Oregon Trail is a great way to teach children about the early settlers of the west. It also is an excellent opportunity to learn what was necessary to exist on the long journey, in terms of food, clothing, medicine and other necessities. It is certainly a wonderful educational game.
Reading books about the pioneers, or listening to someone narrating stories about those times is not nearly as interesting, nor memorable as playing a game. I would recommend that schools present an opportunity for children to play this and other educational related games, as it would enhance their memories of what they have learned.
I would like to see games about other places and times in history that would also provide educational information, as well as entertainment for both children and adults. A good possibility would be the adventures of Lewis and Clark who traveled with the Indian maiden Sacajaweha (spelling?). They would be able to meet the different Indian tribes along the way; learning how they lived, and interacting with them. They would learn about the terrain, as well as the type of dwellings, and the weather patterns. They would learn about the rivers and the type of boats that were used to navigate those waters.
I have enjoyed the original
Oregon Trail Game, and look forward to playing the upgraded version.
So many games these days are full of violence, that it is a rare treat to find games that are fun to play, as well as being educational. Also it can be played many times over, due to the variations of trades people, destinations, originations, types of wagons, and foods, etc. Also one can choose from a number of different names and ages of those with whom they are traveling. Also the illnesses, which can cause great distress and even death, are a very real challenge, as one must choose the right treatment for the illness that arises. The amount of food is very important also, as the entire journey can end in disaster, if one should run out of food and water. Also the type of gun is important for which type of game you are going to hunt.
All in all, this is a very exciting and fun filled game to play. I hope that there will be more sequels to it in the near future.
