The Oregon Trail, an Apple II classic, is coming to the iPhone and iTouch. The original Oregon Trail computer game was developed in 1971 by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger. The game taught school children about the realities of 19th century pioneer life. The player assumed the role of a wagon leader guiding his party of settlers from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley along the Oregon Trail via a Conestoga wagon in 1848.
This old-school, side-scrolling voyage was entirely remade to take advantage of the multitouch display on the iPhone or the iPod Touch. The game incorporates the iPhone/iPod Touch accelerometer into some of the minigames and combines that with updated graphics and sounds, with the end result being a nostalgic, fun, and educational journey. Priced at $5.99, it would make a great gift, or an inexpensive self indulgence.
All of the decision-making and problem-solving fun of the original game, plus additional features, take the Oregon Trail experience even further than before. It has eight skill-based minigames like hunting, fishing, wagon repairing, river crossing, rafting, telegraphing, gold panning, and berry picking. Random events, such as disease, bandits, and hitchhikers, that the real pioneers faced increases the challenge. Side missions add more depth to your journey and affect your westward trek. The game has been completely updated with colorful and animated graphics. To prepare for your departure, you select the members of your party, choose your departure date, and purchase supplies.
Maintaining its western motif, Wild West Guns is another Gameloft release, and unlike The Oregon Trail, this game requires quick hand-eye coordination to remain alive in this shooter. Do you think you have the fastest thumbs in the west? If so, put up or shut up with 18 challenges featuring typical western environments like saloons, deserts, and trains, plus diverse targets and enemies including cowboys, sheriffs, and vultures. The game also has interactive backgrounds that allow you to shoot elements to earn more points. This app is selling for $4.99 in the iTunes App Store.
This week you can travel to the Wild West, go out for a spin with everyone's favorite hedgehog, or get terrorized in a mansion filled with horrifying enemies.
WiiWare
- Wild West Guns (Gameloft, 1,000 Wii points): Take on the old west in Wild West Guns. The game offers various shooting modes including the chance to take pair in an old-fashioned train heist. Enjoy it alone or with a friend!
- Sonic The Hedgehog (1991, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): Sonic The Hedgehog was the first game to give Nintendo and Mario a run for their money. The game was lightning quick and featured a brand-new character that stole the hearts of gamers of all ages. Relive the 17-year-old classic now available on the Virtual Console.
- Splatterhouse 2 (1992, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): Splatterhouse 2 is the follow-up to the gory original and has you taking on the Terror Mask again in hopes of saving Jennifer from certain doom. Battle your way through the mansion's terrifying bosses with all kinds of weapons in this absolute bloodfest.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
Nintendo Light Gun + Logitech Harmony 880 - features + plastic sheriff's badge = Sharp Shootin' Remote Control
(Credit: Firebox.com)Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.
Case in point is the Sharp Shootin' Remote Control.
It's shaped like an old-school pistol. It changes channels. It emits a "bang" noise. End of story.
You also get a sheriff's badge with the price of admission.
The $15 remote is programmable with only one function from your existing remote, so it won't consolidate or replace the huge assortment of remotes cluttering your coffee table...but that's not really the point, is it?
Now, if it's functionality and consolidation you crave out of your remote control, we've got you covered, too. Take a look at CNET editors' roundup of the best universal remote controls in town.
[Via Red Ferret Journal.]
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