Entry Number: 1
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NC
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
I liked the excitment of it. It felt like an adventure, plus you could always name your crush as your husband in your party!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
The user could do everything right and still have someone die and that was kind of frustrating, but also a necessary part of the game. Also, it took so long to finish that I didn't usually get to finish a game during play time at school.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't really remember. I remember them being the barterers that you could go to to trade for supplies. I guess they always seemed nice to me.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I think because you could name the leader anything you wanted, including a female name that females were portrayed alright. It seemed that girls and boys died equally. Also, being a girl I was still the one hunting so I didn't feel lesser than the boys in the game.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Same as women, everyone could be the leader and everyone could hunt so I didn't really see a difference.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Plains, mountains, rivers, etc. Once you started getting closer to Oregon you had more snow. I don't really know if it was accurate, it seemed pretty generic to me, so I wouldn't say it was inaccurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I'm sure it was a lot harsher than the game portrayed. We sort of laugh off when someone dies of dysentery or some other disease but I suppose that stuff really did happen. Perhaps the game made light of the fact that so many people did start that journey and not make it.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 2
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Male
State: RI
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Computer class in school.
How often did you play the game?
Occasionally
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
dying
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
helpful
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
always died..
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
helpful
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Barren, dangerous
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Not too sure about the Oregon Trail...
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 3
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: IL
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Classroom
How often did you play the game?
A few times that year
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
The hunting and the management of your resources
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Nothing worth mentioning
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Neutrally
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Neutrally
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Neutrally
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The graphics were barely 8-bit, the West didn't look much like anything.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It accurately portrayed the parts of the Oregon Trail that it attempted to portray: the management and survival parts of the trip. Other factors such as family life of the migrants were left out... but boy would the game have sucked if those factors were implemented.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Who really cares how the Indians, men, and women were portrayed in the game? Did anybody you know play this game because they heard "it had really accurate Native American role models" or "it totally showed women in untradional roles"? No one cares about that crap. You would have done better to scrap those three questions and replace them with
"What did you think of the economy factor of the game?"
"How would you rate the game on a scale of 1 to 10?"
"Do you feel that the random chances of breakage of parts, party sickness, or death was well calibrated?"
Entry Number: 4
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Male
State: PA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
At home and at school
How often did you play the game?
As often as I could. Probably 2-3 hours/week at its hay day.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I don't remember any lesson, except I learned the names of a few diseases that could kill you.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Either hunting or rafting, i'm not sure.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Sitting there waiting for something- anything to happen.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
My guess is that they weren't portrayed positively, but I don't remember at all.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
People didn't really have characters, I don't think, at least in the version I played.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
People didn't really have characters, I don't think, at least in the version I played.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
There were mountains and rivers. It's one of the most detailed looks this guy who has lived east of the missisippi all my life has seen, so I don't relaly know.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it showed a lot of the hardships that people experienced. It wasn't sugar coated, even though it was a game for kids.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 5
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In elementary school during free period.
How often did you play the game?
Almost every day.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game. My friends and I tried to kill as many animals as possible to see who could make the most meat.
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 6
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: WA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
slow gameplay
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
The only time Indians came up was when they attacked you and stole all your provisions. So, not a very positive portrayal.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember them making any distinction between male and female characters.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Again, I can't remember any distinction. It was just so long ago!
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It was pretty barren and flat, with rivers. I don't remember them making a big deal out of the rocky mountains... but that might just be my memory failing me.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
The one thing that sticks out in my mind that is inaccurate, is that you never had the company of other wagons in the game. I know usually wagons would be traveling together in a train, for safety and support.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 7
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game: It was amazing! Probably the best game ever created.
Entry Number: 8
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
In school during play time.
How often did you play the game?
Once a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
The hunting for food part.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When people died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I can not really remember that much about it, but I think that they were not portrayed in a positive way.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
As weak, they were always the ones who died first.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
As being stronger than women.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 9
Year of Birth: 1980
Gender: Male
State: TN
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
at school
How often did you play the game?
seems like it was once every few weks or so.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
taught with a lesson
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game: one of the greatest games ever
Entry Number: 10
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Computer time, inside recess
How often did you play the game?
About 2-3 times a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
The teachers showed us one day during class time, but then we just played on our own
What was your favorite part of the game?
Everything but the very begining where you had to buy everything you were taking
What was your least favorite part of the game?
The begining
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 11
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
Mostly at home, but at school on occasion.
How often did you play the game?
Maybe 4x per week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I pretty much just played the game. But I tried really hard to play it smartly, and not die!
What was your favorite part of the game?
Actually being on the trail, and having to deal with the problems that arose
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Figuring out what to buy in the town before you started. BORING
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
We didn't want the Indians to come, because they would steal our stuff, so I guess that's a fairly negative portrayal.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Don't really recall
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Don't really recall. Except the men did all the hunting, so they were the main providers of food.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't know, seeing has how I have never been out West.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think the game did accurately portray the fact that traveling along the Oregon Trail was very difficult and many hardships were encountered. I'm sure it was rather exagerated though, and obviously the timing was off, seeing as how you could finish a game in a couple of hours, and the real Oregon Trail took months!
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 12
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: MA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 13
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
In school
How often did you play the game?
I think about once a week for a few months
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I played it just for the game, but At some point it was probably part of a lesson plan that is escaping me now
What was your favorite part of the game?
I like hunting the animals for food
What was your least favorite part of the game?
how long it actuelly took to get to the end of the trail. And when people died
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember there being Indians in the game
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
females didn't do much
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Typical male roles, they were the hunters
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It was really flat, and green with some mountains. I have never been west, but I imagine that it was a gross simplification of what it actuelly is like
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Somewhat, I'm sure there were many challenges that were not put into the game that people traveling along the trail endured. But it gave an idea of what it would be like.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I remember it was a thing to do to kill time, and to see the biggest thing that you could shoot. It was fun for that purpose, I'm not sure if I learned a whole lot of history from it
Entry Number: 14
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In elementary school. When I was in about sixth grade, my friend's grandpa burned me a copy of Oregon Trail II that I played at home.
