fycarmensandiego

[fycarmensandiego]

you've heard of "florida!!!" now get ready for

[fycarmensandiego]

Word Detective lore

Compiled here for your reading pleasure, the six lore-related stories from the MicroPix activity in Word Detective and their accompanying images. Each one exists in three slightly different versions, for each of the three levels of the game. (They are reproduced with all of their grammar and punctuation mistakes, however ironic.)

Notably, if we compare the different versions, it seems Chase's original name was Dexter Detroit, and the Babble-On Machine was called the Babble-On and On.

Stone Stumps Sleuths!

Stone Stumps Sleuths! (A newspaper article written several years ago) ATHENS, Greece - The long search for the Prometheus Rock ended yesterday. No one was able to find it. People have searched for this mysterious rock for hundreds of years. Some believe it has strange powers. ACME's top secret agents, Chase Devineaux and Carmen Sandiego, were seen snooping around Athens recently. Sources say that Sandiego was angry and upset that the magical rock did not turn up.

Stone Stumps Sleuths! (A newspaper article written several years ago) ATHENS, Greece - The search for the famous Prometheus Rock ground to a halt yesterday, after investigators were unable to confirm local sightings. "But it was right here!" said Cyrus Cyrus, local sandalmaker. The rock, a prehistoric stone with supernatural powers, has been sought for centuries. ACME's top secret agents, Chase Devineaux and Carmen Sandiego, were seen snooping around Athens recently. The agents are believed to be seeking the stone. Sources say that Sandiego appeared to be angry and upset that the stone was left unturned.

Stone Stumps Sleuths! (A newspaper article written several years ago) ATHENS, Greece - The search for the Prometheus Rock ended abruptly yesterday after the latest location findings proved inconclusive. "But I saw it right here!" said Cyrus Cyrus, local sandalmaker. Sought for centuries, the rock is believed to possess supernatural and possibly dangerous powers, and has been the subject of heated debate since local sightings were reported. Though many fear the rock could fall into criminal hands, ACME denies rumors that it already has. The agency's top secret agents, Chase Devineaux and Carmen Sandiego, were spotted snooping around Athens recently. Sources say that Sandiego appeared to be angry and upset that the stone was left unturned.

A memo from The Chief

To: All ACME Agents From: The Chief Top secret news! Former star agent Carmen Sandiego has begun a life of crime! Agent Dexter Detroit reported seeing Sandiego with some shady characters during the top-secret Igneous case. She may now have valuable information about the Prometheus Rock. Agent Detroit did not take part in Sandiego's criminal actions. However, because Sandiego knows all about Detroit's plans, he may have to conduct his future missions in secrecy.

A memo from the desk of The Chief - Top secret! Former star agent Carmen Sandiego has begun a life of crime! Agent Devineaux reported that Sandiego jumped ship during the latest top-secret case, code-named "Igneous." Devineaux observed Sandiego speaking with several shady characters. "And they weren't talking about the weather, either," Devineaux stated. He believes she has obtained valuable information about the Prometheus Rock. Agent Devineaux has been cleared of all wrongdoing in this matter. However, due to Sandiego's thorough knowledge of his plans and strategies, Devineaux may conduct his future missions in utmost secrecy.

To: All ACME Agents From: The Chief Top secret! Star agent Carmen Sandiego has defected to the left side of the law. After a lengthy debriefing, Agent Devineaux confirmed that Sandiego jumped ship midway through the top-secret Igneous case. Devineaux had no explanation for her behavior, though he reportedly observed Sandiego speaking privately with several suspicious characters. "And they weren't talking about the weather, either," Devineaux remarked. Devineaux believes Sandiego may have obtained valuable information pertaining to the Prometheus Rock. Agent Devineaux has been cleared of any and all wrongdoing in this matter. However, due to Sandiego's detailed knowledge of his tactical strategies, Devineaux's retreat into deep cover is being carefully considered.

Chase's journal

A page from the journals of Chase Devineaux. A long while ago, I worked for ACME. Carmen and I were the best detectives in the business. Then she left ACME for a life of crime, and I went undercover. Now ACME needs my help with the Babble-On case. Luckily, I have special equipment for the job. I have a coat that turns into a hang glider and a neat tool that helps me breathe underwater! Signing off, Chase.

