Game Review: The Oregon Trail HD

The Oregon Trail used to be a hit in elementary school! Can the experience be relived on WP7? (Video Review)

Overall Score: 4/5

While it doesn’t have all of the advanced gameplay components as the original, The Oregon Trail remains fun and unique. Also, the graphics are usually good.

Gameplay: 4/5

The original Oregon Trail had a lot more depth, where you had to buy bullets and use them wisely, and other things like that, which this mobile Oregon Trail game lacks. However, the game does have some solid gameplay, since a number of things can happen at any time. For example, your wagon could get struck by lightning, your food supply could run low, or your wife or kids could get a broken leg. Also, there are three different seasons you can start your game in, three different careers your main character can be, and three different wagons you can buy. All of those elements change the gameplay in a satisfying way, giving it plenty of variety. And the game does serve as a fun little way to learn a bit more about the soon-to-be western United States.

Presentation: 3/5

The visuals and audio are pretty good, however, when a snow storm comes, the whole game begins to freeze up and become laggy. When the game lags while it is raining or snowing, it does lag quite a bit which is disappointing because otherwise the game is pretty good.

Lasting Value: 5/5

The Oregon Trail for WP7 could last about three or four hours, or even more, depending on what pace you move at and how many sidetrips you take. Thanks to the variation of seasons, characters, and wagons, there is incentive to go back and play the game all over again.

Title: The Oregon Trail HD
Price: 4.99
Publisher: Gameloft