Carmen Sandiego Geography Learning System
by Encore Software
(Click here)
Software Summary
Manufacturer: Encore SoftwareBrand: Encore
Format: CD-ROM
Release Date: 2006-04-11
Platform: Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP
Model: 10580
Product features:
- Travel the world with Carmen Sandiego in this fun learning game
- Visit dozens of historic world landmarks; travel through all 50 states
- Experience unique customs of far-away places; meet unusual people
- Use decision making and logic in each challenging mission
- Bonus DVD with exciting educational video content
Software Reviews of Carmen Sandiego Geography Learning System
Customer Review: Good value, and irresistible game for young detectives
Summary: 4 Stars
Our third grader is hooked on the World game, despite being occasionally challenged by it, and enjoyed the DVD enough to request more than one viewing of it. So although we haven't even tried out the USA game yet, I think we got our money's worth, if not more.
We're using an older computer with XP, and had no installation problems. The "Where in the World" game runs just fine for us; if we have problems with the USA version I'll come back to make a note here, but so far this purchase has been great.
[UPDATE Jan. 2009 - I installed the USA game and it runs for us under XP. I got nervous when the installation routine wanted to install an ancient version of Quicktime, which might potentially have caused problems. Luckily I was able to cancel that step, and the rest of the Setup continued just fine. The USA game does not appear to be as cool or compelling as the "World" game, but as we get used to its approach (and figure out how to be more efficient at clue-finding), it is becoming more fun. Best of all, it completes the set and works fine on our PC.]
As for the World game, the storyline has just enough mystery and suspense, plus the thrill of gathering clues and eventually discovering hidden secrets, to be perfect fun for this age group, which the manufacturer lists as 8-12.
At the younger end of the spectrum, where we are, the child may not be systematic or patient enough to find all the clues in the most efficient order. This can lead to retracing steps, or otherwise becoming frustrated enough to give up, at least temporarily. At such times, a bit of parental oversight or assistance can get past the tricky parts; after that, the child is eager to get control over the mouse and keyboard again, and to continue the hunt.
The game has a lot of educational content built in, but I'm not sure whether a typical kid will really pay attention to all of it. There is a lookup feature -- necessary to type in clues, and thus determine the next stop on the detectives' itinerary -- which taps into a pretty detailed geographic database. But so far, we haven't found game action that actually requires studying the information very closely.
Just the same, our child is definitely learning to make at least a few connections and associations, and is perhaps soaking up a lot more than that. In each scene, in settings around the globe, the characters discuss a few specifics about the place and the people there, and in searching for clues, the player hears still more.
In any case, the storyline, action and characters are compelling for kids. There is no real violence and no other causes for parental concern that I can see. So we're quite pleased overall.
The main reason I held off from giving it five stars is simply because the game does not enforce any kind of true, serious geographic learning in order to solve the individual mysteries. Intermediate steps during each mystery may be geographically-related, but the final solutions are generally based on some kind of logical or mathematical challenge -- the kind of thing one could get from a book of brainteasers or the like.
Unlike other purely educational games (Reader Rabbit, etc.), there doesn't seem to be any method of "leveling" in which the game is easier, or harder, depending on the child's progress. So as for the 8 to 12 year age range? I think that's just a broad marketing guess by the company. As far as I can tell, the game will provide pretty much the same action no matter how well the child plays it.
That being said, it sure is fun for our kid! So I think it's a fine choice, and recommend it for any child who likes mysteries and action.
Description of Carmen Sandiego Geography Learning System
Carmen Sandiego Geography 2007 lets you travel the world, encounter exotic sights and sounds, meet unusual people -- and arrest them! Carmen Sandiego's international crime ring is filching world treasures ordinary thieves wouldn't dare tackle. We're counting on you, Gumshoe. So when you think you've got the goods on the bad guys, submit your evidence, make a case, and go to court. But beware! Your evidence must be airtight or your suspect will go free! Subjects include:Carmen Sandiego Software
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