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‘The Oregon Trail’ returns July 31 – as a tabletop card game

Posted at 9:29 PM, Jul 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-29 21:29:30-04

Beloved computer game “The Oregon Trail” is returning to shelves this Sunday, thanks to a Target exclusive.

This is no revamped smartphone edition whipped up to attract the Pokemon Go audience, however, the new version of the game is more retro than 1971 original – it’s a tabletop card game. It was created by Pressman Toy Company, who made a video explaining how the wildly popular computer game was adapted:

A redditor spotted the game in a Target store in the Portland area and posted photos online Wednesday. Target spokesman Lee Henderson confirmed that “The Oregon Trail” will be available for $14.99, launching online and in stores Sunday.

Three teachers in Minnesota created the first version of the game to explain the trials settlers faced while crossing Oregon’s Willamette Valley (one word, dysentery). The game was polished and re-released several years later with improved graphics and smoother gameplay.

It’s since been inducted in the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

While video game technology rockets forward, Target has apparently found gold in the games of old:

“Board games (are) a double-digit growth category for Target and, we’re working closely with the biggest game-makers, specialty companies and newest start-ups to lead the industry,” Henderson said.