data/claims/solomons-key-history.yamlSolomon's Key (history and reception)
Game: Solomon's Key.
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games lists Tecmo's Solomon's Key in Japan for July 1986, between Rygar (May 1986) and Teed Off (December 1986). solomons-key-history/arcade-japan
p. 49 (scan image 51), 国内編 (Japan), テクモ (Tecmo) — the OCR reads "ソ□モンの鍵"; the scout read ソロモンの鍵 on the page image86/07 ソロモンの鍵Our translation86/07 (July 1986) Solomon's KeyアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 49 (scan image 51), テクモ (Tecmo)86/05 アルゴスの戦士 （ Rygar ）Our translation86/05 (May 1986) Argos no Senshi (Rygar)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 49 (scan image 51), テクモ (Tecmo)86/12ティードオフOur translation86/12 (December 1986) Teed OffChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates. Marukatsu Famicom printed photos of the arcade game in May 1986 (solomons-key-history/arcade-preview), so July 1986 is the month the list gives, not the earliest date the game is known to have existed.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games files Solomon's Key under Tecmo's US arm for February 1987. solomons-key-history/arcade-us
p. 138 (scan image 140), 海外編 (overseas), TECMO (US)TECMO (US)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 138 (scan image 140), TECMO (US) — the list spells the title "Solomon Key"87/02 Solomon KeyRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Now says Akagi's is a list of arcade games.The list gives year and month only.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Marukatsu Famicom's first issue, of 23 May 1986, previewed Solomon's Key with photographs that it said were all of the arcade version. Its writer had played the arcade game, likened it to Lode Runner with Castle Excellent's difficulty added, called it the "ultimate menu" of puzzle games, and wondered how much of the fun the Famicom port would keep. solomons-key-history/arcade-preview
p. 110 (scan image 106), caption — the scout read the whole caption on the page image, "※P110〜111の写真はすべてアーケード版のものです"の写真はすべてアーケード版のものですOur translation(※ pp. 110-111:) the photos are all of the arcade versionMarukatsu Famicom no. 1, 23 May 1986 · p. 111 (scan image 107) — the OCR reads つ and だ for っ and たアーケード版をやつてみだけどOur translationI tried the arcade version, andMarukatsu Famicom no. 1, 23 May 1986 · p. 111 (scan image 107) — the scout read the sentence on the page image, "ロードランナーとキャッスルエクセレントなみのむずかしさをプラスしたような味わいがあり" (it has a taste like Lode Runner with Castle Excellent-level difficulty added); the OCR garbles the restロードランナーとOur translationLode Runner andMarukatsu Famicom no. 1, 23 May 1986 · p. 111 (scan image 107) — the line goes on "ュー」とでも呼びたくなるおもしろさなのだ" (you'd want to call it ... that's how much fun it is)これはもうパズルゲームの究極のメニOur translationthis is the 'ultimate menu' of puzzle gamesMarukatsu Famicom no. 1, 23 May 1986 · p. 111 (scan image 107) — the scout read the line on the page image, "ファミコン版へ移植されたときに、このおもしろさがどこまで再現されるか!? まっ、期待しようぜ!" (when it is ported to the Famicom, how much of this fun will carry over? Well, let's look forward to it)再現されるかOur translation(when it is ported to the Famicom, how far this fun) will be reproducedChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The magazine's own page numbers; the pinned copy's page images run four behind them.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Marukatsu Famicom announced the Famicom cartridge, from Tecmo, for late June 1986 with its price undecided, in its 23 May and 13 June 1986 issues. The 13 June issue had Famicom screen photos and asked Tecmo not to delay it. solomons-key-history/famicom-planned-june
