My Played Video Games Review: Solomon's Key for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

_{Image source}

Solomon's Key is a 1987 port to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) of an arcade puzzle game developed by Tecmo in Japan.

The game is commonly known among NES players as one of the most difficult games ever to be released on the game system. Many liked to try and play it but few have achieved to master it.

The Story

Dana the Wizard is searching for a secret magic called Solomon's Key. He must get through a monster-infested, ancient Mid-East temple filled with dangers in order to restore peace in the constellations.

NES cartridge of the game (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

Solomon’s Key looks fine for its time. It has an animated character and the many enemies and items are distinct. Each level takes up a whole screen which makes everything small. But it is way too simple in design with limited tiles available, few backgrounds looking the same, and enemies in fewer design variety.

The lack of “themed” levels, like fire or ice caverns, plant-filled areas or water areas may have hurt it. It looks boring seeing the same-looking levels again.

Music is limited. It sounds like there are 3 tunes existing in the entire game. The tunes sound like Arabic music and gives atmosphere to the game. The sound effects are crisp and clear.

Gameplay sample of Solomon's Key on the NES

The Gameplay

The game is pretty fun and can be a bit addictive in its gameplay. You control Dana and he can destroy blocks or create them to stand on them or block you from enemies. All these 2 abilities with his magic wand. He can jump too but it is short. Some fire spells you may find can destroy enemies.

But the main task is to find a key that opens the door to the next level. Each level must be tackled with a different strategy so the game doesn't look repetitive.

Dana is a one-hit then die character but comes with 3 lives. You must be quick and smart to get past a level because of the level's time limit. Thankfully, the controls are easy for the player.

There is more than one damn way to get past some levels. This game is challenging for the average brain.

My Verdict

An old NES classic, but a pretty decent one. It is not certainly made for the average gamer. Stay away if you are brain-dead! You will hate it. But those who dig the puzzle or maze games can give Solomon's Key a try and will certainly like it.

Get the game to try or do the cheaper emulation route, buddy!

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!