How often did you play the game?
We played it about once a week in elementary school when we had "computer class." When I got the version of Oregon Trail II, I played almost everyday for a couple weeks, until the game messed my crappy computer up.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I think we just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Choosing the people for the wagon and naming them.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When people would get sick and no matter what you did, they would die.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I think they were the people who would nurse others back to health.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I think they did most of the hunting and fixing the wheels and such when they broke.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Wide open plains, there were a lot of rivers. I think it was fairly accurate for the time. There might not have been so many rivers around. The graphics and things aren't that great in the first one, so technology might have prevented it from being that accurate and realistic.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Probably not. It's just a game, so I'm assuming it left out a lot of history involved.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Whenever I hear anyone talking about the Oregon Trail game, they always seem to have fond memories of it. It was probably one of the first computer games we all played, since when we were growing up computers were just starting to infiltrate into schools and become part of the classroom activities.
Entry Number: 15
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 16
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
BCS Mac Lab with Rachel Bacon
How often did you play the game?
On average once a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I don't fully remember
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Trying to ford the river and lose all of my stuff or oxen.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Mountainous, some green grassy areas. I disagree ..., the west is a desert land and there is little green grass without irrigation.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It's difficult to capture the entire OT experience and put it into a game written for all ages. I think they did a pretty good job of making it desirable to play without learning too much and playing too little. They could have had a little bit more accurate information and helped the learning process more.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I think I was best at being the farmer with lots of ammo.
Entry Number: 17
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
At my cousin's house and at school.
How often did you play the game?
Once or twice a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting for game.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Dying of dysentary.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
All I remember is that you could trade with them. They seemed to be portrayed as less civilized.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I feel like women were always portrayed to be weaker than the men.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
They seemed like the "take charge" people of the group.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Really open fields with not much civilization. I think it might have been fairly accurate; this was before there was a lot of development out west.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it generalized it and simplified it a lot, but I think the basic aspects of the game (running out of food, illnesses, hunting, fording rivers) were probably all things travellers experienced.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I used to look forward to playing it a lot with my cousin or at school. I always felt like I was learning a lot when I played it as a kid.
Entry Number: 18
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: KY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In class.
How often did you play the game?
Once a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just play the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting and watching my family die.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Losing
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Stereotypical
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Stereotypical
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Manly men, stereotypical
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Looks like outdoors
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Perhaps, but then again, I don't remember much about the Oregon Trail itself.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I often tried to forge the river and died. I don't think I've ever finished the game, and that vexes me!
Entry Number: 19
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
at my school, on the computers in the lab, and in the classroom.
How often did you play the game?
as often as i could get my hands on it- before school started, and when we were finished with lessons, or indoor recess.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
the game was originally part of a unit, i belive, and then we just kept playing it.
What was your favorite part of the game?
going into town and buying all the supplies, and talking to the people there in town about how fabulously rich they got. and the boat thing.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
i think it was the actuall getting to the end of the game, where we had to stake claims. it was often frustrating, because all the good claims were taken.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
i think as the stereotypical native americans were portrayed during the times of the trail.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
i honestly didn't notice too much- and there didn't seem to be too many of them.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
there were lots of them. mostly white, some were miserly, others were nice, i think it ran the gamut.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
i think that to a degree, it is accurate enough for a 3rd or 4th grader.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes and no- no because it was a childrens game, and there are certain things like consumption of alcohol, disease, death, and plain jack-assery that you don't have in a game designed for kids.
yes because without those things, i think the gaem gave me enough background knowlege of the trail, while still providing an entertaining envirionment.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: i really liked the boat game.
Entry Number: 20
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
home and school
How often did you play the game?
3 times per week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
being able to make all of the choices
What was your least favorite part of the game?
when the wagon couldn't ford the river
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
has enemies
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
weaker
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
strong, leaders
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Wide open fields, animals everywhere. Yes.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think the game made the Trail seem a lot less strenuous and challenging than it was in real life. It brought humor to something that was really devastating.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: It was a great game to play with others.
Entry Number: 21
Year of Birth: 1981
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
First at school on an old school Apple IIe greenscreen computer.
How often did you play the game?
Whenever I could get the computer
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
With a lesson.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Caring about the wife and kids.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
pretty stereotypically, which is to say poorly.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Dependent
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Family men
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Well, graphics in those days were horrible in general. I think they probably used more generic landscapes because they couldn't really design better.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Certainly we all spent a bit more time hunting on it then we would have needed to in real life, and I can understand concern over how it presents gender roles and racially stereotypes Native Americans. At the same time though, I have no doubt that there are a lot of people in their twenties who hated history in school yet can tell you at least what the Oregon trail was.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Great fucking game.
Entry Number: 22
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In class, 5th grade, during free time. I've also played a newer version (3 or 4?) at my public library.
How often did you play the game?
We took turns- Oregon Trail Day was once a week and highly anticipated...
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I went to a public school...we just played...haha
What was your favorite part of the game?
Buying all the supplies...I love that little shop keep guy, he looked so darn friendly. And looking back on it the was the images were so primitive...It made you imagine more than if they were realistic...
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Nothing...I'd play it all day if I had it still!
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I honestly don't remeber them...did they attack us?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember any negative stereotypes, but then again I was in 5th grade and couldn't spell stereotype let alone know what it was...
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
See previous answer...