An entry from the journals of Chase Devineaux. I've been undercover for such a long time now, I don't even remember what it was like to be an ACME agent. When Carmen turned to a life of crime, I left ACME and went undercover to solve some very dangerous and mysterious cases. I no longer have any official contact with ACME, but they'll need my help with this Babble-On case. Luckily, I planned ahead and designed some new equipment. My trench coat turns into a hang glider, my bow tie converts into an underwater breathing tool and my brand-new S.Q.U.E.E.Z.E. technology will shrink anything! Signing off, Chase.

An excerpt from the journals of Chase Devineaux. It's been so long now that I barely remember what it was like to be an ACME agent. When Carmen turned to a life of crime, I left ACME and went undercover to solve some very dangerous and mysterious cases. I have no official contact with ACME. Although, unofficially they call me all the time. And they'll need my help with this Babble-On case. Luckily, I planned ahead and started designing my equipment. Now my trench coat turns into a hang glider at the click of a switch, my bow tie converts into an underwater breathing device, and my new S.Q.U.E.E.Z.E. technology is ready to go. What a gadeget! It'll shrink anything. I'm going to try it out on some of my bulkier items tomorrow. Signing off, Chase.

A memo from Carmen

From: Carmen Sandiego To: My V.I.L.E. Villains Re: The chase is on! Chase Devineaux is on to us! Be careful, villains! Devineaux is a top-notch detective. I know this because we were ACME's best agents a long time ago. He's very clever and once caught three thieves with his hands tied behind his back. He's talented too, and can read books in over 20 languages. Don't let him or Agent 13 sneak up on you!

From: Carmen Sandiego To: My V.I.L.E. Villains Re: The chase is on! Chase Devineaux is on the Babble-On trail! He's a dangerous foe and I should know. We were once partners in crime-fighting and ACME's best agents. He's very shrewd and quite talented. He once captured three thieves while walking a highwire with his hands tied behind his back. He can survive in the wilderness eating grubs and leaves. He can read anything from Braille to Sanskrit. I believe he discovered a comet. Guard your keys well and don't let Devineaux or Agent 13 sneak up on you!

From: Carmen Sandiego To: My V.I.L.E. Villains Re: The chase is on! Alerting all vllains! My nemesis and ex-partner in crime-fighting is on the Babble-On trail! Don't be fooled by his nice-guy guise, this man should be taken very seriously. He has more tricks up his sleeve than a birthday party magician. He's tough and clever and even I am impressed with his talents. He once captured three thieves while walking a highwire with his hands tied behind his back. He can survive in the wilderness eating grubs and leaves. He can read anything from Braille to Sanskrit. He discovered a comet. And, I suspect he knows over 30 Inuit words for snow. Guard your keys carefully villains - and don't let Chase Devineaux or Agent 13 sneak up on you!

A memo from Chase

To: The Chief From: Chase Devineaux Re: The official Babble-On report Description: The Babble-On Machine scrambles words and could destroy communication. Classification: Very dangerous! Background: Carmen was always very good at breaking secret codes. She designed the Babble-On with help from the loony engineer, Dr. Lispus. Current Status: Carmen captured twelve of my agents and she may be testing the Babble-On on them. She could use the machine all over the world, unless Agent 13 can stop her!

To: The Chief From: Chase Devineaux Re: The Babble-On Machine Description: This language-scrambling unit could completely destroy all forms of communication. Classification: Extremely dangerous! Background: Carmen's interest in words and language began at ACME where she was a genius at breaking secret codes. Carmen designed the Babble-On with help from Dr. Lispus, the famous linguist, engineer, and loony. Some believe it contains a cornerstone from the original Tower of Babel. Current Status: I've lost communication with twelve of my agents. Carmen could be using them to test the Babble-On. My research shows she plans to use the machine all over the world, unless Agent 13 can stop her!

