Organ Trail is such an iconic game. I’ve never had the chance to play it (until this week) but had always heard people talk about how great and terrible it is. Most people actually love the game it’s the feeling of defeat that hits even harder with this game’s required time investment.
Immediately starting the game, despite being on the computer you feel immersed in the old times of the Organ Trail. And all they are doing is adding a wooden-looking frame to the title. As you play and read into the lore of the game, you start strategizing and thinking of ways to not die. As we learn in school, the Organ Trail is infamous for a lot of people dying and eating each other. So when you start this game you already know what dangers you may need to be wary of.
I think replayability is really what makes this game fun. The keyboard interface is easy to get used to and also makes for interesting gameplay. Some options presented in this game creates the sense that each key-press has a huge impact on your progress. There are times when you hover your finger over the enter-key with hesitation, and your heart beating out of your chest, “IS THIS THE RIGHT CHOICE???!” because you don’t want to die and start from the beginning! The rush you get, trying to stay alive, makes you want to come back for more. I’m sure there was a time when you would play Organ Trail and then go to school or work and discuss strategies and talk about your experience playing this game, and then go home and try again, and again.
It sure makes me want to replay it, but my keyboard doesn’t allow me to play it well.
I guess although there was a lack of visual design for the game in the past, it is still attractive because of what you mentioned in the paragraph – people start strategizing and thinking of ways to not die
This game reminds me of storytelling last semester. We use twinery to create stories with different endings. The funniest thing is to want to leave the story, but find that the ending is a dream, and then start from the beginning, is a closed-loop.
Replayability is definitely a good factor to keep the game fun, it also can be addicting too, like most of the RPG game today.
I like you mention that people share strategies and experiences after they play the game. It reminds me of animal crossing. It is addictive.