Dear Netflix, since my first iPhone I have wanted a version of Carmen Sandiego on it. I would have even settled for the CGA graphics original version from Brøderbund. I had found the handheld version from The Bridge Direct, which is one of my most treasured possessions. But this app… this is the version the world needs and deserves. If i didn’t have a Netflix account already, I’d sign up just to play this, while probably never watching a frame of a movie. Also thank you to Harper Collins, been doing great remake work too! Whatever you do, please don’t open your own currency store (aka Acme Crimebucks like from PBS) and wind up losing your license with Apple, like Epic did. That’s how my precious Infinity Blade was stolen from me.

I loved the Carmen Sandiego series on Netflix and was excited for this new game for it. The thing is, the game doesn’t tell you when you have to go to certain places in order. It gives you free will for the most part, but there’s particular parts in the game that you’ll need prior information to perform well in unless you have extensive geographical and/or historical knowledge. If not, you miss out on evidence needed for missions, which is extremely important if you don’t feel like restarting for prosecuting the wrong people. Overall, the game’s instructions and information on suspects can be confusing as someone with ADHD. I totally get it being a difficulty aspect but at the same time, the game’s vagueness makes me prone to overthinking what is considered to be something that’s actually extremely easy. I’m a bit disappointed in the lack of voice acting, and I’m glad I didn’t buy this on PlayStation like I planned because there is eventually a point in where you can’t advance the main story as it’s “coming soon”. Also, if you’re looking for any closure on what happened in the last season it’s not here. TLDR: fun and educational, BUT confusing in-game information, can be grindy/repetitive, honestly not a fan of the main story. at all.

This game is fantastic, so nostalgic, learning as much now as I did as I kid. I’m really glad this franchise has been revitalized. Highly recommend. That being said I have one hangup about the signal boost caper (SPOILER ALERT). The main plot point is Player is on the run to avoid being framed for a burglary, unable to be contacted, Agent Hyde replaces him. But then he pops up throughout the mission to tell Carmen, there’s no more VILE activity in a country’s sub area, or that it’s time to get on the plane to go to the next location, and his face is still used as the help icon and for the investigator bonus when completing mini games. He should be replaced with Agent Hyde for this mission, no? A minor continuity error that kinda took me out of the game a little. Otherwise it’s a superb educational game, highly recommend!