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^C Best Home Learning Program

    The Software Publisher's Association (SPA) recently held their annual
 "Excellence in Software Awards" ceremony at which ^1WHERE IN EUROPE IS CARMEN
 ^1SANDIEGO?^0 was named Best Home Learning Program.  Published by Broderbund
 Software, Inc. the Carmen Sandiego series (of which this is the latest) offers
 a fun, yet challenging, way to learn geography for young and old alike.

    You are the detective and your mission is to track the suspect to his or
 her final destination by correctly deciphering and following clues uncovered
 during your trek across Europe.  In addition to clues about the thief's
 whereabouts, you must also collect information concerning the suspect's
 identity.  Once you are able to identify the thief, a warrant will be issued.
 Fail to obtain a warrant PRIOR to cornering the culprit and the suspect will
 escape, leaving you to continue your investigation.  Oh yes, one final
 criterion: you must complete your mission before the designated deadline.

    On the surface Carmen Sandiego may appear to be yet another computer
 adventure game; it is more than that.  Playing the game is actually a valuable
 learning experience.  While sharpening your detective skills you will
 inadvertently hone your research, map-reading, atlas-reading, and problem-
 solving skills.  It is also a painless and even pleasant way to learn about
 (or freshen up on) European history, economics, and culture.  Through the on-
 screen graphics and descriptions you are able to tour Europe from your PC, in
 the comfort of your own home--no flight delays, terrorism, or expensive hotel
 bills.

    Overall, my family and I found this program quite enjoyable.  It is
 completely menu driven and simple to use.  Included in the package is a
 concise, 30-page, user's manual describing installation, running the program,
 and the menu choices and their purposes.  It also contains tips on deciphering
 clues and proper investigative procedures.  While running the program, there
 is never a question of what you are to do at a given point.  Your options are
 listed and you simply make a selection.  The program supplies everything
 needed to solve a case:  an European atlas, on-screen database, and an on-
 screen notebook to help you keep track of things.  If you get tired or if your
 Mom (or spouse) calls you to dinner, you can save the case you are working on
 and resume it at a later date.  The graphics, animation, and sound effects are
 good, making Carmen Sandiego more than a mere text adventure game.

    The IBM/Tandy version of WHERE IN EUROPE IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, available in
 both 5 1/4" and 3 1/2" disks, requires 256K of memory, PC-DOS or MSDOS 2,0 or
 higher, and CGA or Hercules graphics.  Keyboard and joystick interfaces are
 included, and a mouse works although the packaging and documentation make no
 mention of it.  Recommended age is 10 and up, and the list price is $44.95.

^R^1-- Carolyn Drain