Reviving a classic with a new Carmen Sandiego adventure
By Paul Hunter
Carmen Sandiego is back, but this time Gameloft revives the iconic franchise with a fresh twist—stepping into Carmen’s shoes rather than chasing her. Inspired by Netflix’s 2019 animated reboot, this new adventure blends mystery-solving, stealth, and puzzle-solving with the series’ signature educational elements. It’s a game that dares to ask: what if the world’s greatest thief was also its last hope?
Since its 1985 debut, the Carmen Sandiego series has taken you across the globe, through time, and even into space in pursuit of elusive criminals. Traditionally, the goal was to capture Carmen, but this entry shifts the focus. Now, she’s the protagonist, working to thwart her former allies in the criminal organization V.I.L.E. You’ll gather intel, decode clues, and uncover secrets, all while evading those who would rather see you behind bars.
With a mix of detective gameplay and action mechanics, Carmen Sandiego aims to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation. But does this shift in perspective reinvigorate the franchise, or does it make you pine for the traditional Carmen-chasing missions? Time to grab your fedora, follow the clues, and find out.
Carmen Sandiego’s days as the world’s most elusive thief are behind her—sort of. After turning against the criminal organization V.I.L.E., she now races across the globe to stop their latest schemes. Instead of stealing for personal gain, she takes artifacts before V.I.L.E. can exploit them, ensuring priceless treasures remain where they belong. With the help of her white hat hacker ally, “Player,” Carmen must gather intel, track down culprits, and outmaneuver her former associates before they can disappear into the shadows.
Each mission is a new puzzle to solve, sending you to vibrant locations packed with historical and cultural details. One moment, you might be deciphering an ancient manuscript in Cairo; the next, you’re tailing a V.I.L.E. agent through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. The game’s episodic structure keeps things moving, with each case revealing a bigger mystery behind V.I.L.E.’s grand plan. Along the way, Carmen faces tough choices, forcing her to balance her personal code with the risks of her dangerous new mission.
This fresh take on the franchise pulls heavily from Netflix’s series, positioning Carmen as a complex anti-heroine rather than just a target for detectives. While longtime fans may miss the cat-and-mouse formula, stepping into Carmen’s shoes offers an exciting shift in perspective. Her transformation from master thief to unexpected protector adds an exciting twist, making her more than just a legend in a red trench coat. After all, Carmen Sandiego may have switched sides—but she’s not done making history.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure blends detective work with fresh mechanics, giving you the tools to think, strategize, and outsmart V.I.L.E. As Carmen, you’ll investigate crime scenes, track down suspects, and piece together clues while racing against the clock. Each mission is a carefully structured mystery that challenges your deduction skills, rewarding those who pay attention to details.
The core gameplay revolves around gathering intelligence and narrowing down suspects using a filtering system. As you explore, you’ll uncover key facts about each target—where they were last seen, what they stole, and their known aliases. Using this information, you’ll eliminate false leads until only the guilty party remains. It’s a modernized take on the franchise’s signature investigative gameplay, mixing logic puzzles with Carmen’s signature flair for espionage.
But solving cases isn’t just about analyzing evidence—it’s about action. Carmen’s missions take her across the globe, introducing a variety of interactive sequences that keep the pace lively. You might be tailing a V.I.L.E. agent through a crowded marketplace, picking pockets for crucial intel, or using her grappling hook in a high-speed rooftop chase. Some segments require stealth, forcing you to time movements carefully to avoid detection. Others present quick decision-making challenges, where picking the right course of action can mean the difference between capturing a suspect or watching them slip away.
Mini-games and environmental puzzles also add variety. Certain tasks—like cracking safes, hacking security systems, or decoding ancient texts—require pattern recognition, logic, or reflex-based mechanics. These moments ensure each case feels unique while reinforcing Carmen’s intelligence and resourcefulness. The blend of investigative work and action sequences prevents the game from feeling like a simple point-and-click mystery.