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't remember too well (I've lost too many brain cells since then) but I don't think accuracy ever occured to me...The things that made it accurate to me were the covered wagons and sun-bonnets...But now that you mention it and looking at the picture on this page it really doesn't look accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it did as much as an early computer game made for younger children could. Obviously it would be over their heads to go into as much accurate detail as a college lever course would, but I think it portrayed the basic concepts such as it was a difficult journey, and that it required skill and planning well
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Good luck with this whole project!!!
Entry Number: 23
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Male
State: AZ
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
School
How often did you play the game?
Heck, maybe a few times a week during recess or free time. I went to a hippy private school, maybe i played it more than a normal kid.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
shooting buffalo. it was great to get all that meat. I enjoyed buying all of the supplies too.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
... I don't remember anything not fun. Maybe having my wagon screwed over in the stream.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't really remember Indians. I'm sure they were stereotypical indian people on horses with feathers in their hair... like your picture. You might be concerned that this picture is screwing with your results, since I wouldn't have remembered anything about indians save for that picture.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Gentle folk who did the dishes and such.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Manly. They shot buffalo for crying out loud. They were rugged and wore wangler pants with spurs.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
pretty barren. Sure, the west is pretty barren.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Perhaps. I don't know how many buffalo folks killed and then drug their carcasses all over the west. I'm sure it was an unrealistic representation, substantially more people probably died.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I remember it fondly, just like Myst.
Entry Number: 24
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: MI
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Home, computer lab at school
How often did you play the game?
Nearly every day for a while in 6th grade! Let's be honest-- how fun was it to see exactly how many buffalo you could shoot, even if it WAS wasteful?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played it.
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
People to trade with.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Sometimes a little weak, maybe...but such were the times. It didn't bother me at all.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
All the characters were interesting-- I didn't pay attention to things like stereotypical gender roles.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Accurate enough that when we moved from Rochester, NY to Salt Lake City in real life I was able to recognize various places because of the game-- no lies.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think so, for the most part. If in the game it started snowing, people started freezing. Diseases spread throughout the wagon train. Wheels broke. I think it did a great job of staying accurate.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: LOVE LOVE LOVE this game. Probably my favorite computer game of all time.
Entry Number: 25
Year of Birth: 1974
Gender: Female
State:
Game Version: 3
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 26
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
School
How often did you play the game?
Computer Class which was once a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
making the choices of what to do next.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
hunting.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
from what I remember, they helped along the game if you paid them.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember them being significant.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
They were the ones who you bargained with and talked to to gain information. from what I remember...
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It was pretty much a straight line across, mostly green pastures and forts. This probably wasn't that accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No, It was probably a lot more difficult in considering the conditions, and sometimes lack of choices in life.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I remember looking forward to playing it, but never really knew what the Oregon Trail was. There was never a historical context to it for me. We just thought of it as a fun game in school.
Entry Number: 27
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: CA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
Winning
What was your least favorite part of the game?
my people getting sick and hungry
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember, not bad.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Not bad- Survivalist. Old people were annoying
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Fine
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
green. It is not really realistic, especially if you have driven it :)
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It was fun for the level of child it was for but it didn't show all of the hard ships of survival, Or the physical stuggle of the settlers.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I really loved hunting! I also think it was super fun crossing rivers. Some times the game would drag on and old, sick, or hungry people slowed me down. Thanks for the memories.
Entry Number: 28
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: CO
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
at school, in the computer labs
How often did you play the game?
every time we went to the lab
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played it
What was your favorite part of the game?
the trading posts
What was your least favorite part of the game?
how easy it was to die.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I can't really remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
pretty wimpy
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
they were the really powerful ones. They did all the hunting and stuff
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
pretty barren and pixelated. yes to the barren part, but real life isn't actually pixelated.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I have no idea. I just played it for fun.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 29
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: VA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In the computer lab of my elementary school during computer time.
How often did you play the game?
Twice a week about, and then my mom bought the game for me to play at home.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
Crossing the ford
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Going through the story at the beginning
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
You bartered with them. They weren't evil, they had some things you needed.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
You could never be a female character, so practically useless.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
They ran the show.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I thought it was barren, and there was nothing to do. Also it was dangerous and trickier than expected. I think it's accurate in the time period when people were venturing west.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Well, considering it had a lot of restrictions, they depicted it well. There were trials and joys, and lots of involvement with making sure you have enough food and money.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 30
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: NV
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
school, home
How often did you play the game?
all the time
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
play
What was your favorite part of the game?
shooting animals
What was your least favorite part of the game?
dying
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
EVIL
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
stupid
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
awesome
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
it looked barren and coold..not it isnt accurate
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
NOO it was way harder, and in real life you don't score points
Any additional comments or memories of the game: i loved shooting buffalo and birds. i forged the river and always died. i didn't like contracting typhoid.
Entry Number: 31
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
On the classroom computer in 4th grade
How often did you play the game?
Approximately once to three times a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played
What was your favorite part of the game?
Shooting buffalo and making decisions
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Don't remember not liking anything
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Do not remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
As family members
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
As family members
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't remember much other than the natural monuments, but I want to say there was mountains in the background when the wagon was in progress. However, the midwest is completely flat until the Rocky Mountains.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Not entirely, somethings were alittle far fetched. I remember it being almost impossible to reach Oregon, however if the game was an actual portrayal of history west coast states would have taken much longer to populate than what actually happened.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: This game was so much fun when I was younger, someone in my class actually broke the disk in half because my friends and I got to the computer first and he broke it because he didn't get to play.
Entry Number: 32
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: MD
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Ronald McNair Elementry School
How often did you play the game?
Ounce a week at least
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Was taught with a lesson
What was your favorite part of the game?
The hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
The amount of time.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
can't really remember it was a long time ago.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Motherly characters
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Fathers and providers
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It looked like you would expect the 1840's to look like. It was somewhat accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Yes, because you had to work to make it to Oregon, which included sickness, death, hunting, and decisions that effected the whole party.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 33
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
Computer class
How often did you play the game?
