What We Learned From Playing Oregon Trail
Oregon Trail is more than just a game. It's considered one of the finest pieces of educational software ever created. This iconic game was created by a trio of senior college students who thought that learning about the pioneers could be more interesting if it were a game.
The simulation elements, continual adversity, and funny circumstances are what give the Oregon Trail its unique charm.
Like any good game, the Oregon Trail leaves the player with some powerful lessons. We've highlighted some of the best advice you could pick up from the game in this post.
Lessons Learned from Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail game feels like an entertaining experience to this day – even though the game is decades old. We figure it ages like wine rather than milk because it presents the challenges that the pioneers faced in an amusing, almost sarcastic manner.
But there is some good advice that you could pick up from the game if you really get into it.
#1 It's Okay to Fail
Well, the first time you have played this game, you might have loaded your wagon with tons of bullets and food. A few minutes into the game, you realize a wagon full of these many supplies will only make you slow.
The next thing you know, your wagon's axles break, and your party dies of illnesses or obstacles. It's at that time when you realize that even after failing, you can start again.
So, the first thing this game teaches us is it's okay to fail. The more you will try, the more you will learn, and you will fail less. Failure doesn't matter as long as you are willing to start again.
#2 More Horsepower Counts for Something
While playing the Oregon Trail, you might have noticed that if you have full 9 yokes (18 oxen and a dozen of roses), you can effortlessly get to the finish.
It means that the more effort you put into something, the better and faster you can complete it. With better and bigger resources, you can achieve your goals.
#3 Pack Extra Clothes
Packing extra clothes might not sound important, but actually, it is. For instance, party members might get dysentery or cholera in the game. And even worse, a thief might steal your clothes. In short, you never know when you might need extra clothes.
As far as real life is considered, you should be prepared for the unforeseen. Either your suitcase might get disappear, or something else could happen. At that time, you will be glad if you pack smartly by packing more.
#4 Keep A Spare Wheel Handy
The game can sometimes be painful to play, especially when your wagon breaks down unexpectedly and you're about to beat your high score.
Having some extra parts in this situation can save you from a lot of agony – rage quitting is never a good experience.
In real life, too, having a spare wheel and the tools you need to fix your car in an emergency can save you from a lot of trouble.
#5 Manage Your Time Properly
Beginning your journey at the right time of the year was key to beating the game. Real pioneers understood this the best since they knew that if they left late in June, an early snow would bring the journey to a halt.
Managing your time properly and doing things in a timely manner can make life much easier. You never know what causes a delay or becomes a frustrating obstruction.
#6 Hunt the Biggest Game
In the Oregon Trail game, you are required to hunt animals for different purposes. But you must never shoot rabbits. Because they are small, they run fast, and their meat is tiny. They are so small that around eighteen rabbits are equal to one deer.
Deers are comparatively slower and bigger. If you shoot two deers, it will keep you full during your one hunting trip. Similarly, the meat from two deers equals that from one buffalo or bear, which is even bigger. Since these animals are slower moving, you will likely be able to hunt them down easily.
Chasing small-fry can sometimes be satisfying but doesn't always make sense. Putting your effort into achieving a bigger goal almost always fetches better results.
#7 Expect the Unexpected
Life is full of surprises, and so is the Oregon game. When you are on the trail, you cannot know what will actually happen there. Maybe a thief could steal your oxes, snake bite, or something similar.
Oregon Trail can teach you to expect the unexpected because nothing goes as perfectly as you have planned. And when you are ready to face anything, you deliver your best.
Conclusion
Oregon Trail is an influential game that most certainly contributed to changing the status quo from "games are a waste of time" to "building video games is an art form."
You can play Oregon Trail game online free and observe the subtle ways it leaves you with powerful lessons.