Sierra On-Line's 1992 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1992 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Sierra On-Line
- Publisher
- Sierra On-Line
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.09
The history
Released in 1992 by Sierra On-Line, Inc., King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow arrived as a cornerstone of the fantasy adventure genre. Co-designed and co-written by Jane Jensen, the title sought to expand the narrative scope of the series, centering on Prince Alexander's quest to find Princess Cassima in the Land of the Green Isles.
The game mattered as a technical and storytelling milestone for Sierra. It is often regarded as one of the finest entries in the series, blending professional voice acting in its CD-ROM edition with a memorable story and beautiful artwork, including a signature 3D graphic intro created by Kronos Digital Entertainment.
How it plays
This is a third-person puzzle-solving graphic adventure utilizing a point-and-click interface. Players interact with the world through a series of verb icons—such as "walk," "examine," "use," and "talk"—to navigate the four magical islands of the Green Isles, each inspired by myths and fables.
The gameplay loop involves encountering strange beasts and people to solve linear puzzles, though the game offers two completely different paths to reach the final confrontation late in the story. Players must be cautious, as poor choices or missteps can prove fatal for Prince Alexander.
How it was received
The game was well-received upon release, earning a perfect 5/5 from Dragon and a 4.5/5 from AdvGamers. Other scores include 88.75% from GR and a range of percentages from other sources, including 89%, 70%, and 69%.
In the magazines
The period press.
Dragon gave the game a 5/5, while AdvGamers awarded it 4.5/5.
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Sierra On-Line continued to produce influential titles, with co-writer Jane Jensen also contributing to the CD-ROM version of Space Quest IV. King's Quest VI remains worth seeking out today for its combination of professional voice acting and its status as a peak of the series' narrative and visual design.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: GOG or the original disc under DOSBox. Either way the core game is intact.
Modern versions available via GOG are bundled as a collection including King's Quest 4, 5, and 6, providing additional materials such as a 27-page manual, avatars, and HD wallpapers.
Verdict
With its professional voice acting and multiple routes to the finale, the game holds up as a high-water mark for the point-and-click era. While the threat of sudden death is a hallmark of the series, the rich atmosphere of the Green Isles provides a compelling draw for any fan of classic fantasy adventures.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.