Here’s a bold statement: some games aren’t just about the gameplay—they’re about the memories we make while playing them. And The Colonel’s Bequest by Roberta Williams is one of those games that sticks with you, not just because of its unique design, but because of the people you shared it with. But here’s where it gets controversial: while it’s a standout title for many, it’s often overshadowed in gaming history by its more action-packed peers like King’s Quest or The Secret of Monkey Island. Why? Well, let’s dive in.
Growing up, my mom was my unexpected gaming buddy. Sure, we had our fair share of Dr. Mario and Donkey Kong Country sessions—classic millennial family gaming moments. But what I remember most are the adventure games we played together. She was a fan of King’s Quest, but her true passion? The Hugo trilogy. And this is the part most people miss: while I struggled to get into those games, The Colonel’s Bequest became our middle ground. I’ll never forget swapping chairs with her, watching her uncover secrets I’d missed, probably because I was too young to think through the puzzles the way she did. It’s those shared moments that make games like this unforgettable—especially since, as I recall, it was her favorite.
The Colonel’s Bequest is a game that’s both personal and polarizing. On one hand, it’s a pivotal title for me, but on the other, it’s often dismissed as a bit… well, boring. Here’s the bold take: the game’s lack of traditional challenge and its passive storytelling—where your character is more of an observer than an actor—might not appeal to everyone. You’re essentially walking around, listening, and looking until the clock runs out. It’s a formula that’s more niche than the typical point-and-click adventure, and that’s probably why it hasn’t left as big a mark on gaming history.
But don’t write it off just yet. The game still has its fans, and you can experience it today by downloading it from GOG (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fthecolonelsbequest). Even more exciting? It recently inspired The Crimson Diamond (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fthecrimsondiamond), a spiritual successor by developer Julia Minamata that we covered at Ars (https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/08/the-crimson-diamond-is-a-wonderful-ega-like-graphic-adventure-game-for-2024/). And let’s not forget Roberta and Ken Williams, the creators of The Colonel’s Bequest, who are still active in the industry. They recently released a 3D remake of Colossal Cave (https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fcolossal_cave), a title many consider the ancestor of the point-and-click genre.
Now, here’s the question for you: Is The Colonel’s Bequest a forgotten gem or a relic of a bygone era? Does its passive storytelling make it a niche title, or is there something timeless about its design? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’m curious to hear your thoughts. (Disclaimer: Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.)