To: The Chief From: Chase Devineaux Re: The Babble-On and On Description: This language-scrambling technology could potentially destroy all known forms of communication. Classification: Considered extremely hazardous! Background: Carmen's interest in words and language goes back to her days at ACME, where she excelled in deciphering codes and anagrams. Carmen designed the Babble-On with the assistance of the famous Dr. Lispus, deranged linguist and engineer. Some believe it contains a cornerstone from the original Tower of Babel. Current Status: I've already lost communication with twelve of my agents; Carmen could be using them to test the Babble-On. My field research indicates she's planning to expand the machine's range to a global scale, unless Agent 13 can stop her!

A letter from Otto Readmore

A letter from a V.I.L.E. villain to his Mom. Dear Mom, I got a great job! I work for V.I.L.E. now. My new boss is Carmen Sandiego! Remember her? She was on the cover of Crime Magazine. She was wearing a bright red hat and trench coat. Our newest project is really interesting. We're planning to steal words and scramble all kinds of communication everywhere. Not bad for a beginner, huh? Your Baby, Otto Readmore

A letter from a V.I.L.E. villain to his Mom. Dear Mom, Guess what! I got a job! I'm now a proud member of V.I.L.E. My boss is the world-famous Carmen Sandiego. Remember her? You saw her on the cover of Crime Magazine. She was wearing that red hat and trench coat you liked. Carmen always steals the most incredible things. The project we're working on is a real learning opportunity for me. We're planning to steal language and scramble all forms of communication everywhere. Not bad for a petty criminal, huh? Your Pride and Joy, Otto Readmore

A letter from a V.I.L.E. villain to his Mom. Dear Mom, Guess what! I got a terrific job! My new boss is the most incredible thief ever, and she's about to become the greatest criminal mastermind of all time. That's right! I work for V.I.L.E., and I report directly to the notorious Carmen Sandiego. Remember her? She recently graced the cover of Crime Magazine. She was wearing that crimson hat and trench coat you admired. Carmen always goes after the most extraordinary things - items that would be impossible for anyone else to swipe. I don't know how she does it. Now we're planning to steal language and scramble all forms of communication. Not bad for a petty criminal, huh? Your Pride and Joy, Otto Readmore

[fycarmensandiego]

[fycarmensandiego]

not me being cautiously optimistic - nay, excited - about this??

like obviously i'd prefer the story revert to the pre-netflix days, but the use of fast eddie b. tells me they're at least still respectful of the old games.

the gameplay sounds very like what i've thought for a long time i'd want out of a modern carmen game. it looks great, aside from that dreadful key art, though i hope it runs as well as shown.

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Circa 2003, CarmenSandiego.com had three short games they termed webisodes (despite being games, not videos) that were never released elsewhere. This video compiles the intro to each.

Sadly, the full webisodes now appear to be lost media. Each webisode was made up of multiple Flash files, and the website's HTML only embedded the first file, which then called the second, and so on. At the time, the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine only crawled HTML, not Flash or any other code, so it only retrieved the intros. By the time they'd improved their process so it would retrieve Flash files referenced in other Flash files, this version of the website - easily the best - was long gone. :(

Fucking Riverdeep.

[fycarmensandiego]

just thought of this post because i realized i just did my equivalent:

me: i should really stop greeting people in the voice of a random NPC from where in the usa is carmen sandiego? (1996)

me, texting my friend:

me to myself: Rissa you have to stop saying "who knows" in the Joanna Riggs voice, no one knows what your doing my coworker: *asks a question I don't know the answer to* me:

[fycarmensandiego]

The Acme Detective Agency as it appeared in the early 90s:

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe Edition, 1992 / CD-ROM, 1994

Where in the U.S.A. Is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe Edition, 1992 / CD-ROM, 1994

Where in America's Past Is Carmen Sandiego, 1991 (Mac/DOS)

[fycarmensandiego]

If you've just uncovered the voice of Carmen from those games, I am seriously impressed.

Some more notes:

Christiane Crawford, credited in USA, later voiced Carmen in Treasures of Knowledge and Secret of the Stolen Drums.

I distinctly remember seeing Cynthia Marcucci as a correspondent on ABC News' 20/20. Her website doesn't say anything about it, though (nor does IMDb), so it could be a false memory.

