Originally posted by: arch_8ngel
I think there are actually quite a few variations that could work, and the concept even branches well into something "exploration based" (like a sci fi setting with a colony ship) where you don't necessarily have the kind of route/map clarity that one is accustomed to with the actual Oregon Trail.
I think that this (is a great conceptual idea, but) is quite different from Oregon Trail.
I mean, no one would play that game thinking about it "this is an Oregon Trail like".
First, the non linearity (which could also somehow add value to the game) makes a huge difference about what the game concept is about.
Then, the concept of a family travel (which is preserved in Family Vacation) gets lost in a game featuring a colony ship exploring unknown worlds.
The math and algorithms behind the two games could be similar, to some extent; but I think that the game you propose would hardly fill that nostalgic gap, in the end.
While Family Vacation I think it would fill that gap, because, with the exclusion of a less dramatic plot, and a more "modern times" scenario, the essence of the game still unchanged.
Overall, what you propose could be, in future, a great and excellent homebrew project for the NES, indeed. Actually, there are tons of options which could lead to a more complex and strategic game, compared to Oregon Trail.
However, I * think * that no one would consider such game "the Oregon Trail for the NES".
While Family Vacation could easily gain such "title".
Just my two cents opinion, I could be wrong.
