Oregon Trail -- Review

Catagory: games; education; classics
Price: $5.99
App Store Link: [Full] / No Lite Version

Review: Like it
Recommendation: (See Below)
Replay Value: Medium-low

Oregon Trail is a touch-platform remake of the classic educational computer game (I personally remember playing the original version on the Apple II). This title might hold a bid of nostalgia for some gammers, taking them back to their elementary school days, and it's safe to say the game has evolved significantly since then. The graphics and gameplay are far superior; Gameloft did an excellent job incorporating the touch and tilt controls. And yet all this is done without sacrificing the classic feel of the original.

Players take on the role of a mid-nineteenth century family living as pioneers and traveling the famous Oregon Trail. Players must choose from 3 different professions when the game begins--the first of several significant choices players are forced to make on their journey. The purpose of the game is to survive the journey with as few casualties as possible, but many unforeseen events make that harder than it sounds. As the game progresses, players compete in several different mini games to keep gameplay fresh and much more interesting than the original Oregon Trail. Some of these games include, hunting, berry picking, fishing, gold sifting, telegraph sending, with a few more surprises along the way. Gameplay is mainly solid except for long loading times between almost every scene--a setback that might deter some less patient gamers.

The replay value for this game might be somewhat limited as the main story remains similar for every journey. That said, the initial play through value is fairly long and there are several elements that might motivate some to try the journey a second or third time (i.e. trying the different professions, etc.).

My recommendation for this title is somewhat complicated. First, I think it's a pretty solid choice for any person who is a fan of the original game. Next, keeping in mind this is technically an educational title, I think it might be a good purchase for a younger audience (say middle school; that is if the load times don't cause the kiddies to lose interest). However, as far as the casual gamer goes, if you're unfamiliar with the original, you may or may not find yourself put off by this game. It's not the most action-packed, fast-paced game you'll ever play, but it can be fun to create a family and see which members survive, which die of illness, and which get carried off by wild animals. Personally, as a fan of the original, I found the title to be very polished and enjoyable, even at the steep $5.99 price tag.

Click to Enlarge

Developer Video:

What I'd like to see in future updates: Faster loading times; increased replay value; a lower price tag.

~M@