

In the computer version, you always start a new game at Rookie, so as to ease you into the gameplay.

Obviously, the higher your rank, the more difficult your cases will be from the start. First, you choose your rank: Rookie, Sleuth, Private Eye, Investigator or Ace Detective. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? for the Master System makes some stylistic changes, perhaps to make the game more digestible for console gamers. The perpetrator could make a break for it, but he doesn’t want the police to look stupid. Not only do you learn about different countries/states/time periods as you play, but each capture gives an enormous sense of satisfaction. This formula is surprisingly addictive, particularly if you have any interest or knowledge of world history/geography. Later Carmen Sandiego games would introduce time-traveling elements (somebody stole Mozart’s piano! To Austria, 1772!) or confine you to the United States or Europe only, but they all follow a similar formula: gather information about the bad guy and his whereabouts, follow them to their next location, secure warrant, arrest. Hearty jail-time for them and a big fat promotion for you.ħam is too early for a history lesson from a flight attendant.

Find them, and the cops will make an arrest. Eventually, after discovering enough information about the perpetrator, you make a warrant for their arrest and continue to chase them. Figure out even one of the clues and you’ll have a good idea of where to go. Many of the clues center around the country itself: the geography, colors of the flag, landmarks, etc. – within the cities of the world, one obtains clues to discover both the identity of the thief and the location of where they’re headed next. By searching different locales – libraries, embassies, sports clubs, etc. The ultimate goal is to capture the world’s most elusive thief, Carmen Sandiego, though you’ll only get the opportunity after arresting a couple dozen of her gang. First released in 1985 for various home computers, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? thrust players around the world in search of treasure-snatching thieves. The Carmen Sandiego franchise was the premiere edutainment video game series of its day.

GENRE: Why, Text-Adventure-Action, of course Big, honkin’ cars are for the 1930s, but ruby necklaces are forever.ĭEVELOPER: Broderbund (port by Parker Brothers)
