Carmen Sandiego is a franchise with a long history. Over the years, numerous games and even an animated series have fueled the imagination of children and adults alike, helping to create a certain fascination around a profession that requires sharp intellect. Being a detective is not for everyone, but the ability to travel the world in search of members of V.I.L.E. (Villains International League of Evil), a criminal organization, makes the experience all the more captivating.
Although Carmen Sandiego is a master in the art of stealing valuable objects, it is intriguing to see her associated with an agency responsible for training the world’s best detectives, A.C.M.E. However, with V.I.L.E. rapidly expanding, it becomes necessary to restore balance. Everything begins with the theft of a highly advanced military aircraft equipped with next-generation cloaking technology, capable of becoming invisible—almost like something straight out of the Harry Potter universe. Carmen proves to be the ideal ally for this mission, despite the inherent risks, thanks to her deep knowledge of V.I.L.E.’s operations and her impressive skills in espionage.
The narrative takes players across various locations around the globe. From Barcelona to exotic destinations like Brazil and Mexico, and even stunning landscapes in Japan, among many others, all in an effort to stop the rise of the criminal organization.
The story unfolds over three episodes, each with a main plotline and a countdown timer representing a limited number of days to solve the case. In a way, the game feels reminiscent of the classic “Guess Who?” as it requires players to identify the suspect’s characteristics—hair color, eye color, habits, and even fears. The culprit’s identity changes with each mini-chapter, making every investigation unique. Clues can lead to different paths and possibilities, but it is possible to identify the criminal before the deadline, earning a higher score. If the clues point to an innocent person, the player still receives some points, though in a smaller amount. However, to progress in the main storyline, capturing the true culprit is essential.
In the campaign, players take on the role of Carmen Sandiego, exploring small areas of the map and gathering clues to solve mysteries. Between mini-games and puzzles, this is the most dynamic part of the experience. In many ways, the game resembles a visual novel, blending an engaging narrative with interactive moments.
The mini-games vary in complexity. At first, they are quite simple, such as hitting targets with a moving crosshair or following suspects through button sequences. However, as the campaign progresses, the challenges become more demanding, including circuit puzzles and frequency tuning, which require greater attention and logical thinking from the players.
Between chapters, players can explore secondary content called “A.C.M.E. Archives.” To move forward in the main story, a certain level must be reached, encouraging players to solve these side cases. While shorter and less complex, these secondary missions are a great way to accumulate experience and points. A particularly appealing detail for longtime fans is the visual aspect of this mode, which pays homage to the original 1985 game by using a pixel-art style.
The return of Carmen Sandiego is a blend of classic and modern elements. The ability to play as the iconic character provides a fresh perspective, while the challenges and puzzles maintain the franchise’s educational and fun essence. While the early mini-games may seem simple, the increasing difficulty ensures that players remain engaged and motivated throughout the adventure. However, despite being a captivating experience for fans of the series, the game lacks complexity and repetition of activities, which may compromise its longevity.
[Note: Review based on the final Playstation 5 version of the game, kindly provided by Gameloft.]
