Locomotion is a cross between Chris Sawyer'sRollerCoaster Tycoon series and Transport Tycoon. The game has the base concept taken from the 1994 Transport Tycoon and the graphics style and interface from RollerCoaster Tycoon.
After choosing one of 40 pre-made scenarios, or creating a new one, the goal is to complete the objective(s) of the scenario. These can vary and may include transporting a certain amount of goods or improving the company's rating. Completion of these goals is achieved by building transport networks using trains, trams, buses, trucks, ships and planes. Depending on the scenario, the game can start as early as 1900 and can continue well past the year of 2000. As time progresses, the number of available vehicles will grow due to technology improvements. Careful upgrades are advised, as depending on the route, new vehicles may cost more than they will bring profit. Like in RollerCoaster Tycoon, the player can play the scenario even after completing the objectives.
The size of the world, as well as the number and size of towns vary in each scenario. The scenarios are built around North America, United Kingdom and the Alps. While examining the landscape, the player must choose which transport method is the cheapest or fastest.
The player isn't alone in his endeavors, either. In most scenarios, one will need to compete against multiple computer players who will try to take business away from him. The player can choose many tactics to beat them, from increasing the number of vehicles assigned to a town or facility to placing blockades on competing company's railways. Also, the game has a multiplayer mode for two human players via TCP/IP or LAN.
The Company Owner Editor (which wasn't bundled with the original disc) was later released as download by publisher Atari. The program can be used to add new portraits for managers.
