Back in the 80’s computer class consisted of playing The Oregon Trail. That was it. We’d do computers like once a month and we would be able to play The Oregon Trail. In this game you have the task of taking your family of 5 from Independence Missouri to Oregon. It was near impossible to do. You had to keep track of supplies, clothing, oxen, ammunition and the ever present dysentery. Most 80’s kids know the sting of suddenly dying of dysentery along The Oregon Trail. It happened to me often enough. Now you do not need a big honking Tandy 80 from Radio Shack to experience that pain, you can carry it in your pocket. As you can see.
But in all seriousness it is a great little piece of nostalgia that you can take along with you and play whenever you’d like. Who knows, you might be able to cross a river and not lose half your supplies, your wife and some oxen. You may be able to survive harsh Winters and make it all the way to Oregon. Will you be a Banker, A Carpenter, A Farmer or a headstone somewhere in Montana. The history of the development of this game and how it became so popular is fascinating. Now my own kids can experience that same feeling I got while playing this game. Frustration filled with hope that at some point I would survive and make it to the end of the trail.
The physical gaming piece is very cool. It is a totally stripped down piece of tech with six buttons an LED screen a little larger than a postage stamp, sound and it is USB rechargeable. It retails for $20 and is a great stocking stuffer for that 080’s kid in your life.