Rediscovering a Classic
Revisiting a beloved game series from our childhood is akin to rummaging through the attic of our past. As I launched Carmen Sandiego, the latest installment in a franchise that has entertained audiences for over four decades, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. The moment the master thief adorned in her signature trench coat and fedora appeared on my screen, I was transported back to my eight-year-old self, captivated by the thrill of solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries through math, geography, and history. Although 40 years have passed, this new iteration of Carmen Sandiego rekindles that exhilarating experience of piecing together clues, even as some modern updates to the interface fall short.
Step into Carmen’s Shoes
As a former child detective whose knowledge of geography was developed by chasing after notorious criminals around the globe, I was eager to dive back into the Carmen Sandiego universe with the release of this new adventure from Gameloft. Drawing inspiration from the animated Netflix series that concluded in 2021, the game captures its vibrant visual style while allowing players to step into Carmen’s shoes for the first time in the series’ history. However, this gameplay twist doesn’t significantly alter the beloved formula of crook-catching.
A Blend of Education and Entertainment
Originally conceived as an educational tool, the modern Carmen Sandiego combines puzzle-solving elements with quick-time events, a touch of third-person exploration, and, of course, trivia questions. The updated gameplay offers a more expansive and engaging world compared to its early DOS predecessors, allowing players to do much more than simply click on icons, sift through dialogue, and answer questions reminiscent of elementary school exams. While the inclusion of new activities like hang-gliding and rooftop grappling adds variety, they may not be essential to the core experience.
Gathering Clues in a Global Adventure
As you navigate from country to country in pursuit of VILE thieves, your mission involves collecting two types of clues: those that guide you to your next destination and those that help identify suspects within the ACME detective agency’s database. Unlike the games of the ’80s and ’90s, which relied on physical almanacs filled with geographical and historical facts, this game provides all necessary information within its interface.
Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter various pieces of data, such as airport codes, exports, national languages, and government structures. This in-game almanac proves invaluable when tracking down a VILE villain and deciding on your next move. Armed with clues like flag colors, spoken languages, or driving norms, you’ll select your next city from three provided options.
Investigating Suspects
To apprehend the criminals, you’ll utilize personal information to narrow down the list of suspects. The revamped ACME Database streamlines this process, allowing you to filter suspects based on their physical attributes, hobbies, favorite foods, and fears. It’s incredibly satisfying to reduce a list of thirty suspects to a single person, leading to an arrest warrant. Just be cautious—mistakes can lead to game over for Carmen, and you’ll have to restart the case.
Exploration and Activities
Clues are scattered throughout various exotic locations, from New Orleans to Barcelona to Singapore and Brisbane, reminiscent of the earlier games but with added opportunities for exploration and interaction. In some areas, players can roam freely, interview witnesses, and uncover local trivia that may be useful later. While you don’t have control over which activities take place in each location, the gameplay feels more dynamic than before.
Each case consists of several chapters interlinked by a common villain. The investigations kick off at the crime scene, whether it’s the theft of a Japanese bullet train or the dubious replacement of a city’s free Wi-Fi with paid “Vi-Fi.” In each city, you’re free to visit three locations to gather clues that inch you closer to solving the mystery.
Gameplay Dynamics and Challenges
As you traverse each city, landmarks and districts—like Singapore’s Merlion statue or a Viking museum in Reykjavik—require you to complete specific activities to unearth clues. This may involve questioning suspects, solving hacking puzzles, or using Carmen’s gadgets like her hang glider or grappling hook.
Some gameplay elements are more enjoyable than others. Hacking puzzles are particularly satisfying, while physical activities often feel linear and less engaging. For instance, the grappling hook mini-game can be frustrating due to erratic icon movements, while hang-gliding is merely passable. Ideally, I would have preferred fewer, more polished gameplay elements rather than a mix that sometimes feels like filler.
Time Management and Case Outcomes
Although Carmen Sandiego is more forgiving than its 1985 predecessor, failing cases is still a possibility. Players generally have five to seven days to solve each case, with every action consuming time—including travel between cities. If you miss a critical clue and end up in the wrong location, you may find yourself running out of time. However, I found the time constraints manageable, typically completing cases with time to spare.
You can also fail cases in various ways, particularly if you’re caught pickpocketing a VILE henchman, losing key evidence. While one missed clue may not derail your investigation, repeated oversights can leave you without enough information to make an arrest. I often pinpointed the exact moment I slipped up, whether from being too slow or not paying close attention during crucial interactions.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Despite some mistakes, I wouldn’t classify the main campaign as particularly challenging. Given the series’ roots as an educational tool, it’s evident that the game is designed for a younger audience. Parents and children can enjoy playing together, fostering critical thinking skills while brushing up on basic geography. While it may be easier compared to other titles, Carmen Sandiego maintains a level of complexity that avoids feeling patronizing.
ACME Files: The Retro Challenge
For those seeking a greater challenge, the ACME Files offer a selection of “cold cases” dating back to the ’80s. These cases utilize the modern suspect-filtering system but are presented in a nostalgic pixel art style, complete with trivia questions to jog your memory. As you navigate these retro cases, you’ll feel transported back to the days of rifling through encyclopedias for answers.
Although the ACME Files may seem easier initially, they present a greater challenge, particularly concerning time constraints. I found myself racing against the clock during these cases, heightening my determination to succeed on subsequent attempts. These historical cases add valuable variety to the overall experience and serve as a delightful nod to longtime fans.
A World of Possibilities
The historical cases share many of the same locations as the main campaign, which can make the environments feel a bit repetitive over time. Nevertheless, revisiting cities often reveals new facts and trivia, making each exploration worthwhile.
Despite these minor shortcomings, my enthusiasm for the game remained intact. Each chapter is well-paced, constantly providing a sense of progression. I relish games that challenge players to think critically, and Carmen Sandiego largely succeeds in this regard.
A Cliffhanger Ending
Unfortunately, the campaign concludes rather abruptly. While a new caper is promised as free DLC later this year, it was surprising to encounter an unfinished story in a publicly released game. Although the narrative feels incomplete, there’s still around 15 hours of content to explore, especially if you tackle all the cold cases. After initially feeling confused, I embraced the opportunity to delve into older cases while anticipating the next chapter of Carmen’s adventure.
