Mission US: A Cheyenne Odyssey is a first-person adventure game where kids are given scenarios and asked to make choices about how to proceed. They take on the role of Little Fox, a young Cheyenne boy, as he grows up in the American Midwest in the late 1800's. He is maturing and taking on more adult responsibilities, but also coping with difficult decisions. Kids will choose whether Little Fox focuses more on becoming a warrior, or adapting to life among the "white man." Will his actions be brave? Generous? Impulsive? Wise? What skills will he learn? The choices the player makes impact Little Fox, his family, and his tribe. Kids can play numerous times, following different paths to see how the outcomes change. They will receive in-game badges for their values and skills, and they can collect Smart Words for looking up vocabulary terms while they play. In the end, kids can see how Little Fox fares, as well as how his descendants carry on his legacy.
As should be expected for the time period, the game includes some violence and potentially upsetting content. There is nothing graphic, but the lead character does have the opportunity to attack other characters with guns/arrows, as well as the chance to raid other camps. People die from gunshot wounds, arrows, and famine. There is also some reference to religious activity, include a Cheyenne version of the creation story.
First-person accounts are a great way to engage kids in learning history and this is no different. In addition to introducing historical information, kids are challenged to think critically and use the information they have to make wise choices. Much like in real life, there aren't many right or wrong answers. Each decision has a consequence that may be far-reaching. This makes the game experience a personal one, and empowers each student to make their own choices. It also shows kids that conflicts can have more than one side and challenges kids to think about that when learning history. The Mission US website includes in-class activity ideas, writing prompts, review questions, and a collection of primary source material.
The Mission US website has a wealth of resources for educators to help integrate this game into the curriculum, whether you're looking for a more casual integration, or something in-depth. It's a game that kids can play individually or small groups in class or can be assigned as homework. It has a lot of potential to tie into other curriculum areas through research projects, dioramas, etc. It can stand on its own, but is better suited to a larger learning experience. Because of the subject matter, you'll want to play through on your own to make sure that it is appropriate for your students and community. The game does include quite a bit of violence, both in general and at the hands of the lead character.