Carmen Sandiego plays like previous titles, bar the obvious that it’s a 3D game, and you play as Sandiego herself. You’ve got to race against the clock, travel to real-world locations, and track down suspects. For the first two missions (a.k.a. capers) of each arc, you’ve got 7 days to solve the case. That means both clues about the suspect, and where they’re heading. Then the last caper of the act has you tracking down a known VILE operative. But because you don’t have to take time to question locals on what their favourite hobby is, you’ve got 5 days instead.
While playing, there are different ways to get the clues you’ll need to solve the case. You’ll encounter moments where you’ll have to use a grappling hook to catch up to a VILE goon. Or cracking open a safe to find out its contents. Both are pretty easy, as the grappling hook is a quick time event (QTE), and the safe is turning the dial. You might encounter an opportunity to sneak up on a criminal to pickpocket them. The hilarious thing about this event is the way Sandiego cartoonishly sneaks, as if she’s learnt it from The Looney Tunes. It feels ridiculous in that… if you’re trying to hide what you’re doing, you’re doing an awful job, Sandiego. But, the whole game doesn’t take itself too seriously; it’s comical.
There are a few more mini-games, from hacking puzzles and wiretapping criminals to uncrossing wires of a circuit board. Even some classic QTEs, where Sandiego has to dodge laser fields, like in every spy flick. They’ve utilised the mini-games well and make sense given what you’re interacting with. Yet, it does feel like there are too many. There are some more that are missing, as some of the puzzles or mini-games don’t show up often to be memorable, unfortunately. It does break up the monotony of going somewhere, talking to locals, finding what you’re looking for and leaving. While it can be overwhelming to try and remember every technique. Luckily, as if Gameloft predicted this, there’s a button that will remind you how to play, which is appreciated.
