The Yukon Trail
| Yukon Trail | |
|---|---|
| File:Image Needed | |
| Developer(s) | MECC |
| Publisher(s) | MECC |
| Designer(s) | ??? |
| Platform(s) | Computer Operating Systems - DOS (Windows 95, Windows 98), Macintosh System 7 |
| Release | December 31, 1994 |
| Genre(s) | Simulation, educational, strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
The Yukon Trail is a computer game from MECC, the creators of Oregon Trail. The game is based around the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. Players start out in Seattle, where they must partner up, secure travel, and purchase needed provisions.
Released in 1994.
Gameplay
- This section is applicable to the Macintosh release of Yukon Trail.
Start
The game starts in Seattle in August 1898 (right before before the actual Gold Rush). The player is presented with a town with a wharf with a ferry and downtown. The game does not allow the player to buy tickets for the ferry until they choose a partner: A banker, a carpenter, a native of the Yukon, or a journalist. The partners (except for the journalist) each have unique modifiers: The carpenter can build a boat more effectively, the native can carry the most, and the banker has the most money. The player can then buy equipment and food for the journey (although they do not have to). The player then purchases a ticket on one of three ferries (each with varying reliability, with the corresponding cost) to either Skagway or Dyea. There is also a peddler who will sell various items, some they can sell later on (items include "gold-sniffing" gophers, a trail bicycle, eggs, caviar or kittens). Some of the peddler's items are relatively worthless, but others may be resold at a profit.
The Trail
Once the player gets a ticket, they head to the wharf where, depending on the ferry, they either board immediately, wait a week, or wait two weeks. Once in the town (either Skagway or Dyea), they can purchase supplies if he had not purchased them in Seattle (at an increased rate), gamble, or head for the trail.
The Yukon Trail gives children plenty of opportunities to think about the situation, giving many options and many possible consequences for each event, thus building problem solving skills. The initial choice players make on the trail, and can constantly change if wished, is the load they carry. Larger load resulted in the ground moved each day to become somewhat faster (as some of the supplies have to be left behind), granting time bonuses. Moreover, the trail becomes much more difficult to travel when encroaching upon the winter months. However, a larger load will result in a higher probability of the player or their partner being injured.
Midway through the trail, the player stops at a camp. They can then purchase (or sell) goods before heading to the Canadian border to the Yukon Territory.
Along the trail, numerous random events can occur. Random events include: someone being injured (resulting in the player deciding whether he wants to continue at a slower pace or resting), banditry of goods or supplies, and sudden inclement weather.
The River
Once the player arrives at the border, they will be allowed to pass if he has a certain amount of food. Then, the player arrives at Lake Bennett after a short amount of hiking. They are allowed to build one of three boats. Once the lake has melted, the player can go on the river with their boat.
On the river, the speed is determined by the type of boat chosen. There are several minigames, which involve guiding your boat out of rocks and whirlpools. After the minigame, if the player's boat had been injured, he can choose to repair the boat or build a new one from scratch.
The river will eventually lead the player to Dawson City, where they are presented with a list of areas they and their partner can claim. Once they have claimed an area, they can begin searching for gold. Once it becomes winter, the gold searching stops and the player's score is tallied by the amount of money he has (from the entire journey).
Landmarks
Periodically, the player stops at landmarks along the journey, where players can learn historical facts about each location. Some include the Dead Horse Trail, the totem poles, and the three rapids: Miles Canyon, Whitehorse Rapids and Five Finger Rapids.