# Carmen Sandiego is Back: A New Game Set to Debut on Consoles and Netflix

Enthusiasts of the legendary red-cloaked thief, **Carmen Sandiego**, are in for a delight as a completely new video game featuring this enigmatic character is slated for release in early 2025. This thrilling news comes from a partnership between **Gameloft** and **HarperCollins**, reinvigorating the adored character in an innovative and captivating manner. For those who have long pondered, “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?”—the answer is now straightforward: she’s arriving on your gaming consoles and Netflix.

## A Fresh Quest for Carmen Sandiego

The forthcoming **Carmen Sandiego** game will draw inspiration from the acclaimed **Netflix animated series** that launched in 2019, which reinterpreted the character as a contemporary anti-hero. In this iteration, Carmen is not merely a skilled thief but a former member of the nefarious **V.I.L.E.** organization, who turns against her mentors upon uncovering their malevolent intentions. This new narrative angle enriches her character, evolving her into more than just a criminal genius—she is a thief with a moral compass.

### Gameplay and Narrative

The new **Carmen Sandiego** game will showcase **puzzle-solving adventure mechanics**, a defining characteristic of the franchise that has engaged players for many years. However, unlike earlier titles where players assumed the role of detectives or agents pursuing Carmen, this time, players will embody **Carmen herself**. As the main character, you’ll employ all of Carmen’s talents and gadgets to outwit and dismantle the very organization that educated her, **V.I.L.E.**

This change in perspective offers a refreshing experience for avid followers of the franchise, enabling players to navigate the world through Carmen’s lens. You’ll need to draw upon her cleverness, agility, and insights into the criminal underworld to thwart V.I.L.E.’s wicked schemes. The game is set to provide an exhilarating mix of **stealth, strategy, and puzzle-solving** while traversing various global destinations—a hallmark of the **Carmen Sandiego** series.

### Platforms and Launch Timeline

Notably, the game will follow a **staggered release** schedule. Initially, it will premiere on **Netflix** in **Q1 2025**, making it a part of the streaming platform’s expanding library of interactive titles. Following its Netflix launch, the game will be accessible on a range of platforms, including **Steam**, **Nintendo Switch**, **Xbox One**, **Xbox Series S/X**, **PlayStation 4**, and **PlayStation 5**. This broad release will ensure that fans across multiple gaming platforms can partake in Carmen’s latest adventure.

### A Tribute to the Past

While the game is rooted in the 2019 Netflix series, it will also pay tribute to Carmen Sandiego’s illustrious legacy. According to **IGN**, the developers have assured that the game will be filled with **Easter Eggs** that nod to both the Netflix series and the original 1991 animated broadcast. This meticulous attention to detail will undoubtedly enchant long-term fans of the franchise, providing a nostalgic journey while welcoming newcomers to the world of Carmen Sandiego.

## Carmen Sandiego: A Legacy of Exploration and Learning

The **Carmen Sandiego** franchise boasts a rich history, dating back to its inception as a **1985 educational computer game**. The original game, **Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?**, was crafted to teach geography and critical thinking skills, quickly becoming a cultural sensation. Over the years, Carmen Sandiego has been featured in numerous video games, television programs, books, and even a successful game show.

What has consistently distinguished Carmen is the unique fusion of **education and entertainment**. The franchise has routinely motivated players to explore different cultures, landmarks, and historical occurrences while engaging in thrilling detective adventures. The upcoming game promises to uphold this legacy, enabling players to traverse the globe while unraveling complex puzzles.

## The Netflix Series: A New Perspective on Carmen

The 2019 Netflix animated series introduced a fresh generation to Carmen Sandiego, reimagining her as a **Robin Hood-like persona** who steals from wrongdoers to rectify injustices. Voiced by **Gina Rodriguez**, this iteration of Carmen is drastically different from the overtly antagonistic character of prior versions. The series dives into her backstory, examining her involvement with V.I.L.E. and her ultimate choice to break away from them.