p. 115 (scan image 111), release timetable, from June on — read on the page image by the scout, under "6月以後の発売予定" (planned releases from June on); the OCR holds only "ソロモンの鍵" in the row; p. 110's box reads "6月発売予定 / テクモ / 価格未定" (planned for June, Tecmo, price undecided)6月下旬 ソロモンの鍵 (テクモ)Our translationlate June: Solomon's Key (Tecmo)Marukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 110 (scan image 86), heading box — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR doesn't hold the box価格未定 6月下旬 テクモ発Our translationprice undecided, late June, from TecmoMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 110 (scan image 86) — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR garbles the sentenceファミコン版の画面写真を入手したOur translationwe have got screen photos of the Famicom versionMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 110 (scan image 86)だからテクモさん発売延期はナシですよOur translationso, Tecmo, no postponing the release, pleaseMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 115 (scan image 91), release timetable — the row as the scout read it on the page image; the OCR doesn't hold it下旬 / ソロモンの鍵 / テクモ / 価格未定 / 期待のパズルゲームOur translationlate (June) / Solomon's Key / Tecmo / price undecided / the puzzle game we're waiting forRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The note's heading is corrected to 6月以後の発売予定.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Famicom Tsushin's issue 4, cover-dated 1 August 1986, printed the Famicom cartridge as Tecmo's, at ¥4,900, planned for release on 30 July 1986; the same issue's reader giveaway called it planned for mid-July. solomons-key-history/famicom-planned-july
printed p. 28 (PDF p. 30) — the scout read the line on the page image; the OCR splits its digits across lines ("テクモ 4 / , / 9 / 0 / 0円 7 / 月3 / 0日発売予定")テクモ 4,900円 7月30日発売予定Our translationTecmo, 4,900 yen, planned release 30 JulyBIWEEKLY Famicom Tsushin (Famitsu) no. 4, 1 August 1986 · printed p. 50 (PDF p. 52), ソロモンの鍵プレゼント!! — the line goes on "『ソロモンの鍵』"; read by the lead on the page image; printed p. 105 lists the game only as prize no. 57月中旬発売予定のOur translation(Solomon's Key,) planned for mid-JulyRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The mid-July line is on printed p. 50, not p. 105.The issue's editorial (printed p. 112) gives issue 5's on-sale date as 1 August, so issue 4's cover date of 1 August came earlier than that; the scout read this but no claim here rests on it.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Tecmo published the Famicom cartridge: its booklet thanks the buyer for a Tecmo Land game cassette, and Marukatsu's photos carry a 1986 Tecmo copyright. solomons-key-history/famicom-maker
p. 2 (PDF p. 2) — the line opens "テクモランド・" (Tecmo Land); the OCR reads "テフモランドゲザームカセット", and the scout read "テクモランド・ゲームカセット「ソロモンの鍵」をお買い上げいただきまして" on the pageゲームカセット「ソロモンの鍵」をお買い上げOur translation(thank you for) buying the game cassette 'Solomon's Key'Marukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 110 (scan image 86), photo credit — the credit under the Famicom screen photos; the OCR drops the © signテクモ1986Our translation(©) Tecmo 1986Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Tecmo also put Solomon no Kagi on a Famicom Disk System card, catalog number TCF-SKD. Its booklet tells the player to connect the Family Computer, the RAM adapter and the disk drive and set the card, and carries a © TECMO, LTD. 1986 line. solomons-key-history/fds-edition
p. 1 (PDF p. 1), headerTCF-SKDSolomon no Kagi Famicom Disk System (Disk Writer) instruction booklet (Japan, TCF-SKD) · p. 1 (PDF p. 1) — the scout read it on the page image; the OCR reads "ファアミリーコンビュータ本体とRAMアダブプタ、ディスフドライブ"ファミリーコンピュータ本体とRAMアダプタ、ディスクドライブを正しく接続Our translationconnect the Family Computer, the RAM adapter, and the disk drive correctlySolomon no Kagi Famicom Disk System (Disk Writer) instruction booklet (Japan, TCF-SKD) · p. 1 (PDF p. 1)ディスクドライブの赤いランプがついている時はOur translationwhile the disk drive's red lamp is litSolomon no Kagi Famicom Disk System (Disk Writer) instruction booklet (Japan, TCF-SKD) · p. 1 (PDF p. 1), header — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR doesn't hold the line© TECMO, LTD. 1986Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The booklet prints no release date. The Internet Archive item's date is the uploader's and isn't used.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
The Famicom booklet tells how King Solomon, after studying magic, sealed the evil spirits deep in an underground constellation palace with the power of his magic book, Solomon's Key, and how Yutra, king of the fairy garden Lilac, orders the wizard Dana to repair the world. solomons-key-history/famicom-premise