Roger L. Jackson and Charles Martinet were also regular VAs in the ClueFinders series and appeared in ThinkQuick Challenge following The Learning Company's takeover of Brøderbund.

Steve Blum and Jennifer Hale (the original Ivy in Where on Earth) are known for often acting opposite each other.

Brenda Burke was the voice of Carmen in Time because she played her in season 2 of the TV show.

Strikingly, the VILE agents' VAs in Time are not credited (or their roles aren't specified). According to IMDb, they were voiced by the actors from the show (also the Engine Crew). Whether that's true or not, I don't know.

Wendee Lee is a racist bully.

Cynthia Marcucci also voiced Agent 12 in Word Detective, further confirming that the numbered agents are the Good Guides (Agent 12 being Ann Tikwittee).

Ann Tikwittee's name is spelled Tickwittee in-game in Time. Probably just a mistake though since it's still spelled without the C in the manual (as seen above).

Courtesy of @fycarmensandiego, these are scans of the voice talent for Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (1996) and Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? (1996) games.

Through looking at their other work and ages at the time, I've figured out which characters shared between the games that the voice actors shared between the games are voicing.

Don Beard - Herman Nootix Paulino Duran - Ivan Idea Timothy Enos - Rock Solid Walter Fields - The Ick Brothers, Carmine Lorrin Jones - Renee Santz Deborah Sale - Carmen Sandiego, Dee Plomassy Trish Tillman - Kim Yoonity Randi Williams - Ann Tikwittee

You'll notice that USA has several voice actors who would go on to be pretty big names: Steve Blum, Barbara Goodson, Wendee Lee, Tony Pope, Doug Stone and Kirk Thornton!

And now here's the voice talent from Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? (1997).

Unlike the prior two games, the characters each voice actor plays get credited.

Worth noting is Tim Enos being the only one to reprise his previous role, Rock Solid, and that even bigger names are present: Roger L. Jackson (Ghostface and Mojo Jojo), Charles Martinet (the Super Mario Bros.) and Terry McGovern (Launchpad McQuack) are all in this!

[fycarmensandiego]

have just seen the carmen wiki on fandom for the first time in a long time and it looks uhhh fucking amazing? it looks like the official carmen site did in the late 90s actually. and put together well, unlike carmen's corner of wikipedia, which is a mess i've given up on trying to fix.

if whoever crafted it sees this hmu!!

[fycarmensandiego]

do you happen to know if someone else voiced young!Carmen in the Retribution episodes? because I know it's credited as Rita Moreno, but it really doesn't sound like her (at times it almost sounds a bit like Jennifer Hale), so I don't know if it's just my ear or an actually different person. thanks!

Yeah, it's definitely not Rita. I don't think it's Jennifer either though.

The lines in Rules of the Game that aren't Rita ("Don't be so childish, Ivy, I'm trying to help you") are presumably one of the two previous VAs who recorded as Carmen. (The first was replaced by the second, who was replaced by Rita.) One of whom was Marina Sirtis, of Star Trek/Gargoyles/bad tweets fame, and the other I don't think is known. But I don't think we have any idea who young Carmen was. Nor why they didn't just have Rita voice her.

[fycarmensandiego]

rip to all the “fuckyeah___” blogs that carried our society at one point </3

[fycarmensandiego]

here, your annual birthday post

[fycarmensandiego]

Quick but fun Carmen reference in the Harley Quinn season premiere!

Extra Carmen connection: Plastique is voiced by Kari Wahlgren, also the voice of Tigress.

[fycarmensandiego]

Do you know the actor for count hypno in thinkquick? I could listen to that voice forever

Roger L. Jackson, a.k.a. Mojo Jojo! He was also DimBot, SynicBot, and Gnash (though someone else was Otto Readmore in Word Detective, because Roger's not credited in that).

Here are the full credits:

[fycarmensandiego]

nobody:

ivy: time to psychoanalyze Carmen Sandiego, little bro

[fycarmensandiego]

classical music is all fun and games until Singt Dem Großen Bassa Lieder comes on and then I’m back on my Carmen Sandiego bullshit

[fycarmensandiego]

Preview art from an upcoming Miraculous Ladybug special (source).