For example, hunting during winter would result in graphics showing grass covered in snow. Also in the later version, you could hunt in different environments. Some would consider this a realistic representation of the wild west. It was extremely common for players to kill several thousand pounds worth of animals, only to waste the large majority of it. In later versions, as long as there were at least two living members of the wagon party, 200 pounds could be carried back to the wagon. While the amount of wild game shot during a hunting excursion is limited by only the player's supply of bullets, the maximum amount that can be carried back to the wagon is 100 pounds in early versions of the game. Deer (eastern section) and elk (western section) were in the middle in terms of speed, size, and food yield bear were between bison and deer in all three properties. Bison were the slowest moving targets and yielded the most food, while rabbits and squirrels were fast and offered very small amounts of food. In later versions, players hunted with a crosshair controlled by the mouse. Later, players would control a little man who was capable of pointing a rifle in eight directions and firing single shots at animals. In the original version, there were no graphics and players were timed on how fast they could type "BANG," "WHAM," or "POW," with misspelled words resulting in a failed hunt. Using guns and bullets purchased over the course of the game, players select the hunt option and hunt wild animals to add to their food reserves. The game has been released in many editions since the original release by various developers and publishers who have acquired rights to the game.Īn important aspect of the game was the ability to hunt. The player assumes the role of a wagon leader guiding his party of settlers from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley over the Oregon Trail via a Conestoga wagon in 1848. The original game was designed to teach school children about the realities of 19th century pioneer life on the Oregon Trail. * Enjoy updated fishing, foraging and rafting activities.The Oregon Trail is a computer game originally developed by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger in 1971 and produced by MECC in 1974. * Play out a different scenario every time! * Builds on the skills and simplicity of previous versions. * NEW storytelling feature combined with compelling simulation adventures. * NEW characters, graphics and 3-D environments! Build decision-making and problem-solving skills as you experience the challenge of traveling the trail!Ģ000 miles of adventure you won't want to miss! Develop solutions to help your friends and family survive the dangers of the long journey, including raging rivers, buffalo stampedes, sickness, and starvation.ĭiscover a learning adventure that's greater than fiction-about real people with real dreams, facing and overcoming real challenges. Kids will build real-life decision-making and problem-solving skills as they choose their wagon party and supplies, read maps, plan their route, and guide their team through the wilderness. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of those courageous pioneers? Catch a glimpse of a sunset over Chimney rock? Explore Fort Laramie and ford the Platte River? With The Oregon Trail 5th Edition, you can almost smell the dust from the wagon train!