Africa Trail

Africa Trail

Released1995
Africa Trail is an educational computer game developed by MECC and published by The Learning Company. The gameplay resembles that of MECC's other "Trail" games, in which players must prepare for a long journey, choose their traveling companions, and make it safely to their destination. In Africa Trail, players must travel across Africa via bicycle. The game includes a Multimedia Resource Tool to allow players to make their own journal and presentation of the journey.

Details

DeveloperMECC
PublisherThe Learning Company
ReleasedDecember 31, 1995
StatusReleased
GenresSportAdventure
ThemesEducational
PlatformsPC (Microsoft Windows) PC (Microsoft Windows)MAC Mac
ModesSingle player

About This Game

The objective is to cycle from a starting point in Africa to Cape Agulhas, South Africa before a fixed number of days run out. Players choose their route — the long haul from Bizerte, Tunisia, or one of two shorter paths from either Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya — then assemble a team of three companions from a roster of six candidates, each bringing different skills, biking experience, travel experience, and personal preferences. The team starts with bikes, basic supplies, and a budget for food, spare parts, and lodging, with a maximum load of 300 pounds. Crossing international borders requires visa stamps obtainable only in major cities, and securing them takes both money and time. Health and morale must be maintained throughout: running out of health sends a rider home, while depleted morale causes a teammate to quit. Food can be purchased as groceries — cheaper and longer-lasting but less nourishing — or as meals that nourish properly but spoil quickly and cost more. Prices vary by location and the currency in use.