p. 3 (PDF p. 3), 1. プロローグ — the scout read the sentence on the page image, "偉大なる王ソロモンは、魔術を研究し、その生涯の成果を記した魔法書「ソロモンの鍵」の魔力で、悪霊たちを地下星座宮深く封じ込めたと伝えられている。" (... with the power of the magic book 'Solomon's Key' that recorded it, is said to have sealed the evil spirits deep in the underground Constellation Palace)偉大なる王ソロモンは魔術を研究しその生涯の成果を記しOur translationthe great King Solomon studied magic, and recorded the fruits of his life's workSolomon no Kagi Famicom instruction booklet (Japan, TCF-SK) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)の魔力でOur translationwith the power of (the magic book 'Solomon's Key')Solomon no Kagi Famicom instruction booklet (Japan, TCF-SK) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3) — the text layer reads コトラ; the page prints ユトラ, as the NES booklet's "King Yutra" agrees (read by the lead on the page image)妖精の園ライラックの王、ユトラは、魔法使いダーナに世界の修復を命じるのだったOur translationYutra, king of the fairy garden Lilac, orders the wizard Dana to repair the worldRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The Famicom booklet's king is Yutra, not Kotora; the quote is replaced from the page image.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Famicom Tsushin's issue 4 presented the Famicom game as a serious puzzle-and-action game, "won by brains", promising a thorough dissection of rooms 1 to 15. solomons-key-history/famitsu-preview
printed p. 28 (PDF p. 30) — the OCR reads "パスル邑" for "パズル&"; the scout read "パズル&アクションゲームの本格派ついに登場!" on the page imageアクションゲームの本格派ついに登Our translation(the puzzle-and-)action game, the real thing, appears at lastBIWEEKLY Famicom Tsushin (Famitsu) no. 4, 1 August 1986 · printed p. 28 (PDF p. 30)知性で勝負Our translation(this game is) won by brainsBIWEEKLY Famicom Tsushin (Famitsu) no. 4, 1 August 1986 · printed p. 28 (PDF p. 30) — the OCR reads "rooml" for "ROOM1"roomlから1 5までの徹底解剖Our translationa thorough dissection of rooms 1 to 15Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated as promising a dissection of rooms 1 to 15, not a walkthrough.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Beep's October 1986 issue rated the Famicom version 4 of 5 overall, with 3 for characters, 4 for speed, 3 for graphics, 4 for sound and 4 for game design. Its reviewer welcomed the room layouts kept nearly as in the arcade game, which made the Famicom good practice for it, regretted that easy rooms turn up suddenly in the later rounds, and, citing the multiple endings and the GDV, said Tecmo looked promising. solomons-key-history/beep-review
Value
{
"review": "Beep",
"of": 5,
"scores": {
"characters": 3,
"speed": 4,
"graphics": 3,
"sound": 4,
"game design": 4,
"overall": 4
}
}p. 54 (scan image 56), お買い得情報, ratings — the card rates each heading in stars of 5; the scout read on the page image キャラクター 3, スピード 4, グラフィック 3, サウンド 4, ゲームデザイン 4, 総合評価 4. The OCR doesn't hold the card総合評価Our translationoverall ratingBeep, October 1986 · p. 54 (scan image 56), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by the scoutソロモンの鍵 / テクモ(4900円)Our translationSolomon's Key / Tecmo (4,900 yen)Beep, October 1986 · p. 54 (scan image 56), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by the scout業務用とほぼ同じ面構成で発売されたので、ファミコンが業務用のトレーニングに使えるのはいいOur translationbecause it came out with nearly the same room layouts as the arcade game, it's good that the Famicom can be used to train for the arcade gameBeep, October 1986 · p. 54 (scan image 56), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by the scoutただ、残念なのは、高次ラウンドにいきなりやさしい面が入っていることかな。とはいえ、マルチエンディング、GDVと、テクモは期待できそう。Our translationmy one regret is that easy rooms suddenly turn up in the higher rounds. Still, with multiple endings and the GDV, we can look forward to TecmoBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), margin note — the feature's note on its second page; read by the lead on the page image※評価は5段階で行っています。Our translationratings are given on a five-point scaleRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted Beep's note that it rates on a five-point scale.The card is signed 評●SHOTAN LTD. (read on the page image by the scout).
