If they do good enough, their scores can be posted on the top ten list. The final score is based on how far they traveled and how much money they have left compared to the amount with which they started. If and when players make it to Oregon, they can file a claim for land, see their score or just observe what happens to their character in the future. Abandoned wagons, disease, thirst, flies, Indians, wild animals and vegetables are just a few things players can find, depending on their luck. And the wagon train will maintain high morale. If the player does well, he will suffer a minimum loss of food and items. At any stop along the trail, players can ask the advice of the other travelers or the trail guide. The choices made at these spots can result in death, the loss of supplies or damage to wagons and beasts. Each character has his or her own bit of wisdom to impart and following the advice can save plenty of time and money.Īlong the trail, players will be notified as they reach landmarks, towns or forts and when they are required to cross a river and ascend or descend a hill.
In town, they can also ask advice of anyone they meet. Before they can leave, however, they must purchase supplies and animals to pull their wagon. Players travel in the wagon train of their choice upon leaving the starting town. The players can also choose the starting city for their travels and where the wagon train will be going, either Oregon or Sacramento, California. It also influences how much money the player has to spend, from the Banker, who starts out with $2000 (a small fortune in those days), to the Artist, near the bottom of the scale with only $500 to spend on everything, including the wagon. Profession, in this game, is more than just skills. Oh, there is still a better than normal chance your character will die en route to Oregon but the game's difficulty is set by the type of character you play.
What sets Oregon Trail II apart from similar Mecc games such as Amazon Trail and Africa Trail? For one thing, the game is much easier than the more modern-day games.