Carmen Sandiego discovered on PC, consoles and mobile devices

• Announcements by Jack Allin
• Published:

Modern re-imagining stars the popular globe-trotting thief as a playable character for the first time 

Where in the world has Carmen Sandiego been the last couple decades? On Netflix recently, sure, but gaming-wise, after exploding onto the scene in 1985 in the first of a series of edutainment-style mystery adventures, the internationally renowned "scarlet super thief" has largely spent the 2000s in hiding. Until now, that is, as she's finally returned in an all-new self-titled adventure, and for the first time ever in a playable role. 

While previous games had players trying to track down Carmen, this time it's the notorious red-garbed vigilante herself doing the tracking as she travels the world to locate and capture VILE operatives after a cutting-edge fighter jet is stolen. Players will need to think like a detective to "gather clues, decipher codes, and tackle a variety of mini-games" to help Carmen outsmart her foes. But her skills as a criminal thief will also be crucial, allowing her to "crack safes, hack into systems, and master the art of lockpicking" to proceed. The pressure is on, however, as "time is of the essence," so you'll need to "stay sharp, think fast, and act decisively" if you're to succeed before it's too late.

With less of a focus on edutainment this time, Carmen Sandiego has more of a classic spy-slash-detective adventure feel. With VILE operatives spread out across the globe, players will embark on a "whirlwind tour of the world's most iconic destinations" depicted in a stylish 3D aesthetic, from "the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro to the majestic landmarks of Tokyo." You'll need to be stealthy and smart in gathering intel to record in your almanac, trailing suspects, and compiling dossiers to compare with known VILE agents. But what's a Carmen Sandiego adventure without some fun gadgets as well, so you'll be able to "glide effortlessly through the air with her trusty glider, swing from building to building with her grappling hook, and see in the dark with her night vision and thermal imaging goggles." And as an added bonus, after finishing the main campaign, players can enjoy more of the experience in "The Acme Files," a collection of retro-styled cases that serve as "a nostalgic tribute to the original Carmen Sandiego games."

If you're wondering WHEN in the world is Carmen Sandiego, the good news is that the answer is right now. The game is available today on Steam for Windows PC, along with console versions for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch platforms in both Standard and Deluxe Editions. The game can also be played on iOS and Android devices, but only by those with a Netflix account. 

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