Classic start to a classic series
The first of the legendary series of kids' edutainment titles which also includes the likes of Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? and Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego?, this set down many of the staples which defined the series and while this version is definitely showing its age, it remains a classic of the genre. For those unacquainted with the franchise, players take on the role of a rookie detective who is charged with tracking down the criminal mastermind Carmen Sandiego and her gang of crooks as they travel the world stealing treasures and vanishing almost without a trace. The game starts with the player signing up as a new recruit to the ACME Detective Agency and they are then given a mission to locate a stolen treasure and bring the culprit to justice. This involves venturing around the globe, interviewing witnesses and collecting clues to piece together where the criminal went next and what they look like. Everything is played against the clock, which adds a nice sense of urgency, and as this is an edutainment title, players must possess a certain amount of geographic knowledge in order to progress. This really is a classic of the genre, standing easily alongside Headline Harry as one of the finest examples, despite its age. The missions are never less than engaging, while the educational aspects are incorporated in such a way that you never feel like you're learning, with a strong focus on the fun factor. The interface and graphics might have aged a little, with later entries being slicker and more visually appealing, but this is the original and in many ways the best, so check out where the series began before moving on to later entries.
