I don’t know how old you are, but I’ll admit that in my case I had to look to the encyclopedia to find out what I’m up to. It was 1974 when the Minnesota Computer Education Consortium (eye) decided to produce a game that mixed arcade with graphic adventure. A cocktail that we could now easily identify with the roguelite. This game was presented to engage the kids that we see today in the Stranger Things series to learn about American history. And it worked. Since then, The Oregon Trail has known almost twenty versions and re-editions, with better or worse results.
In 2021 this version was released, which we tested today for Nintendo Switch and which until now could only be played on Apple Arcade. We are facing a good facelift of the 1974 video game, respecting the game systems that made it popular (such as fishing, hunting, etc.) along with an increase in features that make it a perfect roguelite. A format change that brings it closer to a large audience, making it a perfect platform for those who don’t want to rely on their mobile phone to play.
The Promised Land
We are in the middle of the 19th century, in the midst of the colonizing expansion of American emigrants en route to California. Our task: Choose four brave pioneers and bring them safely to the state of Oregon. The task will not be easy, bad weather, raids, diseases and all kinds of adventures will stand between us and our precious goal. The game starts in the city of Independence, where we have to choose the four members of the group with which we will leave in our wagon.
The options are very varied and you must be very careful to have as many skills as possible to cover the needs that may arise. Farmers, bankers, adventurers, nuns… each profession offers certain advantages, but also disadvantages. Besides professions, each character has their personality: paranoid, friendly, lazy… everything counts when we encounter a real problem along the way.
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Once underway, there are many things to consider. Characters have health, hygiene, happiness and energy bars and We can’t get lost even for a moment. In addition, we have a Resident Evil-style inventory, the management of which is essential if we want to survive our entire journey. The Oregon Trail is a roguelite, which means we shouldn’t give up if we don’t reach Oregon on the first try. In addition, each of our trips allows us to unlock new routes and benefits that we can take advantage of in the following attempts. Replayability is guaranteed.
Pixel art in the style of John Ford and Ennio Morricone
If there’s one aspect worth emphasizing about the Oregon Trail, it’s this good taste when it comes to adapting the stories of the old west. This new edition draws directly on great classics of American literature and cinema, extending also to the interpretation of American history itself and the very special context in which the lands of Oregon were colonized. The game warns us from the start that race and gender inclusion has been implemented, particularly with regard to Native Americans (an extension of the original), which suits it well. During our journey we will enjoy different scenarios, all depicting landscapes that the ancient pioneers crossed on their journey to the west: from arid deserts to snow-capped mountains.
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Another impressive feature of The Oregon Trail is the soundtrack. Whether you’re navigating between menus or traversing half the United States, the music on this classic is an absolute marvel, always paying homage to the best compositions from John Ford’s or Ennio Morricone’s films. This music is the perfect complement to the many stories and characters that we will encounter on our journey. The bizarre situations that come our way move between comedy and drama in a perfect balance of references to these cowboy stories. The game itself lacks a script or storyline, instead weaving a gigantic spider web in which each thread is the story of a supporting character that intertwined with others. Each traveler tells a story that runs throughout the experience.
I will miss you dear NPC
The Oregon Trail is a good example of how to do side quests that lengthen and enliven our gaming experience. In many of our attempts, we will have various encounters with characters asking us for help in their own businesses. It is important to understand that if we use our valuable resources to help them, they in turn can make life easier for us on future trips. For example, a scientist who asks us for help in developing better wagons might be able to offer us a better model to start with next time. Solidarity at the border is rewarded. Of course, this also applies to our bad deeds, and if we ignore the troubles that are coming our way, we may have to face unexpected troubles.
Of course, these situations apply to our group. The Oregon Trail has a strong RPG component, where the difficulties of our adventure will not only affect our health or hygiene, but also aspects such as aiming or mechanics will have to be improved. We can also lose these skills if our team falls into depression or gets sick. You have no idea how sweet one of your characters can become after winning twenty haggles in a row and ending up taking them down a fever or an animal attack. And you have to say goodbye to him and even bury him in a grave.
the silent way
There will be times when playing The Oregon Trail you’ll wish there was an easy mode, one where you can enjoy its music and mini-games without any challenges, just for the sheer pleasure of traveling. There is something similar, but focused on the secondary missions that we can carry out, easily saving the progress of the main mission.
Performance on Nintendo Switch is perfect and we rarely see any loading screens during our adventure. If we add its great setting and sound section, The Oregon Trail is one of the quietest (or coziest) roguelites we’ve tried, and it’s also very approachable. In 90% of the adventure we don’t need much more than the movement pad and the accept button, more than enough to bring us pure fun.
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