Paul Frew
Memories of Oregon Trail
January 6th 2009 07:27
Oregon Trail! My first introduction to educational video games, and one that allowed me and my dastardly friends to enjoy pioneer life.
The game simulated the trek from Missouri to Oregon by way of the Oregon Trail, a punishing task depending on how you played the game.
When I played it, I picked the banker, who had loads of cash, and we'd stock up on everything, making our leisurely way across the country.
One cackling friend would pick the banker, taking almost no supplies except bullets, then driving the family hard, laughng when gramps got dysentry.
We loved playing the game, for all it's most ridiculous moments - the headstones of your dead family members, fording the river, hunting buffalo.
I'm waxing nostalgic about the game because of a satirical post on McSweeney's titled 'No Son of Mine Plays Oregon Trail Like That':
"Son, when you make the decision at South Pass to head for Fort Bridger instead of the Green River, you're making a choice to take the easy route. Why? Because you're afraid the wagon won't make it across the river? Son, Fort Bridger takes you 86 miles out of your way!
Maybe your fat, well-dressed pioneers are happy for the extra time on the trail, but I wonder how happy they'll be when they make it to Oregon and all they have to start their new lives is a bunch of fancy clothing and a few spare wagon axles. "
Maybe your fat, well-dressed pioneers are happy for the extra time on the trail, but I wonder how happy they'll be when they make it to Oregon and all they have to start their new lives is a bunch of fancy clothing and a few spare wagon axles. "
Yeah, I was a sucker for the easy life, it's true - but that doesn't make me any less of a pioneer. Gramma still died, despite the good clothes and extra oxen. Don't tell me that I don't know about trouble. Trouble is my middle name - well, along with Cordelius the II.
There's no life like the Oregon Trail life...
Read more about the significance of the game
| 53 |
| Vote |
