Where in the world is
Carmen Sandiego? It's a question that has inspired countless edutainment video games, cartoons, and even a game show.
For decades, players (on assignment from ACME) have trotted the globe in search of the red-brimmed international thief and criminal mastermind known as Carmen Sandiego. Along the way, players were taught fascinating lessons and facts about the cultures and customs associated with the various locations traveled to. And thanks to Google Earth, exploring the world is easier than ever.
With
Carmen Sandiego having returned on Netflix, Google has taken the opportunity to partner with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the home of the franchise, to create a new game that pays homage to the original.
The Crown Jewels Caper is the first in a series of
Carmen Sandiego games in Google Earth and sees you travel the world in search of her.
The world’s greatest super thief has struck again. Can you track her around the globe to recover the stolen loot?
Upon loading into the game, you're given multiple clues for where Carmen Sandiego was last spotted. Then you must correctly choose the location to visit next. If correct, you'll briefly spot her before she makes her getaway. You then ask the locals for any information they have about her whereabouts and pick the next location. With each stop, you learn more about the country you visit, including visiting three different landmarks in that country. It's a fun game for "those gumshoes who grew up with the chase, and for the next generation feeling that geography itch for the first time," says Google Earth program manager Vanessa Schneider.
The Crown Jewels Caper is now playable, while Season 1 of
Carmen Sandiego is available on Netflix. A second season has
already been confirmed by the streaming service.