At First Glance: How does the player experience the game?

 

The game opens to a colorful full-screen display of a glistening, white wagon ostensibly loaded down with all the trail-blazing amenities one could possibly dream up in his wildest, pre-departure shopping spree at the local Boston market. This image is set against an imposing brown and gold background that acts to reinforce the solemnity and magnitude of the journey upon which the player is about to embark. Inspirational muzak floods the speakers in a further attempt to foster the sense of adventurism inseparable from the game itself. The “New Game” button shines bright with that same alluring opportunity that following the Oregon Trail itself purported to afford [1]. Elementary school and middle school students, for whom the game is targeted and marketed, can hardly wait to see what lies ahead for them. Only too happy to be in their own world playing a computer game rather than the classroom world listening to their teacher drone on in front of an open textbook, they are no longer aware of the education that is taking place and simply want to play. Let’s go!

[1] The Oregon Trail II. Minneapolis, Minnesota: MECC, 1994.