Title: Oregon Trail II
Overall Rating:
B
Source: MECC
Playing Time: average, 2 hrs.
Date: 1995
Cost: $ 83.75 http://www.cdromshop.com/cdshop/desc/p.772040753870.html
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-ROM
capable equipment
Subject Area: History
Objectives: Immersion into the role of
westward movement
Brief Description: Rather interactive
game pitting minor skills against the "odds" of surviving a wilderness
trek.
Entry Capabilities Required: Priro knowledge
of era helpful. Math skill helpful.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 3 Information
at various places good.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
2 In the most centric of ways.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
A real captivator, very entertaining and interesting.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 2 To
a limited extent. The computer seems to play the game.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
3 Graphics good
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 4 I am not sure, but I think
choices are computed to determine some outcomes.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4
Interesting
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
N
Clear directions for play: 2 (at most)
Players must figure most of it out themselves.
Effectiveness of debriefing:5
Sure to stimulate much interest in the subject and period of
history.
Strong Points:
Excells at stimulating interest with "real" involvment in an american era.
Weak Points:
The hunting aspect is bound to take center stage with children simply by
the control action side of it. Distracts from temperment of journey.
Reviewer: Mike Sherry
Position: Student
Date: 6-12-98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
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