If you played 'The Oregon Trail' on a school or home computer growing up and have since gained an appreciation for the undead, then 'The Organ Trail' is a must play. Available on iPhone, Android and PC and developed by 'The Men Who Wear Many Hats LLC,' this clever update of the classic educational game brings zombies into the fray.
For the uninitiated, The Oregon Trail was a game released in the late 70s where you had to carefully manage your resources as your crossed the United States in your Conestoga wagon in the 1800s. Along the way, your family could get ill, you'd hunt for animals and learn about American history along the way. The Organ Trail brings all these things to your mobile device, minus the American history part of things. The fact that the hunting mini-games are updated with zombies that fight back adds a fun wrinkle to the game.
Oh, and the vintage pixelated graphics? Superb.
Zombified Travel Simulators
'The Organ Trail' is a Mobile Game Homage to the Classic Oregon Trail
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Gaming - The rise of mobile gaming presents opportunities for developers to update and modernize classic games like 'The Oregon Trail'.
2. Gamification - Incorporating zombies into educational and historical games like 'The Organ Trail' creates a unique and engaging experience for players.
3. Nostalgia Gaming - Reviving retro games with updates and new elements, such as the inclusion of zombies in 'The Organ Trail', taps into the nostalgia of players.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can capitalize on the popularity of retro games by creating innovative adaptations that appeal to modern audiences.
2. Education - The incorporation of gamification and zombies into educational games, like 'The Organ Trail', offers an opportunity to engage students and make learning more interactive.
3. Entertainment - The success of 'The Organ Trail' demonstrates the potential for entertainment companies to revive retro content and attract both old and new audiences.