Every day we had computer class... don't remember how often that was though
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I think we just played the game, but again my memory is foggy
What was your favorite part of the game?
Naming characters, going across the river, trying to stay alive, hunting buffalo
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Talking to people?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
don't remember
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
don't remember
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
wide open
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
don't know
Any additional comments or memories of the game: it was awesome, but amazon trail is even better!
Entry Number: 34
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: NV
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
At school, but I liked it so much, my parents got it for me for my birthday.
How often did you play the game?
a few times a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
The hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
losing all of my supplies in a river or on a mountain.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
not in a good way. They were either hostile,or were very greedy.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I didn't notice.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Usually as rough and tumble, often violent men.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
somewhat idyllic. Especially the towns
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
no. It ws especiall poor at portraying the fronteir towns, and the Mormon Trail.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 35
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
At School and once at a friend's house.
How often did you play the game?
About three or four times a week for 45 minutes or less if I was lucky.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I'm guessing I just played the game since I don't know what you mean by "lesson on the trail."
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting and crossing rivers.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Any time the party members got mad at me or when everybody died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Big and empty except for grass, dirt, the occasional water source, and maybe an abandoned wagon or two.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it did, though admittedly while playing the game I had no idea what we were headed for.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I remember we had a lot of fun watching the people's mouths move.
Entry Number: 36
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At school, during any free time the class had.
How often did you play the game?
About 3 to 4 times a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Crossing the rivers.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When my oxen died. :(
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 37
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: PA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In school
How often did you play the game?
about once per week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
the mishaps that were part of the game
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
as someone to be careful of
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
as family care-takers
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
as providers
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
the west looked mountainous with some shrubbery
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes because the perception given was the actual perception at that time of those on the oregon trail
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 38
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: UT
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 39
Year of Birth: 1989
Gender: Female
State: TX
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
school
How often did you play the game?
once a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
shooting food and not dying
What was your least favorite part of the game?
dying
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
indians? there were indians?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
they died?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
they were all guys, as far as i know. and they wore old clothes
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
i don't think it was as varied as it ought to have been
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes, because lots of people died. no, because it was always from snake bite
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 40
Year of Birth: 1980
Gender: Male
State: AZ
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting for food, except those freakin' speedy rabbits!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Fording rivers and randomly losing people and supplies.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember very well.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I just remember screenshots of a camp with women washing clothes or taking care of kids.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I guess I went hunting. Man, I don't remember as much as I thought I did.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Lots of green valleys (probably because of the colors available) and rocky plains. Pretty accurate, since I live in Utah and have traveled throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Probably pretty accurate, but I don't imagine all the details were there. Didn't have to be, since it was intended for kids, not for history buffs.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I think everyone in my class loved writing epitaphs when they died. I remember being upset when I couldn't carry all the game back to the wagon!
Entry Number: 41
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: ID
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 42
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Female
State: AZ
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In our school's computer room.
How often did you play the game?
Probably once every two weeks or so. As often as our class was able to take a turn in the computer room.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I don't remember having any lessons with it.
What was your favorite part of the game?
I enjoyed being in charge. I liked directing the people and making decisions about what to buy, when to leave, and which trails or paths to follow.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
I didn't like when the people were hungry or died, especially when the kids died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remeber much indian interaction. The only thing that comes to mind is that I may have traded with them. The picture displayed above though with the cowboy pointing his gun at the indian makes me think otherwise.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Well, I was a female and I was in charge.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember much of a difference between male and female roles or anything. I just made decsions and the people in the game were just people. I do know however that men and women in that time period worked together but in sometimes different roles.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't remember particularily amazing graphics - green pastures, some mountains in the backround, some desert scenes and holes. The West has a lot of different areas - I am sure that the scenes could be improved. What do you mean by accurate? I doubt they were actual places portrayed.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Each individual had thier own experiances. I don't know enough about the real oregon trail to compare a lot, but huge difference were there - they had wagons and horses instead of cars, they traded and hunted for food rather than bought it in the grocery store, people got sick and sometimes died as they traveled.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I really enjoyed playing the game. I thought it was fun and it allowed me to make some decisions that showed some cause and effect senarios.
Entry Number: 43
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Home on my Apple II
How often did you play the game?
2-3 times a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting, and naming to character to people close to me at the time. e.g girlsfriends at the time
What was your least favorite part of the game?
when my girlfriends died of dysntary
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
as my current g/f
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
strapping young men, who always died trying to float across the river
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I remember there was a picture of Chemney Rock
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No becuase i don't believe the travelers had the resources to create such elorborate head stones. With the engraving of the gamers choice... I alwasy wrote bad messages so when people who read them in the future were insulted
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Yes, what were the advantages of choosing different characters at the begining of the game? I remember you could be like a farmer or a banker. did the banker have more money? but was weak and died faster, where teh farmer was poor, but was stronger??
Entry Number: 44
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: OR
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 45
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
in the classroom
How often did you play the game?
every other day, maybe.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
we just played the game. it was a bit a reward system. when we finished our work, we could play.
What was your favorite part of the game?
surviving! and hunting. hunting was fun.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
having to ration the food
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 46
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 47
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Male
State: WA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
School computer lab.
How often did you play the game?
