Developer: Tecmo Publisher: Tecmo Release: 07/22/87 Genre: Puzzle
Solomon’s Key is an example of a game that grew on me over time. When it initially released I was maybe too young to appreciate the depth of its mechanics. The complex number of ways you can use Dana’s wand was too much for me to comprehend at the time so I bounced off it. But as I grew older and revisited the game I came to appreciate just how clever each puzzle is designed. In contrast to many of the NES action titles that have not aged as well Solomon’s Key is still just as good now as it was back then.
Originally released in the arcade in 1986 Solomon’s Key is probably more well-known because of its NES port in 1987. It released during that perfect storm of titles that began to push the boundaries of game design. There also were not as many games in the system’s library so I’m sure many took a chance on it like my family did. Those that did found a game with an endless amount of depth that could entertain for hours. While I may not have liked it as much on release Solomon’s Key has become one of my favorite NES games over time.
At its core Solomon’s Key is very simple. The goal of each room is to obtain the key which unlocks the exit then escape. Even though the key is always in plain sight reaching it is another matter entirely. The layout of each room is deceptively simple to make it seem easy when it rarely is. There are all manner of things to contend with, from an aggressive clock, near infinite enemies, and your limited capabilities. The way in which the game forces you to work around your limits is where it truly shines.
Dana can create and destroy an infinite number of orange blocks in any empty space. He can also destroy blocks by hitting them with his head twice. Offensively you can hurl a fireball to destroy enemies by collecting red potions. You can collect scrolls that increase the number of fireballs you can hold but they are rare. Fireballs are intentionally rare; if you could simply scorch all enemies on screen it would defeat the point of their existence. And most rooms have generators that will create more anyway, leaving it as a last resort. You can also destroy enemies by breaking a block they are standing on, causing them to drop. This is one of many important skills necessary to master the game.
The difficulty curve in Solomon’s Key is pretty steep. You only have three or four rooms to acclimate to the game’s mechanics before it ramps up considerably. Even though you have the same amount of time on every stage it feels like less as you spend time simply figuring out where to start. There are so many moving parts it can be confusing but that is by design. Often the most complex looking rooms are the easiest to figure out. What makes Solomon’s Key work even though the challenge is high is the fact that you create your own solution. There is no one definitive way to beat each room. In fact I am almost positive the manner in which I completed certain puzzles is so obtuse it should not have been possible.
That the tools you have can be applied in so many ways is why I’ve grown to love Solomon’s Key so much. There are advanced techniques that will make your life easier and even come in to play later. Creating blocks in midair, either above or below, is called on frequently. Stage twenty features no enemies and is one giant puzzle that challenges you to map a path to the top within the time limit. Even though I spent a large amount of time on it I enjoyed it thoroughly. Trapping enemies in “rooms” of your creation is another technique.
Although I enjoy the game in spite of the high difficulty I do think a few concessions would help players. At sixty four levels total (49 regular, fifteen hidden) this is a long beast. Unfortunately there are no password saves or battery backup. Even the ability to continue uses a cheat code. It is asking a lot to complete this in one sitting. Even if it were passwords every few levels it would help immensely. That is the only thing keeping me from rating Solomon’s Key higher.
In Closing
Grievances aside Solomon’s Key is a fantastic game and in my opinion one of the overall best NES games. Stick with it through the frustration and you will be rewarded with a title that will test your skills and make you a better gamer.
