The Colonel's Bequest

The Colonel's Bequest is a classic Sierra mystery adventure built around a suspicious mansion, a wealthy family, and enough secrets to make an ordinary dinner party look positively wholesome. You play Laura Bow, who becomes involved in a murder investigation while exploring the Colonel's sprawling estate and observing the increasingly strange behavior of its residents. The game encourages careful exploration rather than brute-force puzzle solving: conversations, timing, overheard remarks, and apparently insignificant details can all become important. Its atmosphere is one of the strongest elements, balancing gothic tension with Sierra's occasional dry humor. As with many adventures from the period, wandering around and experimenting is part of the fun, although a little patience is highly recommended. It is a fascinating snapshot of early interactive mystery storytelling, and one where being nosy is not merely encouraged but practically a job requirement.