The Colonel’s Bequest
The Colonel’s Bequest was released in October 1989 for MS-DOS. It was written by Roberta Williams, directed by Roberta Williams and Chris Iden, and designed by Jacqueline Austin. Unlike most Sierra adventure games, it emphasizes characters and conversation more than puzzles. You can finish the game without solving the puzzles, learning important details, or discovering the murderer. This was my first time playing either of the Laura Bow games.
- The Colonel’s Bequest on GOG
Windows only, but works with ScummVM and DOSBox on other platforms. - The Colonel’s Bequest on Wikipedia
- Design documents on The Sierra Chest
9MB PDF full of notes, maps, storyboards, and more. - The Colonel’s Bequest is a murder mystery game with animated violence and blood. It takes place on a plantation in the 1920s, includes discussion of slavery, and uses racial stereotypes.
Part 1
I’m about to start a classic Sierra mystery game for the first time—1989’s The Colonel’s Bequest!
Part 2
According to Prodigy users, The Colonel’s Bequest is a success! Let’s continue Act 2.
Part 3
It’s time to find out if I can uncover the murderer in the conclusion to The Colonel’s Bequest!
Take 2, Part 1
Last week I completed The Colonel’s Bequest, but I failed to uncover the truth. Let’s play it again! Originally streamed June 21, 2022.
Take 2, Part 2
I am determined to figure out this fountain puzzle, I don’t even care about the murders anymore.
Take 2, Part 3
I’ve got my detective’s notes ready let’s solve some mysteries.
Take 2, Part 4
The conclusion of my second playthrough continues after some brief technical issues.