Solomon's Key (1986). Play online

Summary

Solomon's Key on the NES is notorious for its punishing difficulty, forcing the player to juggle a relentless spawn of enemies, a strict countdown timer, and the lethal consequence of any direct touch.

The sorcerer Dana can run, jump, conjure and destroy orange blocks next to him, or launch fireballs that vaporize demons. Yet his arsenal is sparse, making strategic block placement essential for both offense and navigating the increasingly labyrinthine rooms.

The cartridge hides 64 stages—48 main levels arranged by the twelve Zodiac signs, fifteen secret rooms, and a final challenge—each evaluated by a GDV score that weighs cleared rooms, items discovered, time remaining, and points earned.

Developed by Michitaka Tsuruta, the game draws from Lode Runner, Greek myth, and the legend of Solomon, and resurfaced years later on various Virtual Console platforms.

Storyline

Solomon's Key on the NES follows the sorceress‑in‑training Dana, who is dispatched to recover the legendary Solomon’s Key after a mishap releases a horde of demons into the world. Her mission is to navigate the 50 chambers of the so‑called Constellation Space, each one a timed puzzle where she must locate the hidden key that unlocks the exit door. The clock ticks down as enemies and traps appear, forcing quick thinking and precise spell use.
When she finally reaches the last chamber—Solomon’s Room—she confronts the source of the darkness and restores the light to the realm. The game’s progression hinges on speed, strategy, and the relentless search for that crucial key.