Here’s a bold statement: some games don’t just entertain—they shape who we are. For me, The Colonel’s Bequest by Roberta Williams was one of those games. But it wasn’t just the game itself; it was the shared experience with my mom that made it unforgettable. And this is the part most people miss: while The Colonel’s Bequest might not be as celebrated as King’s Quest or The Secret of Monkey Island, its impact on players like me—and its quiet influence on gaming—is undeniable.
Growing up, my mom was the gamer in the house. Sure, we had our fair share of Dr. Mario and Donkey Kong Country sessions—classic millennial family gaming moments. But it was adventure games that truly defined her. She adored King’s Quest, but it was the Hugo trilogy and, most notably, The Colonel’s Bequest that left a lasting impression on me. I’ll admit, as a kid, I struggled to connect with some of these games. But The Colonel’s Bequest? That was our middle ground. I remember swapping chairs with her, watching as she uncovered secrets I’d missed—secrets that required a level of thinking I was too young to grasp at the time. Those moments stuck with me, not just because of the game, but because it was her favorite.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while The Colonel’s Bequest holds a special place in my heart, it’s often overlooked in gaming history. Why? Some might argue it’s a bit too passive. Your character isn’t the hero driving the story—she’s more of an observer, wandering around, listening, and piecing things together before time runs out. It’s a formula that doesn’t scream excitement like traditional point-and-click adventures, and that’s probably why it appeals to a smaller, more niche audience. But does that make it any less significant? I’d argue no.
Despite its understated legacy, the game has its loyal fans. You can still buy and play it today on GOG (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fthecolonelsbequest), and its influence is quietly felt in modern titles like 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, who are still active in the industry—their recent 3D remake of Colossal Cave (https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fcolossal_cave), often called the ancestor of point-and-click adventures, is a testament to their enduring impact.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do games need to be action-packed to be meaningful? Or is there value in slower, more contemplative experiences like The Colonel’s Bequest? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take. And if you haven’t played it yet, maybe give it a try. Who knows? It might just become a cherished memory for you, too. (Disclaimer: Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.)
