Lost Tribe, The

The Lost Tribe, published in the early nineties, is an educational videogame that enters the genre sometimes referred to as “edutainment.” It is designed for students’ ages eight years old and up and features a survival simulation similar to the timeless classic Oregon Trail. Game play in the Lost Tribe, however, is significantly more advanced and is much more micro managerial in style.
The premise of the game revolves around a prehistoric tribe who is forced to move away from their home when a volcano erupts and destroys their living arrangements.

The hero then assumes control of the frightened tribe and becomes determined to lead them to a new homeland. Along the way, the tribe must secure food and shelter while remaining both safe and happy. Along the way, the game offers multiple references to mythology, prehistoric facts from evolution to dinosaurs, and cultural artifacts. Students also have access to an online reference section, which will offer more in depth information on the subject. The online survival guide also offers details about the tribe, its tools and so forth.
From an educational standpoint, this is a good game. There is certainly a lot to offer the curious child in the appropriate age group. Too old of children will be enthused by the sometimes repetitive game play and maybe interested in the basic facts provided by the educational portion of the game. Younger children may find the game play and management too complex, although the facts still interest them. Age’s eight to ten or twelve seem to be about right. The only educationally suspect factor is the dialogue, which sometimes makes attempts at humor. While these attempts are sometimes successful, they often make reference to things that do not fall within the Lost Tribe’s timeline, and could confuse students.
The game itself is solid, but somewhat repetitious. There are only a few random events to spice up game play, and there is a lot of clicking around to accomplish very little. However, the repetition is offset by the opportunity to choose from six different routes to reach the ancestral seat where the tribe’s new home will be built. The cut scenes that pop up when an action is occurring are well-presented and interesting and the user interface is simple enough for a child to operate.
This game is too challenging and interesting! This game is good for children and adults! So I highly recommend downloading it and start playing! You’ll have a lot of fun and interest!