Weekly at least.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Dying.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Both aggresive (attacking your party) or helpful (guiding your party) depending on circumstance.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't recall.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
In all maner of ways.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I seem to recall the landscape being too flat in the game.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No. The set of possible actions and reactions was far too limited.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 48
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State:
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting the wildlife while out on the trail.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When characters died from random events.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
As people attacking those on the trail.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Supporters of the leaders of the group, the men in the family.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Leaders of the group, responsible for important decisions on the trail, in charge of finding food and resources for their family.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Wide open spaces, numerous trees, dangerous natural living. Deadly when travelled across without proper resources. In some ways, this view of the trail was accurate, if simplified to a great amount.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No, because in order to be accurate towards any point of history, one would need to go into greater detail of that time than the detail put forth in the game. In other words, the Oregon trail was much more than hunting 2-d buffalo that randomly float across a screen.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Overall, this game did more for children in an academic standpoint than many of the popular console games sold today. We that played it learned many of the hardships that people truly experienced as they traversed the wild and untamed American west. While certain aspects of the game were exaggerated or falsified when compared to actual experiences on the Oregon trail, the game placed into children an interest in early America; rather than looking at pictures in a book, we were able to experience some of the trials of early American pioneers, a refreshing way to learn and study history. Perhaps we may learn from this game and create new ones, more accurate but with that same fun aspect that kept us coming back for more.
Entry Number: 49
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
In the computer lab.
How often did you play the game?
I can't remember. I do remember that I loved it so much that I got it as a gift and played it on my home computer.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
It was taught with a lesson.
What was your favorite part of the game?
I can't really remember a FAVORITE part.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Getting sick and dying!
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
As weaklings
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Strong, very "masculine"
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't really remember...it was a LONG time ago. It probably wasn't very accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It was a good overview of hardships that the people faced along the trail, but things have to be modified to make games work well, so probably not all that accurate, again, I can't really remember.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I remember having Oregon Trail days in school...good times. I also remember going hunting, that was fun, as long as there was big game available. I used to get angry when I couldn't hold anymore weight. I also used to hate when I had to ford the river and my oxen would die.
Entry Number: 50
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Male
State: WA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
School computers: first an Apple II, then a lab running System 7
How often did you play the game?
at least weekly
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
The Columbia River
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Long set-up
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Primarily as trading partners and alternative ways to ford rivers
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I think there was the same background for the entire game. I haven't visited most the area depicted, but I think that towards the end the trail should have gotten greener as the wagon moves into the pacific northwest.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Yes. I haven't heard about any major discrepancies, though of course not everyone had the same destination.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I've looked at some of the later versions of the game. Though they might or might not be more accurate, to me they don't compare to the old version.
Entry Number: 51
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: TN
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At school and at home
How often did you play the game?
For a period I was playing it every day, I loved that game.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I think there was a lesson along the way sometimes. Mostly I just played though.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Trading! I loved figuring out what the people would like best and making sure we always had things like salt and seasonings to make food taste good.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When people randomly died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
As traders at forts and along the way.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
They gathered berries and took care of the sick.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
They hunted and traded.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It was a lot of forest and mountains, rivers, and it looked really lush the whole way. I don't think it was very accurate because there was always some sort of berry or root to pick and salmon in the rivers. I don't think it really portrayed the rough parts when there was no water or food for days.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
For the most part yes. It included snow, sickness, trading, oxen dying, gathering buffalo chips, people dying suddenly, and numerous other things. As far as computer games can, the trail was accurately portrayed, but probably with a little bit of a silver lining excluding the violent things that happened like indian attacks, robberies, etc.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I loved the Oregon Trail!! And I really did learn a lot from it. I remember my dad using the guide book to teach me, as I played he explained how to tell the difference between the plants and helped me learn the history of the oregon trail. However, I sure did waste a lot of hours trading and making sure everyone got to Oregon with a surplus of food and clothing.
Entry Number: 52
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
at school
How often did you play the game?
weekly
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting.
Party members' deaths.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Buying supplies.
The end--anticlimactic.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember any Indians.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Not much distinction--but female characters seemed rather useless.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Strong leaders--always head of the party, did all hunting and trading.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
A flat yellow expanse with an occasional tree or river and interrupted by a non-visible Continental Divide and poorly represented landmarks (e.g. Chimney Rock or Independence Rock).
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No. The basic premise and some of the "obstacles" faced were based in reality, but most aspects were oversimplified and misrepresented.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 53
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
Classroom
How often did you play the game?
as often as possible
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played
What was your favorite part of the game?
winning
What was your least favorite part of the game?
something ALWAYS went wrong
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Well it looked like a compuer monitor version of a vast empty space with green fields and lots of water everywhere. Looking back, it probably wasn't accurate because I don't think that's what the west looked like at all, there's a lot of barren space.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Probably not, it was too automated.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 54
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
School computer lab, at home.
How often did you play the game?
Once or twice a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Losing. I never won. And I never really understood how to win.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
They were either the nice Indians that helped you find food, or I think they may have just randomly killed you sometimes, too.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
They had bonnets!
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
As everything... doctor/banker/hunter/man of the carriage!
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It looked... really, really open. I assume there were trees in the West, somewhere.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No. It was far, far, far too simplied.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 55
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: MA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
On my computer at home.
How often did you play the game?
Occassionally. I watched my siblings play more often.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
We just played.
What was your favorite part of the game?
I liked planning the things I had to carry. Also, my ancestors were mormon pioneers, so I liked how I was able to think about them when they got to chimney rock. Also, I liked how I could name the people in my wagon company.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
I was bad at it! When my brother let me play, everybody always died from snakebites.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Very pixelated? I don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember - wearing skirts.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Many more than there were female
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Pixelated. No.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No, but it was a neat idea for a kid's computer game.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I hated crossing the river.
Entry Number: 56
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: KY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
school computer lab
How often did you play the game?
two to three times a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
only the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
people dying
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
usually bad guys
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
they had a weak presence in the game
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
they seemed to do everything
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
it varied from forest to plains to mountains. somewhat.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
i don't know i have never been there, but it did seem be realistic in its portrayal of some of the experiences one would have while traveling on the oregon trail. it just seems logical.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 57
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Male
State: MN
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
school computer lab
How often did you play the game?
once a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just play
What was your favorite part of the game?
fording the river
What was your least favorite part of the game?
getting robbed
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
don't rem.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
don't rem.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
don't rem.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
looked like nothing was there, maybe
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes, everyone died
Any additional comments or memories of the game: was a classic, life today for everyone wouldnt be the same. we would all try to ford the frickin river with our cars when theres traffic.
