Carmen Sandiego: The Secret of the Stolen Drums Critic Reviews

If you're after a decent platform adventure game for a gamer between the ages of three and nine, Carmen is perfect. Straightforward gameplay, varied graphics, a memorable villain and a slice of science will satisfy anyone in that age group.

The platform traversing puts you in mind of "Prince of Persia," only with a handy pole you can whip out to vault over large gaps. It doesn't show the same levels of genius as Ubisoft's game, but it's still reasonably good fun for the younger player.

The well-construced platform adventure allows you to explore nine international locations and learn something of the history and geography of each area.

While Carmen Sandiego won’t set any precedents in any one of the three genres it dabbles in, the mix between them is somewhat refreshing, and actually simple fun.

With a sparse Saturday-morning-cartoon look, the game can become a drag for the adult eye, but just like the best of those cartoons, a certain charm bubbles below the surface.

It doesn’t look good, it sounds terrible and is way too easy. Sure it’s supposed to be a kids game, but kids don’t mind their games looking good and they’re also better at playing games than a lot of developers seem to think.

Worth your hard earned cash? Well, if you’re a major fan of the television show and PC games, then no. If you’re a gamer looking for sweet platforming action, then no.

There are also plenty of more entertaining and more educational games out there that you can pick up for your youngun at the same price, if not lower. Stay away from this one. It doesn't belong in your collection.

Don't go into The Secret of the Stolen Drums thinking you're going to get an educational game or an enjoyable platformer, as you'll find neither here.