The Carmen Sandiego series has long set the standard for educational video games, and it’s neat to see its legacy thrive. Since its debut with “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” back in 1985, the franchise has seen numerous sequels and spin-offs. Come 2025, fans and newcomers alike will have the chance to experience a fresh chapter after a decade-long wait. Simply titled “Carmen Sandiego,” the game promises to be a valuable educational tool — a real treat at a time when children’s content often teeters on the edge of overwhelm. Our sneak peek playing a few hours of the game suggests it’s not only nostalgic for longtime fans but also a fantastic introduction to gaming for kids.
In this new puzzle-adventure offering, you step into the shoes of Carmen Sandiego, who works diligently as a spy to dismantle the notorious V.I.L.E., a group of infamous thieves — familiar territory for those who’ve seen the Netflix adaptation of her adventures. Players will journey across the globe, piecing together clues about suspects, pursuing V.I.L.E. operatives, and eventually identifying the mastermind behind the crime spree.
What’s truly special about the game is how seamlessly the educational aspects are integrated. As players navigate through it, they naturally pick up facts about the regions they’re exploring. For example, a witness might mention a thief talking about their love for Mayan ruins and having red hair. That hint guides players to Mexico City, and alongside, they begin narrowing down suspects by identifying those traits among the possible culprits.
Carmen Sandiego doesn’t just dish out random facts; it’s structured to capture players’ attention and encourage them to grasp the bigger picture. Some might want to skip the dialogue and dive straight into action, but they’ll soon realize that reading and comprehending the narrative is key. This method ensures players gather the information needed to make smart decisions, all while enjoying a sprinkle of engaging game mechanics. It’s a clever way to introduce various gaming genres: from first-person navigation to intricate puzzle-solving. You’ll find yourself calculating time constraints for catching a flight or mulling over whether to ambush or stealthily trail a suspect.
While the game presents a fair challenge, it doesn’t cater to the younger crowd by lowering the bar too much. Without voice narration, it suits strong young readers or kids playing alongside an adult. It could shine in a classroom setting too, where teachers can guide students in researching clues online or clarifying complex vocabulary. Yet, this early look strongly suggests Carmen Sandiego will be a standout addition to the series. It’s not watered down or sanitized for younger audiences, and holds true to its legacy — balancing fun with subtle learning. Frankly, even as an adult, I found myself engrossed and can see families thoroughly enjoying this as a great introductory RPG/puzzle game for kids.
Carmen Sandiego is slated for release in the first quarter of 2025 across platforms including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. This preview was crafted on a PC with early access courtesy of Gameloft and HarperCollins Productions. Vox Media has partnerships, allowing them potential earnings from purchases made through affiliate links, although these do not influence editorial choices. For a more detailed understanding of Polygon’s ethics, you can refer to their policy documentation.