This new game will expand on the narrative presented in the Netflix series, allowing players to engage in Carmen’s adventure directly. The choice to position Carmen as the main character instead of the antagonist is a daring decision that resonates with the character’s evolving image in popular culture.

## What to Anticipate in 2025

While specific insights about the gameplay features and storyline are still forthcoming,

**Fans of World War I history, young adult literature, and anime have exciting news for the upcoming year. The alternate-history warfare novel *Leviathan* by Scott Westerfeld is slated for an anime adaptation, set to premiere on Netflix in 2025.**

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### *Leviathan* Infuses Bio-Punk and Diesel-Punk into World War I

For those who aren’t acquainted with *Leviathan* and its two subsequent novels (*Behemoth* and *Goliath*), this series unfolds in an alternate 1914 during the onset of World War I. Yet, this is not the conflict we recognize from historical texts. Westerfeld’s creative universe features a confrontation between the Allied and Central powers, highlighting bio-engineered beings and diesel-powered apparatus. The trilogy artfully merges bio-punk (genetic modifications) and diesel-punk (retro-futuristic machines powered by diesel), forming a distinctive and visually captivating setting for the narrative.

The story revolves around two central characters: Aleksander of Hohenburg, an Austro-Hungarian prince whose life is disrupted by an assassination plot, and Deryn Sharp, a young girl from London who poses as a boy to enlist in the Royal Air Force. Their destinies converge aboard the *Leviathan*, a colossal living airship that bears a resemblance to a whale, as they embark on an adventure that has the potential to alter the trajectory of the war and history itself.

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### Studio Orange Brings the Universe of *Leviathan* to Captivating, Frankensteinian Life

The anime adaptation of *Leviathan* is spearheaded by Studio Orange, a company recently noted for its outstanding 3-D animation in works such as *Beastars* and *Trigun Stampede*. While the reception of 3-D animation among anime enthusiasts has been varied, Studio Orange has demonstrated its talent for harmonizing the organic with the mechanical in visually striking manners. Considering the bio-punk and diesel-punk influences in *Leviathan*, the studio appears to be an ideal candidate to render Westerfeld’s vision.

The initial trailer has already sparked excitement, featuring exhilarating aerial skirmishes between genetically modified creatures and diesel-powered military machines. The *Leviathan* series is famed for its grand, expansive battles, and fans are eager to witness how Studio Orange will interpret some of the most memorable moments from the novels.

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### A Talented Creative Collective

Any remaining skepticism regarding the quality of the *Leviathan* anime was swiftly quelled upon the announcement of the creative ensemble. Christophe Ferreira, recognized for his direction on *Persepolis* and *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, will lead the project. Ferreira’s expertise in handling animated features and series that expertly balance emotional weight with dynamic action sequences makes him an excellent choice.

The production team is also noteworthy, including Justin Leach (*Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence* and *Star Wars Visions*) and Taiki Sakurai (*Eden* and *Cyberpunk Edgerunners*) as producers. Enhancing this prestigious crew is Joe Hisaishi, the iconic composer celebrated for crafting the soundtracks of numerous Studio Ghibli films. His music has the power to evoke profound emotions, and fans are already looking forward to how his score will amplify the epic nature of *Leviathan*.

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### *Leviathan* Provides a New Direction for YA Adaptations

The unveiling of *Leviathan*’s anime adaptation is a refreshing change for enthusiasts of young adult (YA) speculative fiction. Traditionally, YA book-to-screen transitions have been inconsistent, with many failing to meet fans’ hopes. While titles like *Harry Potter* have achieved remarkable success, others, such as *Percy Jackson & the Olympians*, have faced challenges in capturing the enchantment of their literary origins.

By opting to adapt *Leviathan* into an anime instead of a live-action film or series, the creators are embracing the advantages of animation. This medium fosters an imaginative realm and visual grandeur that often eludes live-action, particularly when depicting fantastical aspects like genetically engineered beings and gigantic diesel-powered war machines. This animated approach could establish a new standard for YA adaptations, demonstrating that they need not adhere to the same patterns as live-action blockbusters.

