Solomon no Kagi

Famicom Disk System

Famicom Disk System

The main character, named Dana, is sent to retrieve "Solomon's Key" to restore the world to light from demons that were accidentally released. The object of the game is to advance through the 50 rooms of "Constellation Space" by acquiring a key to the door that leads to the next room before a tim...

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Developer
Tecmo

Released on
1991

Size
1 Player

Version
Famicom Disk System

Requirements
Nintendo Famicom Disk System

Downloads
Action

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

The main character, named Dana, is sent to retrieve “Solomon’s Key” to restore the world to light from demons that were accidentally released. The object of the game is to advance through the 50 rooms of “Constellation Space” by acquiring a key to the door that leads to the next room before a timer runs out. Dana can run, jump, create or destroy orange blocks adjacent to him as well as create fireballs to destroy demons. The orange blocks can also be destroyed by hitting them with the character’s head twice. Along the way Dana can acquire items to upgrade his firepower and extra lives as well as items that award bonus points and unlock hidden rooms. With certain items, Dana must make, then break blocks (sometimes in a certain manner) to make these appear.

In the FDS version, a “GDV” (Game Deviation Value) score also appears at the game-over screen. The score uses a weighted composite of several factors (like levels completed, items found, time and points) which gives the player a good idea of how well the last game was played. The higher the GDV, the better the game.

Solomon no Kagi

Overview & History

Released by Tecmo in 1986, Solomon no Kagi (The Key of Solomon) made its debut as an arcade cabinet before being faithfully ported to the Famicom Disk System (FDS). Leveraging the FDS format, the game benefited from faster load times and the ability to save progress, which was crucial given its punishingly high difficulty. The storyline follows King Solomon, who must venture into a sprawling, labyrinthine demon world to retrieve the eponymous Book of Spells and seal away evil forces that have escaped to threaten humanity. Unlike typical action-platformers of the era, Tecmo designed this title as an intricate puzzle-action hybrid, demanding both spatial awareness and meticulous forward planning from the player.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Players control King Solomon from a fixed single-screen perspective across 50 main stages, plus secret rooms and bonus levels. Solomon lacks a traditional attack; instead, his primary tools are his magic wand and the ability to materialize and destroy specialized blocks. Solomon can create two solid blocks adjacent to himself—either left/right or above/below—allowing him to build makeshift stairs, block patrolling enemies, or trap monsters to smash them with his wand. Essential to progression is the collection of the key and the exit door in each level, often requiring precise block manipulation while avoiding hazards like flame spirits, ghosts, and walking demons. Power-ups scattered throughout, such as the fire scroll and time-freezing hourglass, alter the puzzle dynamics, while failing to plan a route can easily lead to inescapable dead ends, forcing a life loss.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move left, right, climb ladders, and press down to create blocks below
Action Keys: Z / X to create blocks and swing the wand
Enter: Start / Pause