Solomon no Kagi: Oujo Rihita no Namida

Solomon no Kagi: Oujo Rihita no Namida

Overview & History

Released exclusively for the Sega Master System in Japan in 1988, Solomon no Kagi: Oujo Rihita no Namida (The Key of Solomon: Princess Rihita's Tears) serves as a fascinating spin-off and sequel adaptation of Tecmo’s classic puzzle-platformer. While the original arcade and Famicom game focused on King Solomon retrieving a magical book to save the world, this 8-bit Sega iteration introduces a deeply narrative-driven quest centered on rescuing the grieving Princess Rihita. Developed to leverage the Master System's distinct color palette and hardware capabilities, this Japan-only cartridge offers a rarer, highly polished puzzle experience that challenges players with intricate room layouts, cunning enemies, and strict item management.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The game challenges players to guide the wizard Dana through increasingly complex, single-screen labyrinthine stages. Unlike typical action platformers, direct combat is secondary to spatial manipulation and logical planning. Dana possesses the vital ability to conjure and destroy solid magic blocks adjacent to his position, allowing him to construct makeshift staircases, shield himself from roving demons, or trap malicious ghosts. Throughout each maze, Dana must collect the floating key to unlock the portal to the next level while collecting precious jewel icons and avoiding fatal contact with monsters, fireballs, and bottomless pits. Special items, including winged boots for flight and magical scroll upgrades, alter Dana's traversal rules and add layers of tactical depth to the puzzle-solving progression.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move Dana left/right, climb ladders, and duck
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause