Wagon is a Unique Modern Oregon Trail with a Darker Tone
Wagon, an indie horror game that launches today, is a spiritual successor to the classic educational game The Oregon Trail. Many people of a certain age remember playing The Oregon Trail (and its many sequels) in school and trying to get their party safely to Oregon without dying horrible deaths. Now, this game takes the bleakest aspects of The Oregon Trail and adds a supernatural twist.
Wagon:Â The Historical Meets the Occult
The game’s Steam page begins its description by saying, “Winter 1845 – As the Wagon Leader you were supposed to get everyone to Oregon City already. But the air is getting colder and your party has run out of food and hope.” This echoes the feeling of hopelessness when you ran out of vital supplies while playing The Oregon Trail. At that point, you would probably reload your save before everyone died, but this one begins with the tragedy.
The Steam page goes on to reveal that you are now in the back of your wagon with no idea how much time has passed, and now you must “commune with the spirit world in a last-ditch effort to survive.” The gameplay involves collecting and crafting cards that will help you manage your way to Oregon City.
A Dark Atmosphere
Wagon lets you know from the start that you are playing a horror game, since it begins with the settlers drawing straws to see who will be cannibalized. The game’s monochrome, 1-bit graphics will undoubtedly contribute to the sense of tension and dread. As you play cards to help your wagon party survive, you will be getting help from supernatural beings, who, as the Steam page puts it, offer you “a way out if you play along.” They definitely seem to have their own agenda.
Conclusion
Wagon will definitely attract fans of the indie horror scene, along with people who have fond memories of playing The Oregon Trail when they were young. Those who are squeamish about cannibalism and the occult might not want to try, but if you would like to revisit the journey to Oregon with a dark, supernatural twist, this might be the game for you.
