Roberta Williams’The Colonel’s Bequestwas a different type of adventure game

Every two weeks, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through gaming history, highlighting titles that have shaped the industry. This time, we focus on a standout adventure from the past, available in a DRM-free version on GOG. As a child, I was captivated by the concept of point-and-click adventure games, even if the experience often fell short of expectations. These games whisked players away to fantastical realms filled with unique rules, rich backstories, and memorable characters. However, I often found myself stuck on perplexing puzzles, especially in an era before online guides. Yet, one game broke that trend for me: Roberta Williams’ The Colonel’s Bequest. Set in a Southern mansion owned by Colonel Henri Dijon, The Colonel’s Bequest follows the story of Laura Bow, a young woman visiting her college friend's grandfather. Tensions arise over the colonel's will, and soon it becomes clear that a sinister presence lurks within the mansion. Players explore the estate over a series of in-game days, gathering clues and eavesdropping on conversations to unravel the mystery while ensuring their own survival. What made this game particularly memorable was its innovative use of time, allowing non-playable characters (NPCs) to occupy different spaces at various times of day. This feature has since become a beloved element in many games. Unlike many other titles in the genre, The Colonel’s Bequest offered a refreshing experience by allowing players to reach the conclusion without necessarily solving the murder. With multiple endings available, I found myself revisiting the game time and again. Moreover, my connection to The Colonel's Bequest extended beyond personal enjoyment. Unlike many gamers who fondly remember playing alongside their fathers, my own dad, a software engineer, had little interest in video games during my childhood. It wasn't until I introduced him to the strategy game Rise of Nations in college that I witnessed his enthusiasm for gaming. He still enjoys playing RoN to this day.