#Oregon trail ii download how to
#Oregon trail ii download software

This being the 1800s, the only way to treat sickness was with a few days' worth of rest. Sickness was less likely if your characters were kept healthy (through generous food rations, slower pace, and occasional rest), and in any case never seemed contagious. Sicknesses represented a variety of period-accurate injuries and infections, although in my experience seemed to have the same effects - I've had about as many family members die of a broken leg as from measles. If you didn't have one handy, and couldn't work out a favorable trade with fellow wagoneers, you were pretty much screwed. Broken wagon parts, if they could not be repaired, would have to be replaced from inventory before you could proceed (you did buy spare wagon tongues, didn't you?). Special events, for their part, included a variety of weather- or trail-related delays, theft from your wagon, the discovery of wild fruit or spare supplies from an abandoned wagon, the breakdown of a wagon part, or what is perhaps the most memorable aspect of the game, sickness. Oregon Trail was, after all, designed as educational software, and historical accuracy and information are goals unto themselves. On the other hand, some landmarks had no game effects whatsoever. A 'wrong' choice could lead to the wagon capsizing or sinking, losing vital supplies or family members.

Options could include fording the river, caulking the wagon and attempting to float it across, taking a ferry (for a small fee), or hiring an Indian guide (in exchange for spare sets of clothing) to lead our bold settlers to the optimal crossing point.

#Oregon trail ii download how to

Similarly, when players came to a river, they would be given several choices of how to cross it. At forks in the trail, players would choose one of two paths to continue along вЂ“ a direct route or a longer trail which included fewer dangerous river crossings, a fort with a trading post, or better land for grazing. Many forts played host to trading posts, where players could replenish their supplies (though at a progressively higher price, the further west they got). In addition, some landmarks had special features associated with them. When a player arrived at a landmark, he would be presented with a picture and some information about the landmark, and was able to speak to other members of their wagon train (or rather, 'listen' to them as they provided individual accounts of period life for your personal and educational gratification). Landmarks included forts, natural features, and the like. This monotony would be broken up by landmarks, random special events, or if the player so chose, hunting. This accomplished, players would choose a month to begin their journey (which would affect the condition of rivers and the availability of water and food for cattle), purchase supplies (including oxen, food, bullets, clothes, and spare wagon parts) and begin their journey on the trail.Дay-to-day navigation was handled automatically (although not perfectly, as players would occasionally be delayed due to 'losing the trail'.) Players could choose the rate at which they wanted to proceed and the amount of daily rations, and could at any time stop to rest or hunt, but would otherwise press relentlessly forward. In some later versions, however, professions were more varied, and the choice affected some aspects of gameplay - a doctor might more easily treat injuries and infections, while a carpenter might have more success fixing a broken wagon wheel. In earlier versions there were few professions, which functioned as a difficulty setting - different professions would simply begin with different amounts of money, with the poorer options rewarded with a points multiplier at the end of the game. Players would begin by setting their own name and profession and naming the members of their family who would accompany them. A game could be played in around 45 minutes, and if it ended in success, the player was given a score based on the number and health of surviving family members, and amount of cash and other supplies on hand.

Players would take the role of settlers following the historic Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri to the Willammette Valley in Oregon (some later versions allowed you to choose to instead follow the Mormon Trail to Salt Lake City). If you live in the USA, there's a good chance your local elementary or middle school has a few copies. The original version was produced for the Apple II, and through a succession of versions, editions, and platforms, Oregon Trail games have been produced ever since.

#Oregon trail ii download software

Oregon Trail is an educational computer game first published by educational software producer MECC (since acquired by The Learning Company, now under the aegis of Mattel).