- Publisher: Gameloft
- Release Date: Mar 4, 2025
- Also On: iPhone/iPad, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- Summary:
- Developer: Gameloft
- Genre(s): Adventure, Action Adventure, General
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 3 out of 7
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Mixed: 4 out of 7
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Negative: 0 out of 7
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Mar 4, 2025Carmen Sandiego is a fun romp through a genre that I had figured was lost to mobile marketplaces and predatory YouTube channels. If I was a kid, I bet I would absolutely love it. It’s not much of a challenge in terms of knowing things, but it does use historical and geographical education as a backdrop for a fun mystery-solving loop that tests your deduction skills just as much as your ability to soak up facts. I do wish there was a little more friction when it came to identifying the criminals, and the loop itself does run out of ideas pretty quickly. The minigames don’t add a whole lot aside from vibes, but the writing itself is often a hoot. At the end of the day, I really enjoyed this unexpected blast from the past, and appreciated how committed to the originals it ended up being. If you’re a parent looking for something of substance for your kid for a real video game machine that isn’t some app trying to needle your wallet in exchange for low-rent Sesame Street lessons, Carmen Sandiego might just be the ticket.
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Mar 4, 2025This globe-trotting adventure can err on the side of being too simplistic, but with amazing scenery and fun puzzles, it’s a solid update to the classic Carmen formula nonetheless.
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Mar 5, 2025Carmen Sandiego, like the character, has a bit of an identity crisis. The mini-games are very simple and the fact that the game is educational in nature, gives the indication that the game was designed for younger students. But then there are some cryptic clues, particularly those about the identity of the thieves that children will struggle to solve. But in all, the game does a reasonable job in its two main objectives - being entertaining and educational. In the review code, I did spend a lot of time visiting the same cities, so players will become quite familiar with the destinations throughout the course of the game. Of course, this kind of repetition is a valuable educational tool. The puzzles and mini games are fun (even if they're on the simple side), the visuals are bright and colourful and visiting the various cities of the world to track down the VILE henchmen is rewarding. And if you're like me and have kids of your own now, then Carmen Sandiego will bring back a touch of nostalgia, especially when you spot some of the Easter Eggs from the original.
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Mar 4, 2025Taken as a whole game, Carmen Sandiego is a perfectly cromulent romp despite its relative simplicity. Slipping into familiar trappings isn’t always a bad thing, especially when you’re aiming to make a return like this. While not quite a triumphant return to the gaming space, it’s definitely a welcome one. I like to think that there’s still a place in the gaming world for The World’s Greatest Thief. So seeing her land on her feet like this is a welcome surprise. Carmen isn’t one to rest on her laurels, so I hope this isn’t the last we see of her.
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Apr 2, 2025A charming educational adventure, Carmen Sandiego (2025) is casual-ish in difficulty. Grinding and replaying are required, but some excellent mini-games make the experience worthwhile.
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Mar 5, 2025I think a big problem here is that this is likely for a younger audience than the original Carmen Sandiego games were for and as someone that doesn’t watch this new show it’s hard for me to tell if I’m right on that assumption. There are weird callbacks to the 1985 original and I’m not sure who that is for? Will children know the number of stories the Sears Tower is? Will they even know Sears? Probably not. It’s a weird pull. Regardless, there isn’t much to say because even with my complaints there’s still a level of charm here. Narrowing down suspects based on clues and then hunting them down is neat and there is some educational value to this game… just maybe save yourself $30 and use your Netflix account to play it on mobile.
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Mar 18, 2025Carmen Sandiego’s 2025 rendition is a charming new title that adds on to the beloved series. Full of puzzles, minigames, and fun facts about countries and landmarks all at the palm of your hand in one stunning modern style. Sleuthing has never been this fun and educational—and Carmen Sandiego knows just how to do it. However, its steep price tag, PC optimization issues, and forgettable soundtrack might dampen the experience a bit.