The Oregon Trail II

Reviewers: Alan & Andrew plus K. Rodriguez
Age 10 yrs.
School: Farm Hill School, PROBE Program
Middletown, CT 06457
Teacher contact: Kathleen C. Rodriguez
E-mail: farmhill@connix.com

Software: The Oregon Trail II
Published: MECC, 1995
CD-ROM
Available for both Windows & Mac
Evaluated on a Power Macintosh 5200
Date reviewed: January 23, 1997
List price: $39.95

Rating - 10 on a scale of 1-10, Way Cool!

The interactive game takes you on a journey through the Oregon Trail. It tries to provide you with realistic obstacles, options, and outcomes as a result of your choices. The directions are sparse but the program is interactive and we caught on quickly. Everywhere you clicked your mouse, you got instructions or choices as to what to do next. It's very self explanatory.

The CD is easy to install and the graphics are unbelievable. I read in 'Time' magazine that when the authors were developing this program, they went out on the trail and took actual photographs and videos. Everything is so realistic, even the voices.

The only drawback to this game is time. It takes a long time to buy your materials and to actually play the game. You can't save the game until you have acquired your supplies and start the trail. Each item has to be discussed and bought separately. There are no general categories (food)

Teacher Comment

This program is faster and more complex than the other versions of Oregon Trail. We are using it in class to coincide with the Oregon Trail Online Program, which is all interactive. This program gave the students an excellent background of what to expect, how to plan and think ahead for the journey. A large map of the US along with the Oregon Trail plotted is necessary.

The software encourages use of mental math, history, geography, literature and science. The program is relevant for all students fourth grade and up.

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