Title: Where in the World is
CARMEN SANDIEGO?
Overall Rating:
A-
Source: Personal Collection
but can be purchased
Playing Time: At least 1/2
hour but it is addicting plant to spend several hours on the computer
Date: 6-7-99
Cost: $ 4.99 at Electronic
Boutique or $39.95 for an updated version at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgb
h/pages/carmen/software.html
Number of Players: 1 but
it helps to have someone helping out it makes it more enjoyable
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: none
just a computer
Subject Area: Geography
ages 9 and up according to the program
Objectives: To identify
the thief, obtain an arrest warrant, and track the crook to his or her
hideout, all before time runs out.
Brief Description: After
you sign in, the Chief will contact you from ACME Headquarters to brief
you on the case. You will then get the travel agent and start looking for
clues.
Entry Capabilities Required: You
will need an Almanac or a map and someone able to read them.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5
You will definitely learn geography
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 especially research skills
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
it was based on a cartoon that the child will relate with
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 easily
comprehendable
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 Excellent quality
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5
there is some chance in the program as far as guessing a location, but
they have to pay attention to the clues
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5
Voices were excellent accent and all.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g.. field-test
results):
5 my son, age 15, played it over 4 hours straight
Clear directions for play: 5 you
can get help anytime it is needed
Effectiveness of debriefing:5
You can restart where you left off, continuous
improvement
Strong Points:
This game will definitely keep you on the computer for long
periods of time and it is not just for kids. It took me 2 games to
actually win the game, but my son won on his first try. I like the
idea that you are able to earn promotions after winning a certain level
of games. You can go from gumshoe, the lowest level, to investigator after
one win, to senior investigator, inspector, senior inspector, detective,
master detective to the highest of super sleuth after 40 wins.
The graphics, photographs were excellent and the
voices were realistic with accent and use of foreign language. This
is an excellent way to learn world geography without even knowing you are
actually learning something. The vile gang has some clever names such as:
Robin Banks, Irma Dillow, Sarah Nade, Li Non Mee, Yul B. Sorry and Sam
O'Nella.
Weak Points: The
age nine and up are a little low it is more for high school and up.
The clues are difficult at first to figure out . If
you ever make super sleuth you will probably be bored with the game.
Reviewer: Jill Dixon
Position: Gred 518 Student
Date: June 7, 1999
Computer System Reviewed on: G3 233 64mb
RAM