Nomad (1980 video game)

Nomad

Screenshot - Apple II - Introduction.

Developer MECC Publisher MECC Published 1980-??-?? Platforms Apple II Genres Educational Themes Driving Distribution Commercial

Nomad is an educational video game developed and published by MECC for the Apple II and first released in 1980 in a compilation program called Elementary-Volume 6. The game was designed to teach children how to read a map, chart a course, and know which direction to turn when the map is not facing the same direction as the driver.

Personal

Own?	No.
Won?	Yes.
Finished	2024-02-18.

After discovering that Elementary-Volume 6 had a couple games not found in Expeditions, I made it a point to beat them. As this game is intended for elementary children, I finished it on my first try.

Review

2	1	1	1	2

Best Version: Apple II

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

• The game does an adequate and teaching children how to find their way on a map and adjust their directions when they aren't facing the same direction as the map.
• By allowing the player to speed and defy the authorities, a player can cause some silly endings.

Bad

• None of the maps look anything like real maps, so the game only teaches principles of following maps, not real-world use.

Ugly

• The game is short and dull.
• A lot of the game is boring exhibition.
• The graphics are quite primitive, even for what was capable on the Apple II.

Media

Screenshots

• 

  Title screen.

• 

  Instructions.

• 

  Starting a new game.

• 

  One of the maps.

• 

  Caught speeding.

• 

  Made it safely this time.

• 

  They don't screw around!

Representation

Strong female character?	Fail	Gramma Nomad is female, but not very important.
Bechdel test?	Fail	There is only one woman.
Strong person of color character?	Fail	There are no people of color.
Queer character?	Fail	There are no queer characters.

Links

• archive.org/details/MECC-A725_Elementary_Vol._6_v1.2 - Play online.