by Joshua Brooks

Created on: September 28, 2008   Last Updated: September 29, 2008

Loco Mogul introduces itself as a warm and accepting game right from the opening menu screen. This feeling is accentuated by the light music as well as the use of colour in the menu screen which is particularly well set out - mainly blacks are used to sybolise the steam train and are used in such a way that the atmosphere of the game appears to be pleasant, with a friendly figure with open arms inviting you into his world.

The menu is extremely easy to navigate (which is not the case in as many games as you may think) and even upon entering the menu screen, I began to feel the need to discover more about the game.

All fonts, graphics (including the character's costume) and colours aid to the feeling that the game is one situated in the century of the steam train about which the game revolves.

The optional tutorial which coincides with a running plot makes the game easy and quick to understand.

The aim of the game is essentially to provide a railroad service for the territories, which is partly achieved by the accumulation of profits through the distribution of resources. You use your profits to cover various regions with a train service. Each level involves the surveying of areas, the discovering and extracting of various types of raw materials for distribution as well as the strategic building of train stations and train tracks so as to cover the smallest distance between resources and their destination (so that profits can be maximised). A player may choose to upgrade their locomotive (train) so that it becomes more efficient or to buy out an investor so as to utilize their assets to their (the player's) best advantage. Most actions do cost money which is arguably the key to Loco Mogul's strength and originality as a strategic game. A player has to think ahead, weigh up pros and cons in advance and make educated decisions throughout the game which is a large reason as to why it is so entrancing.

Visually Loco Mogul is a game which is divided up into squares on a board, each which may either contain nothing, a resource, an expert (who will survey land for you, flatten hills for you and more), a town and more. After a number of stations are set up and connected with towns/resources, you may run your train which will only cover a certain amount of squares between stations and recourses (each paying profits but costing fees each of different magnitude depending on the source). All of this also needs constant strategic thought if the game is to be completed most successfully. After the train cannot be run anymore, the level ends and you carry your profits onto the next level

The graphics of Loco Mogul are extremely appealing with bright colours and not overly complex effects. Pleasant sound effects/music are continually played to enhance the warm atmosphere of the game. Realism is influenced through subtle additives to the game such as wisps of cloud which are barely recognisable to the conscious mind as they glide over the territory.

Loco Mogul is a thoroughly absorbent game right from the start menu. It's easy to pick up and promotes continuous strategic thought whilst keeping you in a good mood. I rate Loco Mogul 4 out of 5 and recommend it more for children than adults although it is so transfixing I'm considering buying it for myself!

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