Two main modes keep the experience engaging: "A Campaign Most Vile" follows Carmen’s ongoing battle against V.I.L.E., delivering a structured narrative filled with twists, familiar characters, and escalating stakes. Meanwhile, "A.C.M.E. Archives" pays tribute to the franchise’s origins with self-contained cases presented in a nostalgic pixel-art style. These shorter missions retain the traditional gameplay of tracking criminals across countries, making it a welcome nod for longtime fans.
Since the game was originally designed for mobile, some mechanics feel better suited to touchscreens—especially elements like lockpicking or grappling sequences. On consoles, these actions are mapped to button presses, which can feel a bit less intuitive. That said, the controls remain accessible, ensuring investigations run smoothly regardless of platform.
With its mix of detective work, action sequences, and global intrigue, Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure proves that the world’s most famous thief still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure embraces a sleek, modern aesthetic inspired by the Netflix animated series, but its mobile roots are unmistakable. The game’s visuals lean toward a simplified, almost hand-drawn style, with bold colours and clean designs that capture Carmen’s globe-trotting intrigue. Character models are expressive, and environments showcase distinct cultural influences, but the graphical fidelity is modest on PS5.
This is most evident in interactive sequences. Whether Carmen is sneaking past guards, scaling rooftops, or engaging in quick-time events, the animations are serviceable but not particularly dynamic. The game’s art direction carries it further than its raw technical performance, making it visually appealing despite its limitations.
Sound design, however, is a highlight. The soundtrack channels the series’ jazzy, mysterious energy, with playful guitar riffs and moody orchestral elements enhancing the atmosphere. Whether you’re solving a case in Paris or infiltrating a V.I.L.E. hideout in Tokyo, the music shifts to reflect each locale, adding richness to every mission. Voice acting is also handled well with strong performances throughout.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure delivers a visually charming experience that stays true to the series’ legacy. The art direction and music elevate the presentation, even if it doesn’t push graphical boundaries. It’s not the most technically impressive title, but it captures the globe-spanning excitement that defines the franchise.
Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Carmen Sandiego is back, but this time Gameloft revives the iconic franchise with a fresh twist—stepping into Carmen’s shoes rather than chasing her. Inspired by Netflix’s 2019 animated reboot, this new adventure blends mystery-solving, stealth, and puzzle-solving with the series’ signature educational elements. It’s a game that dares to ask: what if the world’s greatest thief was also its last hope?
Since its 1985 debut, the Carmen Sandiego series has taken you across the globe, through time, and even into space in pursuit of elusive criminals. Traditionally, the goal was to capture Carmen, but this entry shifts the focus. Now, she’s the protagonist, working to thwart her former allies in the criminal organization V.I.L.E. You’ll gather intel, decode clues, and uncover secrets, all while evading those who would rather see you behind bars.
With a mix of detective gameplay and action mechanics, Carmen Sandiego aims to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation. But does this shift in perspective reinvigorate the franchise, or does it make you pine for the traditional Carmen-chasing missions? Time to grab your fedora, follow the clues, and find out.
Carmen Sandiego’s days as the world’s most elusive thief are behind her—sort of. After turning against the criminal organization V.I.L.E., she now races across the globe to stop their latest schemes. Instead of stealing for personal gain, she takes artifacts before V.I.L.E. can exploit them, ensuring priceless treasures remain where they belong. With the help of her white hat hacker ally, “Player,” Carmen must gather intel, track down culprits, and outmaneuver her former associates before they can disappear into the shadows.
Each mission is a new puzzle to solve, sending you to vibrant locations packed with historical and cultural details. One moment, you might be deciphering an ancient manuscript in Cairo; the next, you’re tailing a V.I.L.E. agent through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. The game’s episodic structure keeps things moving, with each case revealing a bigger mystery behind V.I.L.E.’s grand plan. Along the way, Carmen faces tough choices, forcing her to balance her personal code with the risks of her dangerous new mission.