Entry Number: 58
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: CA
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
I think it was at the end of computer lab if we finished our typing... or something like that.
How often did you play the game?
At least once a month. I honestly don't remember.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
We just played the game. Who says computer games aren't stand-alone lessons?
What was your favorite part of the game?
I loved hunting and shooting buffalo. And that part at the end where you're going down a river... that was also pretty scary though.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
I hated it when we had to slow down so the kids wouldn't die of pneumonia. I also didn't like running out of food and losing.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I think they were nice. I think we could trade with them or something.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember. Not important.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I don't think there were any actual characters, it was just you and the wagon.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The West had a few rivers and was mostly plains. They probably should've put some hills and rivers in to be a little more accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it helped me as a kid to understand how long and grueling it was. It wasn't horribly accurate, but it was fun.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Playing oregon trail was the coolest thing about using computers in my elementary school days. I was rather disappointed when we got Oregon Trail III (IV?) and it had all this educational stuff in it (because by then I wanted to just play it for fun at home...). I remember learning that it was pretty dumb to start a journey in the winter or fall, since you'd end up in the snow and dying. Yeah, it was cool.
Entry Number: 59
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
In computer Lab
How often did you play the game?
everyday
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
the journey
What was your least favorite part of the game?
people dying
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
realistic
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
oldtimey
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
brute
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
peaceful, not exactly
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes, it was a hard journey
Any additional comments or memories of the game: nope
Entry Number: 60
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: CO
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
Played it at school in the computer lab.
How often did you play the game?
i believe we would go to the computer lab once or twice a week, and i would play it every other week or so. So like twice a month.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
My favorite part was filling in my friends name and going hunting.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
i didn't like how when someone got sick or there was bad weather, there wasn't a lot that the player could do. We just had to wait until the bad weather or whatever was over. I guess that's what the people on the oregon trail had to do, but as a 3rd grader it was annoying. and boring.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
The Indian characters were usually people you could trade stuff with for food and supplies. They were always polite in their coversation.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember. I don't remember much male/female distinction
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Once again, i don't remember any distinction
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The West looked like a lot of desert and grassland. It was sort of accurate. As accurate as a game could get. I didn't think that the West really looked like the game though. We didn't get a lot of variety. from what i remember anyways.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail to a point. I think it definetly pointed out the hardships of the trail accurately. It showed how people died, and the scarcity of food and what not. Small things like interactions with people and scenery might not have been so accurate.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I enjoyed the game.
Entry Number: 61
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Female
State: TX
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
School computer class
How often did you play the game?
Once or twice a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
Choosing supplies
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Having to trade
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
The nurturers
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
The providers
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Barren and desert-like. Yes, I think it was fairly accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No, not entirely
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 62
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
In my elementary school computer lab.
How often did you play the game?
We had computer days once a week,but I don't think I played the game more than a couple of months.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I think I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting animals.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When people in my group died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember them being treated differently from anyone else.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Not very different from the way they are portrayed now, I think. Providers, workers, etc.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
There were mountains and plains. The whole landscape could not have been as lush as it appeared, but I think it would be hard to potray anything else in an old computer game like that was.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it did a decent job of giving us an idea of the decisions that plagued the pioneers of the time and the troubles that they had, within the limitations that a game like this has.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I liked the game, and it worked well with my interest in the pioneers and history in general, since I have always been eager for anything that could give me a better sense of what life was like for people in the past. I think this game, in part, helped to satisfy this desire in the glimpse that it tries to give. Maybe it isn't perfect in its portrayal, but it seems like it would be difficult for anyone to entirely recapture. Considering the age of their audience, I think they did a pretty good job.
Entry Number: 63
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
In school, at home, at friend's houses.
How often did you play the game?
At least a couple of times per week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just remember playing the game, there may have been a lesson, but I don't remember.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Waiting for the wagon to move.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
As the enemy who you had to avoid.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I really don't remember very well.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Stronger and more likely to survive.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It was brown and yellow. I think it was relatively accurate. Accurate enough for an elementary school child's game.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It portrayed a lot of the challenges of being on the trial. But it was a whole lot easier then the real thing would have been!
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I loved this game! That's pretty much all I have to say!
Entry Number: 64
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: TX
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
School and Home
How often did you play the game?
2 times a week on average
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
mostly just played
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
crossing rivers
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
as people that could help
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
as hard workers that had to put up with a rough life
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
as the bread winners and primary authority
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
the "west" changed as you moved along the journey,it reflected reality
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
The real trail was much tougher then the game
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 65
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: OR
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
at school and at home
How often did you play the game?
probably a couple of times a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game at home, but I lived in Oregon so of couse they explained the trail before we played it at school.
What was your favorite part of the game?
winning without losing any family members
What was your least favorite part of the game?
how long it took and how sometimes you or your family members would die without any chance of getting better first.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Walked...don't really remember
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Did all the work
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
green....sure.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes, it was a trail, people died, there were trials, and some people get to the end, if they're lucky.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I loved it...probably spent too much time playing it....
Entry Number: 66
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
school
How often did you play the game?
a few time during school hours
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I am sure it was incorporated into instruction
What was your favorite part of the game?
Crossing the rivers and laughing at the various causes of deaths (i.e. snake bite, etc.)
