The Oregon Trail

"On okay educational game for a young age group, but definitely not for most other gamers. Oregon trail represents a by-gone era of gaming."

I both agree and disagree to the many terrible reviews on this game. Oregon trail was a good game when it is put into the context of the time. It also has an educational purpose that must be taken into account. Oregon trail was meant for a young age group, and was never meant to be played for more than a few times.

gameplay:5/10
Again, for an age group of 5-7, this game does a pretty good job. Basically, you buy materials in the beginning of the game and go on a simulation historical wagon journey that many millions of Americans made in the 1800's. You get money in the beginning to buy a wagon, wheels, food, etc. Then you set on the trail and make important decisions such as when to rest, how to cross a river, and when to hunt. The historical landmarks that so many Americans saw is depicted at every section of the game. Eventually, you get points for how well you endured the journey.
Don't get me wrong, all you get to do is click the important things to do, while you simply watch your wagon move along slowly.
Thus, there is no inherent action in this game (aside from hunting which is pretty fun then first few times). Once you go through this game a few times, you don't need to do any more because it will quickly become repetitive. This brings me to the last point, for the vast majority of gamers, this one is pretty boring, but the first time, its okay.
During the trip, you get to see quite a lot of people explain how things came to be. In other words, at one part, you will learn that how certain landmarks look like. In some ways, the game is pretty damn realistic.

Graphics:4/10
Yeah, ill admit that the graphics are pretty lame because they just are... all you get to see is a background that alternates on and on. The wagon also looks pretty much the same throughout. The landmarks look okay though, and you'll have to admit that there are MANY of them.

sound:N/A
No real sound, but still, think of the game's purpose. Its not an action game so no sound is needed anyways.

Value:Varies
Depends on whether or not you have very young cousins. if you do, this is an excellent timeburn.

Overall, this game is suitable for a young age group, but avoid it if you are over than 10 years old.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 12/11/03