There were multiple versions of this classic DOS old PC games. The original version Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? was released in 1985 by Broderbund. The second version was released a year later, and the deluxe version of this game was released in 1990. The game was available for play on Windows 95, 98, Me, and Mac computers. It gained such popularity that a number of card games, board games, and even a TV game show were created using a similar concept.
Adventure Awaits
This single player educational adventure game was designed for players who are pre-teen and older. The player is a detective on the hunt for Carmen Sandiego and a group of evil villains who are causing mayhem throughout the world. The mission is to track the evil doers down and throw them in jail before they have a chance to create more havoc. The key is to figure out the geographical clues to be able to locate the bad guys and arrest them. If playing an older version of this old PC games, keep in mind the adventure is based on the world more than 20 years ago, and some countries’ geography facts may have changed.
Learn World Geography
Like many classic PC games, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?provides an opportunity for learning while having fun. The game teaches problem solving skills, as well as a number of different facts about world geography. The original game also came with a world almanac and book of facts to enhance the learning and gaming experience. Many of the clues are common trivia, but for younger players, the almanac may be used to help locate the answers, or for learning additional world geography facts. Later versions of the game came with a digital supplement instead of a printed almanac.
Mission Success
In order for the player to be promoted in their detective rank, they have to complete a mission successfully. As missions are completed, it is recorded and the player has to answer a geography trivia question. The use of the almanac and book of facts comes in handy for being able to answer these questions accurately. As the player’s rank increases, the number of countries visited and the difficulty of the questions also increases. But while completing missions, make sure to keep an eye out for potential attacks from villains which will cost valuable time.
A Welcoming Reception
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? was so well received after its release that it became the third best selling game produced by Broderbund. It has sold more than 4 million copies, and was recognized as one of the best educational old PC games throughout North America. The attention to detail Broderbund was able to add to this game helped to disguise the fact that players were learning world geography, problem solving skills, and research skills as they played.
Award Winning
The number of sales from this game speaks highly of the quality of the game, but so to does the numerous awards the game won. At the time of its release, the game won the Software Publisher’s Association award for Best Learning Product, and later received their awards for Certified Platinum and Diamond. A year later, the game won the Outstanding Software Award from the Classroom Computer Learning. The game’s popularity and notoriety has resulted in the game still being played today.