The Windows Phone Marketplace differs by region, with some games and apps available in one area but not another. This is typically due to translation costs or licensing issues - hence why Who Wants to be a Millionaire? is not available in the US.
Up until now, the reverse has been true for Gameloft’s The Oregon Trail. It launched in the US in November 2010 but was not available in outside markets. Thankfully, the game has just expanded to other territories as well. We can’t confirm each individual Marketplace, but it’s definitely available in the UK. That means our British friends (including WPCentral’s own lovably patriotic Rich Edmonds) can finally learn about the challenges that early American settlers faced as they braved the Oregon Trail.
Yes, The Oregon Trail is an edutainment title, focusing on the emigrant trail used by thousands of settlers to travel from the Missouri River to Oregon during the 1800s. It features a lively cartoonish art style and several minigames to make the simulation and learning more fun. Plus you get to die of dysentery! Check out our review for more gameplay details. Oregon Trail’s Achievements are mostly easy, but the ‘Gold Digger’ Achievement is semi-glitched. Make sure you follow the instructions in this Achievement Guide to unlock it.
The Oregon Trail costs $4.99 in the US and £3.99 in the UK. Note that this title is a prime candidate for a 99 cent price drop due to its age, but we never know when those are coming. If you prefer not to wait, get it here on the Marketplace.
Reader comments
Xbox Live:The Oregon Trail for Windows Phone makes the trip to Europe at last
I heard about this ages ago, always wanted to give it a go!
Been waiting for a DOTW or price drop forever on this. I will not pay $5.
Random question about markets. I am English, have my Xbl and Zune setup as a
UK account. But I live In Russia. How wld o change to the Russian market place, is for barcode scanners etc
Damn, saw the headline and was hoping it was a price drop. Oh well.
Too bad Organ Trail isn't coming to WP.
and you would know this how? or are you just trolling?
Great news!
Actually do want this game. But not for $5.
It's available too in the Spanish market
I continue to be amazed at how some complain about spending a few bucks on an app. It's ok to spend $5 on coffee that took 3 minutes to make but not on an app that takes many months to create?
It take three minutes to make a coffee? I guess you forgot about the fact that coffee machines don't magically create coffee... It grows in a tree, then needs to be processed, then transported by boat, than on the road to your local restaurant, then "created" in three minutes, and place in a plastic cup that... was also created at some other place...
But... Other than that, I still think you're right. Especially since a los of people are ready to pay 30$ for games on Nintendo DS, but when it's on a phone they don't understand why it's more than 99 cents.
Does this game include an achievement for the attempted annihilation of the indigenous people then?