do you like our content?
Support LadiesGamers as a member on Patreon!
Or buy us a cup of coffee or tea on Ko-Fi!
