Oregon Trail

After my dogs, my wife died.

The Oregon Trail was not only played by millions, it was the first contact with video games for a whole generation. Installed on classroom PC's during the 80's, children grew up with the righteous sense that it was okay to play video games during school hours.

As the name suggests, the player needs to cross the Oregon Trail as a pioneer in the late 1800's. There are a number of problems to juggle during your journey - food supply, firearms, clothes, spare parts, oxen, hunting, river crossing, trading, native-americans, thieves, diseases, etc. The game is punishingly difficult no matter what difficulty level you choose, even by today standards.

Mostly text-based, there are some graphical moments and even some shooter action (it takes a surprisingly good aim to become a good hunter) making this a solid strategy game. In the Mass Effect era, it is still a fun game to play, although I doubt you'll get a History lesson from it (as originally intended). However it does (did) teach kids about the importance of making plans, rationing and risk vs. reward.

From the countless ports and remakes since its 1971 debut, the 1985 version for Apple II computers is generally acknowledge as the definitive one, featuring detailed color graphics ahead of their time.

Name: The Oregon Trail

Genre: Strategy/Edutainment

Platform: Various

Date of release: 1971, 1985 (Apple II)

Publisher: MECC

Rating: 9/10