Read, Watch or Listen

The article reflects on Sierra’s The Colonel’s Bequest, a parser-driven Laura Bow mystery set in a Southern mansion, lauding its NPC schedules, multiple endings, and gentler puzzles. It became a family touchstone, with mother and child swapping chairs across repeat runs to unearth fresh secrets. Though less celebrated than other adventure classics—and sometimes faulted for its passive pace—the game persists: it’s on GOG, it inspired Julia Minamata’s The Crimson Diamond, and creators Roberta and Ken Williams recently released a 3D remake of Colossal Cave.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.