I remember playing this game when I was in primary school, and I swear I like it just as much now as I did then. “Goldfields” is one of those games that you just can’t stop playing, even after it gets incredibly boring and repetitive. Based in the gold rush times of the 1800’s, this game is ridiculously addictive, and while the aim of the game can easily be achieved in the one (game) year you’re meant to complete it in, if you’re into the whole capitalism thing you can really have a good time with this one.
The aim of the game is to increase your wealth. You can do this in a number of ways. Of course, the real idea of the game is to go out and try your hand at various types of gold mining (cradle, panning, alluvial, etc), but the thing about doing that in this game is that there are risks associated with it. For example, you could be doing deep shaft mining, extending one of the mineshafts, and it will collapse on you. This causes you to lose money while recuperating in hospital. There are alternative means of getting money in this game, however. This includes getting a job, becoming a shareholder in several major companies, or becoming a common thief.)
Other than getting
bored after playing this game for a few hours, the only real drawback is that after you get a substantial amount of money/gold, robbers will come at you frequently, often ending in a gun battle and serious injury. It's kind of annoying being constantly pestered by them, but that's why it's good to buy a gun. In this game you don't seem to get charged for murder!
There really isn’t any skill involved in this game, it’s meant for ages 8-12 so really it’s pretty darn simple. Basically it’s just clicking on whatever option you want to choose. The worst thing that can happen to you is if you are a criminal and you’re thrown in jail. This only results in a fine though, plus you won’t ever be allowed on the town council. It’s not really a big deal. I’ve played this game frequently for the past week, and I haven’t managed to die yet, so I don’t think there’s an actual way of killing yourself.
If you like the sorts of games where there’s lots of action and adventure, this one probably isn’t worth downloading. However, if you’re interested in finding giant gold nuggets and then selling them at inflated prices, you might enjoy this game.