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Bartering
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Non-existant
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Non-existant
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
hunters, decision makers
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
looked unoccupied in the game. In reality Natives flourished throughout the area those on the trail believed was free to claim.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
no, just a sugar coated version of what actually happened... (half-truths)
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Other adventures by the same company are much more accurate and unbias...i.e.- Mayan Trail, etc.
Entry Number: 67
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: AZ
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
Home
How often did you play the game?
Every Sunday with my brother after Church
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Taught lesson
What was your favorite part of the game?
Trying to beat the trail with as little money as possible
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Sinking and losing some of your items when you try to cross river
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Fine
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Mean
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
mean
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Very much so
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
YEs
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I LOVE THIS GAME~
Entry Number: 68
Year of Birth: 1983
Gender: Male
State: PA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Mentally gifted classroom
How often did you play the game?
once a week for one hour
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
getting robbed
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
as savages
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
neutral
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
neutral
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
a barren wasteland of opportunity, yes
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes I feel the hardships, trials and tribulations were experienced by most trail riders.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: i remember trying to cross the river vividly
Entry Number: 69
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: MO
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
On my dad's computer in the library.
How often did you play the game?
As much as I could!
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
The hunting.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When I wasn't able to hunt, pick food, etc.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember exactly, sorry.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
They were there to cook, clean, look after kids, etc.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
As necessary, strong, providers.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I think it was kind of accurate. There were plains, forest, etc.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It's probably half and half. It's a game, so I'm sure it's not completely accurate.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Does that game still exist?! This game made me want to play again!
Entry Number: 70
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: IN
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
at my elementary school
How often did you play the game?
once a week...that was all we were allowed b/c the whole school used one computer lab
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
taught about the trail and also just for fun
What was your favorite part of the game?
the whole thing!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
people dying it was sad! but very necessary
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
people on horse back
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
they were like the men but they couldn't hunt
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
they could do whatever they wanted and were the wisest
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
yeah probably the graphics were bad but it was really early for graphics back then
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes because the events are all real things that would have happened to you
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 71
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: CA
Game Version: 2
Where did you play the game?
Mostly at school, until my parents bought it for our home computer a year or so later.
How often did you play the game?
I played it probably 2-3 times a week. At one point, I think it was every day.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
It was taught with a lesson, at school. But when we bought it for home use, it wasn't taught with a lesson.
What was your favorite part of the game?
I loved shooting the buffalo, and getting to choose who went on the trial with me, and buying things.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
The part where I had to pick what medicine to give, or how to get across the river. I never felt like I learned what I needed to in order to succeed at that point.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Honestly, I don't really remember. I don't remember them being evil, but I don't remember them ever being super helpful either.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
They seemed to get sick a lot. I don't recall them having a major role in the game. They just kinda went along with everyone else.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
As the providers. They were the ones that went hunting and pulled the wagon.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
It varied. Some areas were dry and hilly, others with rivers. I didn't see a whole lot of green lucious areas. It seemed fairly accurate. It could have had more detail and variety, but I don't think it ruined my perception of the west that bad.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think it did, at least as much as a computer game could. There were diseases to deal with, hardships to encounter, and similar challenges to what the real Oregon Trail was like, at least as compared to what I learned in school.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 72
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
in the computer lab at school, and in our classroom.
How often did you play the game?
At least once a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I don't remember any lessons with it, just the amazing graphics, and all the hours of joy.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Chosing supplies, and having to make decisions about what you'd need.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Fighting other kids to play on the computers... I'm a lover, not a fighter.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Pretty stereotypically as I remember. You know, the headdresses. It kinda bugged me that you couldn't BE an indian character, because I am part native american... so, that bugged me, but then I got too involved with fixing my axle to worry too much.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I hinestly don't remember any female characters!
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Very machismo. I was in love with the storekeeper. He hooked me up with all the supplies I needed!
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
well, no. I mean there were mountains and sagebrush all around, nut the West I know and knew at the time was pretty densely populated and not as... grainy. Yeah, real life was WAY better than the graphics. I don;t know, I guess I imagined it like that back in the days of the Oregon Trail poineers.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I guess I don't know. Frankly I don't remember learning too much about the Oregon Trail in school- we were always more focused on the Utah Mormon pioneers. I guess there might have been similarities, but I have no idea.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 73
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: NV
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 74
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: CA
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
In my elementray school during computer class
How often did you play the game?
Maybe once or twice a week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
My favorite part of the game was just watching to see what would happen to my family as we crossed the trail, also buying things from the store
What was your least favorite part of the game?
My least favorite part of the game was when a family member would die or we would not make it to oregon
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Indians were portrayed as the enemy because they could come and steal things from your camp or hurt you
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Female characters were portrayed as weak people because they did not do much
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Male characters were portrayed as strong people because they they could go hunting and they would fix things, like the wheels when they broke
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I loved the Oregon Trail! It was so fun!
Entry Number: 75
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: UT
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 76
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
My personal computer in the basement of my house.
How often did you play the game?
About two to three times per week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
The only lesson I remember is that a lot of people died from various diseases.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Color graphics!
What was your least favorite part of the game?
When my people died.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Don't remember.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
They had the money and the knowledge.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
I don't remember, but I'm going to guess that it wasn't accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Probably not. I don't remember too many specifics, but if kids were playing it, it was more than likely catered to their little minds.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I don't remember too much of it, just that the player chose the occupation of the man, which determined whether they had money for supplies, or knowledge of certain things. And that my people kept dying of diptheria or something. Ah, what a great game!
Entry Number: 77
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At home and friends' houses.
How often did you play the game?
Don't remember...four times a week?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just play!
What was your favorite part of the game?
talking to the locals and hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
waiting (aka resting)
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
stereotypically
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
stereotypically
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
varied on age and profession
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
land...air...that's probably about it. it was as accurate as the game could have been/needed to be.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Not 100% accurately, b/c i would imagine the actual trail was a lot harder. and when people got sick, it would take a lot more than 2 days of rest to cure typhoid...one would think.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Good times :)
Entry Number: 78
Year of Birth: 1985
Gender: Male
State: NY
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
at school in the computer lab and also at home
How often did you play the game?
