Netflix has officially announced the release of a new Carmen Sandiego video game set for the first quarter of 2025. It will be available on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Netflix subscribers will be the first to test the game in its mobile format before it is made available on other platforms.
Franchise Return
This marks the return of the popular franchise but with a change: players will now directly control the iconic character Carmen Sandiego. The game is being developed by Gameloft, the creators of Disney Dreamlight Valley. It involves worldwide expeditions where players hunt for criminals using gadgets and solving puzzles in locations such as Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. This shift differs from previous entries in the series as players will now face challenges and make choices from Carmen's perspective.
Gameplay Features
In this new title, players will investigate different crime scenes, gather clues, and compile comprehensive suspect dossiers. Those who played the original 'Carmen Sandiego' games in the early '80s will recognize familiar gameplay mechanics, like solving numerous global mysteries using various investigative techniques. Gameloft aims to offer players a single-player adventure without in-game purchases or online play. The game also includes a retro-inspired mode known as The Acme Files, featuring graphics that mimic the old Carmen Sandiego games from the PC era. The design ensures that both long-time gamers and new entrants can equally enjoy the campaign style of the game.
Expectations and Release
Manea Castet, Gameloft Brisbane studio manager, emphasized the team's dedication to preserving the franchise's legacy, stating that it was a privilege to create a new chapter of Carmen Sandiego's adventures and bring the iconic character back to life. According to Castet, the development team's task was to blend the elements of the game that made it popular with appropriate new components to satisfy both long-time fans and new players. The upcoming Carmen Sandiego video game will feature a single-player mode, which is a rare decision in an era dominated by multiplayer modes and microtransactions. Players can focus on the quest without the distractions of online play or additional purchases, aligning with the developer's goal to provide a complete and immersive experience.
Carmen Sandiego is set to be released on major platforms in early 2025, which will enable a broad reach of the game on both consoles and PC. The game is likely to retain some fundamental features from the original series while incorporating new elements for contemporary gamers.
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