This analysis utilizes the list found on the post "The Top 10 Most Influential Educational Games". The original article can be found here
In this analysis, we look at some of the most influential educational video games. The original version of these games were mostly published before 1990, though, due to their success, many of the games received multiple iterations, and some still exist as franchises today (Math Blaster, Mavis Beacon).
In our analysis, we ignored the "retro" aspect of the videogames, the feeling of familiarity while playing a video game from your past, and focused on the essential aspects which made the game entertaining and motivated us to continue playing.
Click on the game's name or the "Read more..." links to see the game's analysis page.
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1. Oregon TrailPublisher: MECC Platform: Apple II Release Date: 1985 Description: Simulation of Historic Oregon Trail, designed to teach children the "realities of 19th century pioneer life on the trail." |
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2. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?Publisher: Brøderbund Software Platform: PC Release Date: 1985 Description: Players build their geography skills as they take on the role of a detective in order to find criminals across the world. |
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3. SimCityPublisher: Maxis Software Inc. Platform: DOS Release Date: 1989 Version: Simcity (aka Simcity Classic) Description: Become the Mayor of a simulated city, learn how to manage resources and plan your city's infrastrcuture |
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4. Reader RabbitPublisher: The Learning Company Platform: PC Release Date: 1989 Description: Go through various basic word games to improve your reading skills |
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5. Math BlasterPublisher: Davidson & Associates Platform: DOS Release Date: 1987 Version: Math Blaster Description: Practice math problems by shooting your spaceship's lasers while avoiding enemy shots. |
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6. Mavis Beacon Teaches TypingPublisher: The Software Toolworks Platform: PC Release Date: 1987 Description: Beginers learn how to type, while more advanced typists are challenged to increase their typing speed and accuracy |
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7. Lemonade StandPublisher: MECC Platform: Apple II Release Date: 1979 Description: |
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8. Number MunchersPublisher: MECC Platform: Apple II Release Date: 1986 Description: Practice math skills by eating the correct numbers and equations. |
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9. ZorkPublisher: Infocom Platform: Apple II Release Date: 1980 Description: Analysis to come |
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10. Rocky's BootsPublisher: Learning Company Platform: PC Release Date: 1982 Description: Learn about electricity and more by building machines with logic gates, wires and more. |