This fresh take on the franchise pulls heavily from Netflix’s series, positioning Carmen as a complex anti-heroine rather than just a target for detectives. While longtime fans may miss the cat-and-mouse formula, stepping into Carmen’s shoes offers an exciting shift in perspective. Her transformation from master thief to unexpected protector adds an exciting twist, making her more than just a legend in a red trench coat. After all, Carmen Sandiego may have switched sides—but she’s not done making history.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure blends detective work with fresh mechanics, giving you the tools to think, strategize, and outsmart V.I.L.E. As Carmen, you’ll investigate crime scenes, track down suspects, and piece together clues while racing against the clock. Each mission is a carefully structured mystery that challenges your deduction skills, rewarding those who pay attention to details.
The core gameplay revolves around gathering intelligence and narrowing down suspects using a filtering system. As you explore, you’ll uncover key facts about each target—where they were last seen, what they stole, and their known aliases. Using this information, you’ll eliminate false leads until only the guilty party remains. It’s a modernized take on the franchise’s signature investigative gameplay, mixing logic puzzles with Carmen’s signature flair for espionage.
But solving cases isn’t just about analyzing evidence—it’s about action. Carmen’s missions take her across the globe, introducing a variety of interactive sequences that keep the pace lively. You might be tailing a V.I.L.E. agent through a crowded marketplace, picking pockets for crucial intel, or using her grappling hook in a high-speed rooftop chase. Some segments require stealth, forcing you to time movements carefully to avoid detection. Others present quick decision-making challenges, where picking the right course of action can mean the difference between capturing a suspect or watching them slip away.
Mini-games and environmental puzzles also add variety. Certain tasks—like cracking safes, hacking security systems, or decoding ancient texts—require pattern recognition, logic, or reflex-based mechanics. These moments ensure each case feels unique while reinforcing Carmen’s intelligence and resourcefulness. The blend of investigative work and action sequences prevents the game from feeling like a simple point-and-click mystery.
Two main modes keep the experience engaging: "A Campaign Most Vile" follows Carmen’s ongoing battle against V.I.L.E., delivering a structured narrative filled with twists, familiar characters, and escalating stakes. Meanwhile, "A.C.M.E. Archives" pays tribute to the franchise’s origins with self-contained cases presented in a nostalgic pixel-art style. These shorter missions retain the traditional gameplay of tracking criminals across countries, making it a welcome nod for longtime fans.
Since the game was originally designed for mobile, some mechanics feel better suited to touchscreens—especially elements like lockpicking or grappling sequences. On consoles, these actions are mapped to button presses, which can feel a bit less intuitive. That said, the controls remain accessible, ensuring investigations run smoothly regardless of platform.
With its mix of detective work, action sequences, and global intrigue, Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure proves that the world’s most famous thief still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure embraces a sleek, modern aesthetic inspired by the Netflix animated series, but its mobile roots are unmistakable. The game’s visuals lean toward a simplified, almost hand-drawn style, with bold colours and clean designs that capture Carmen’s globe-trotting intrigue. Character models are expressive, and environments showcase distinct cultural influences, but the graphical fidelity is modest on PS5.
This is most evident in interactive sequences. Whether Carmen is sneaking past guards, scaling rooftops, or engaging in quick-time events, the animations are serviceable but not particularly dynamic. The game’s art direction carries it further than its raw technical performance, making it visually appealing despite its limitations.
Sound design, however, is a highlight. The soundtrack channels the series’ jazzy, mysterious energy, with playful guitar riffs and moody orchestral elements enhancing the atmosphere. Whether you’re solving a case in Paris or infiltrating a V.I.L.E. hideout in Tokyo, the music shifts to reflect each locale, adding richness to every mission. Voice acting is also handled well with strong performances throughout.
Carmen Sandiego’s latest adventure delivers a visually charming experience that stays true to the series’ legacy. The art direction and music elevate the presentation, even if it doesn’t push graphical boundaries. It’s not the most technically impressive title, but it captures the globe-spanning excitement that defines the franchise.
The Verdict
Carmen Sandiego makes a triumphant return, offering a fresh twist on the formula by placing you in the role of the elusive thief rather than the detective chasing her. Whether you’re deciphering clues, tailing suspects, or using Carmen’s signature gadgets, there’s always something to keep you engaged as you unravel V.I.L.E.’s latest scheme.Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good
Carmen Sandiego details
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.