"Exploring Values Through Literature, Multimedia, and Literacy Events" highlighted the series for its multicultural and balanced cast in which the nonwhite characters have equal status to the white character, noting that Leslie and Santiago are the main sources of knowledge, though noted there were no examples of software with the primary character being non-white. Meanwhile, while "The Boston Herald" commented the series had "come a long way", the paper suggested that the decision to include a Caucasian (Joni), Asian (Owen), Black (Leslie), and Latino (Santiago) in its main cast smelt of interference from the California School Board standard. The paper praised the series' "television-quality animation, broad educational focus and lively situations", though thought the early games were uneven in difficulty. "Exploring Values Through Literature, Multimedia, and Literacy Events" further praised the series' focus on character interdependence; how missions are not successful until and unless they work together. "Children's Software Review" managing editor Ellen Wolock criticised The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey) for focusing too much of its resources on repackaging its old software, commenting that she received the impression the company was "just throw together" entries in its newer ClueFinders series. "Working Mother" thought the series offered a "painless way for kids to hone their skills". The Cincinnati Enquirer recommended the "strong" series to gamers who were unable to locate the then-soon-to-be-discontinued title "", and said "there is a lot to like" about entries in the series, such as its closed captioning of later titles.