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### A New Chapter for YA Speculative Fiction?

With *Leviathan* set to premiere on Netflix in 2025, both series fans and new audiences have much to anticipate. The synergy of a skilled creative team, Studio Orange’s prowess in 3-D animation, and the rich, imaginative terrain of Westerfeld’s novels is poised to offer an adaptation that resonates with the essence of the books while providing a novel and

**TIFF 2024: Midway Highlights – The Films Critics Are Excited About**

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 is in full swing, and as we hit the halfway mark, critics and audiences are buzzing about the standout films of this year. TIFF has consistently served as a springboard for Oscar contenders and indie favorites, and this year is no exception. With a diverse selection of genres and narratives showcased, certain films have emerged as clear frontrunners, while others have struggled to gain traction. As always, not every film can be a triumph, but the ones that deeply connect with viewers and critics are already being celebrated as potential award-season nominees.

Here’s a glimpse at the films that have critics raving at TIFF 2024, according to the consolidated review site [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/).

### **TIFF 2024: Noteworthy Films So Far**

#### **1. *Anora* – Directed by Sean Baker**
Sean Baker, acclaimed for his raw and poignant depictions of everyday life (*The Florida Project*, *Tangerine*), returns with *Anora*, which explores the intricacies of a romantic relationship under the weight of life’s harsh realities. The film features Madison, whose performance has garnered widespread acclaim, with many critics anticipating a Best Actress nomination for her.

According to [CGMagazine’s review](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/movie/anora-2024-review-tiff-2024/), *Anora* is “a film that will certainly earn awards by year’s end, and in my view, a Best Actress nomination for Madison is almost a certainty… It’s undoubtedly one of the finest films I’ve experienced at TIFF 2024 thus far.”

With an impressive [96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anora) from 56 reviews, *Anora* is shaping up to be one of the festival’s standout successes and a must-see for fans of emotionally resonant dramas.

#### **2. *We Live In Time* – Directed by John Crowley**
John Crowley, known for his work on *Brooklyn* (2015), returns to the romance genre with *We Live In Time*, featuring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. This film presents a fragmented, time-traveling narrative about love and existence, with critics applauding the chemistry between the leads and the emotional richness of their portrayals.

[CGMagazine’s review](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/movie/we-live-in-time-review-tiff-2024/) describes the film as “a lovely narrative about life told creatively through time’s fragments, with a cast delivering both heartbreaking and remarkable performances.”

Currently boasting an [81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/we_live_in_time) from 16 reviews, *We Live In Time* has received positive feedback, although it hasn’t achieved the universal acclaim of some other festival entries. Nevertheless, it’s a film that has left a profound emotional impression on its viewers, and its stars are being celebrated for their compelling performances.

#### **3. *The Piano Lesson* – Directed by Malcolm Washington**
Malcolm Washington, son of Denzel Washington, makes his directorial debut with *The Piano Lesson*, an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, and John David Washington, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, focusing on the Charles family’s challenges with a treasured family heirloom – a piano.

Critics have enthusiastically praised the film, particularly its performances and its faithful yet innovative approach to the source material. With a [100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_piano_lesson) from 13 reviews, *The Piano Lesson* is emerging as one of the festival’s most critically celebrated films.

The film’s themes of family, history, and legacy have resonated powerfully with audiences, and its stellar cast is being recognized for their profound portrayals of intricate characters. Samuel L. Jackson, especially, is receiving accolades for his commanding presence, with many forecasting that *The Piano Lesson* will be a significant contender during awards season.

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### **What Lies Ahead for TIFF 2024?**

As TIFF 2024 progresses, fans and critics are eagerly anticipating the premieres of even more highly awaited films. With the festival’s second half still ahead, there remains ample opportunity for surprises, breakout performances, and unexpected treasures.

For those wishing to stay informed about all TIFF 2024 activities, including reviews, interviews, and more, be sure to visit the [CGMagazine website](https://www.cgmagonline.com).