When I was in elementary school I was introduced to my first computer games – Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? and Oregon Trail. While Carmen Sandiego certainly wasn’t horrible, the best time could definitely be found on OT.
If you are unfamiliar with OT, keep in mind that the game was based on the real life Oregon Trail and it was intended to teach kids about the harsh realities of pioneer life. Players were given choices about what direction to take, how much food to eat, how to deal with a particular circumstance, etc – and the consequences of your actions could be a matter of life and death for the members of your party. In the end, points were awarded based on the profession you chose, your possessions, the cash you had on hand, and the number of survivors.
The great thing about Oregon Trail was that you were learning without knowing it. The game was fun, pure and simple. I mean, how often are you encouraged to play a game in school where you can shoot things and die of epic diarrhea?
For more information on Oregon Trail check out the Wiki.
