Oregon Trail 4th Edition & Road Adventures USA bundle
© 2001 The Learning Company
Note: see Oregon Trail 5. We recommend this two CD set on the strength of the Oregon Trail program alone— it's a classic that every kid should have a chance to play. In this version, children are trailblazers, and must use guidebooks, maps and other tools to make their own route to Oregon. Kids choose from onscreen travel partners, and if they pick the right team they may reap the benefits through extra funds or expertise. Live actors portray the characters and the program is a wonderful source of historical information. (Note that we had trouble running this game on several computers. Check your system requirements carefully.) The Road Adventures game lets players build real-life skills in decision-making and problem-solving on a road-trip across the US. Kids manage a budget, read maps and follow clues to mystery destinations before time, money and luck runs out. Features include 3D travel, photorealistic graphics, 360 degree panning of the scenery and full-motion video. The game play is compelling and very educational. Kids have to read maps, work with money and learn US geography as they play. Unfortunately, the program was very buggy and crashed on three out of four computers. If you can get it to work, however, it's just great.
Win, Mac
Teaches: geography, history