3-4 times per week
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
hunting, because i had to buy less food and that gave me more money and more points
What was your least favorite part of the game?
watching the wagon trot along
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
like you see in the western movies as if they always wanted to attack any new comers
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
as more of a houswife type roll
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
sterotypical characters such as a banker, butcher etc.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
couldnt really tell when playing from a 5 inch floppy disk. but in the newer pc version the west looked like it had never been discovered. i dont think this was an accurate representation
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
no, because the journey was not as easy as the game portrayed, to the best of my knowledge, more often than not, most people died before they got to the Oregon Territory
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 79
Year of Birth: 1982
Gender: Male
State: UT
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Home and School
How often did you play the game?
2 times a month
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
Winning with a maxed out on supplies
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Loosing a member of the wagon train
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
as traders
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
as women
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
as leaders
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The graphics were not sufficient to represent reality
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
yes, it was a simplified version of what could have happened.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 80
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Female
State: NV
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
I usually played this game in either my school during free time, or at home on my computer.
How often did you play the game?
Mmm...fairly often. Probably once a day until I beat it, and then less often, because it was ridiculously fun.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
Um. I don't really remember. I think that I just played it for fun.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Probably the hunting parts. I liked shooting the animals, although I didn't like that meat would spoil and that you could only take about ten percent of a buffalo.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
I really didn't like it when people died. Although the pictures were nifty.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Frequently they killed people. Sometimes you could trade with them in towns, though, I think.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
As girls. That wore skirts. Obviously mothers and daughters. They obviously weren't entirely dependent on men, since the game didn't end if all the boys in your party died.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Well, they were the only ones that got to go hunting, but since I'm a girl and I was controlling them, it was okay. I think that it was fairly true to the time period.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The far west was portrayed as fairly mountainous and had sometimes dry. It was fairly accurate, as far as you can get with a game like that. There were some innacuracies, but overall a pretty good game.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
I think that if there were more personalities for the characters it would have been better, especially if based off those who actually were on the trail. It was a nifty game, but there was very little history. Things more or less just randomly happened to you. It didn't really show the real people that it happened to, and the realities of how hard it could be, and that could have been better.
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 81
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Female
State: WA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At school.
How often did you play the game?
Whenever we had free time on the computer. At least once per week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Deciding how to cross the river. It was so risky.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Friendly. They were good to trade with.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember female characters really. Maybe a shopkeeper or something.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Well, I think that I was always a male (though I gave myself a female name). I don't really remember though.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
The west was obviously a computer image--there is no way the west really looked like that. There were only two or three different hunting grounds, and there were only two or three season. Obviously the West has more variety than that.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
It portrayed it accurately in the geographic sense. I also think it helped me understand the different hazards associated with the weather--leave too early, and everything is frozen and you die. Leave to late, and you will freeze at the end and die.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I loved this game. I really don't know why it was s much fun, or why we could play it over and over. I think the original is the best, because after that it just looses something (though I'm not sure what exactly it looses).
Entry Number: 82
Year of Birth: 1987
Gender: Male
State:
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 83
Year of Birth: 1980
Gender: Male
State: NJ
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
In 5th grade
How often did you play the game?
Like twice
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Fording Rivers
What was your least favorite part of the game?
I'm not really sure.
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 84
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Female
State: ID
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At school
How often did you play the game?
Weekly
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 85
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Male
State:
Game Version:
Where did you play the game?
How often did you play the game?
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
What was your favorite part of the game?
What was your least favorite part of the game?
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Any additional comments or memories of the game:
Entry Number: 86
Year of Birth: 1986
Gender: Male
State: WA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
At school.
How often did you play the game?
Every time I could convince the teacher I was done with my work (essentially every day).
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played the game.
What was your favorite part of the game?
Hunting
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Crossing rivers
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
Peaceful tradesmen.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
Shy, inactive, calm.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
Active, hunters, adventerous.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Endless fields, then suddenly a river. Then a mountain. Then some more fields. A forest. Then a mountain. Etc. No, this is not accurate.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
No. It would be impossible for a game of the size of Oregon Trail to accurately portray the real Trail.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: Good times skipping work. ;-)
Entry Number: 87
Year of Birth: 1988
Gender: Male
State: NV
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Computer room at my Elementary School.
How often did you play the game?
About once a week.
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
I just played.
What was your favorite part of the game?
I liked all of it. Especially the hunting.
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Seeing my family members get cholera and dying (hahaha).
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember.
As I recall, there was not much of any portrayal for any of the characters.
How were female characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember.
As I recall, there was not much of any portrayal for any of the characters.
How were male characters portrayed in the game?
I don't remember.
As I recall, there was not much of any portrayal for any of the characters.
What did the West look like in the game? Do you think this was accurate?
Everything was one big, flat, grassy stretch except for rivers and mountains. Not exactly what the West looks like.
Do you think the game accurately portrayed the Oregon Trail? Why/Why Not?
Not really, but it was lots of fun. Face it, it's a game, and if you're going to make a game that grade schoolers can beat, it has to be made much easier than the real deal would have been.
Any additional comments or memories of the game: I tried to ford the river and my ****in' oxen died!
Entry Number: 88
Year of Birth: 1984
Gender: Male
State: PA
Game Version: 1
Where did you play the game?
Elementary School
How often did you play the game?
Every day
Was the game taught with a lesson on the trail, or did you just play the game?
A game
What was your favorite part of the game?
Fording the river
What was your least favorite part of the game?
Yellow fever
How were Indian characters portrayed in the game?
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