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Famicom Tsushin's readers' Top 20 dated 31 October 1986 put the Famicom Solomon's Key twelfth, with 170 points, and its Top 30 dated 14 November 1986 put it twenty-first. solomons-key-history/famitsu-charts
printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), 読者が選ぶTOP20 (10月31日付) — the scout read rank 12, テクモ, 170 points and last time's rank 10 on the page image; the OCR holds only the rank and title12ソロモンの鍵Our translation12 Solomon's KeyFamicom Tsushin, no. 11 (14 November 1986) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), 読者が選ぶTOP20 — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR doesn't hold the points170Famicom Tsushin, no. 12 (28 November 1986) · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), ファミ通TOP30 (11月14日付) — the OCR reads 鍾 for 鍵; the scout read the row, テクモ, 4,900円, カートリッジ, on the page image21ソロモンの鍾Our translation21 Solomon's KeyChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The first list is chosen by readers (読者が選ぶ). How the Top 30 is compiled is printed on p. 4, which hasn't been read, so it isn't called a sales chart here.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Computer Entertainer reported in June 1987 that Tecmo, a new Nintendo licensee, would bring four games to the NES, each of which had already sold at least a quarter of a million in Japan; it described Solomon's Key as a "strategy game with battleground of fantasy". solomons-key-history/nes-announcement
p. 11 (scan image 11), New LicenseesTecmo will introduce four titles, each of which has already sold at least 1/4 million in Japan.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 11 (scan image 11), New Licensees — the other three are Rygar, Mighty Bomb Jack and Star ForceSOLOMON'S KEY (strategy game with battleground of fantasy)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 11 (scan image 11), New Licensees — Tecmo's paragraph is among those that followAnd now we introduce the new licensees (in alphabetical order).Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The quarter-million figure is Tecmo's, relayed for the four games together, not one for Solomon's Key.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Nintendo of America's list dates the NES Solomon's Key, licensee Tecmo, to July 1987. Computer Entertainer's availability list put it under the NES's July releases in its July 1987 issue without the mark for a game that has shipped, and with the mark in its August 1987 issue. solomons-key-history/release-nes
PDF p. 11 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a daySolomon's Key Tecmo July 1987Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 4 (July 1987) · p. 13 (scan image 13), Availability Update, Nintendo, July — the scout read on the page image that the row sits under NINTENDO, JULY, without an "x"Solomon's Key (TEC)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 4 (July 1987) · p. 13 (scan image 13), Availability UpdateNOTE: Programs noted "x" have shipped as of pressComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 14, Availability Update, Nintendo, Julyx- Solomon's Key (TEC)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 13, Availability Update...Continued, notePrograms noted "x" have shipped as of press timeRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The rating-key note is on p. 13.Computer Entertainer's key adds that a shipped game "may not yet be distributed nation-wide". No source read gives a day.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
The NES booklet presents the cartridge as a Tecmo, Inc. game pak licensed by Nintendo, with a warranty from Tecmo, Inc. of Carson, California. solomons-key-history/nes-maker
p. 2 (PDF p. 2)Thank you for selecting the fun-filled "SOLOMON'S KEY" game pak by TECMO, INC.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 2 (PDF p. 2)LICENSED BY NINTENDO FOR PLAY ON THESolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 17 (PDF p. 17), warrantyTecmo, Inc. Consumer DivisionSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 17 (PDF p. 17), warrantyCarson, CA 90746Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Chris Scullion's NES encyclopedia gives the NES version's year as 1987, with Tecmo as publisher and developer. solomons-key-history/nes-developer
entry "Solomon's Key"Year 1987 Publisher Tecmo Developer TecmoChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The pinned text has no page breaks, so the printed page isn't given.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
The NES booklet tells how Solomon, a great king and magician, sealed the demons into a hidden constellation sign with a formula written in a secret book, Solomon's Key; a taoist monk found the book and freed them, and King Yutra of the fairyland Lyrac ordered the wizard Dana to restore order. solomons-key-history/nes-premise
p. 3 (PDF p. 3), 1. Prologue — the OCR breaks the line after "Solomon's"Solomon, a great king & magician, invented a magical formula which he wrote inside a secret book called "Solomon's Key".Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)This book arrested and sealed away all evil demons into a constellation sign which was hidden.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)a taoist monk searched for a long period of timeSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)After locating the constellation sign, he discovers theSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)Once in his grasp many dreadful demons were freed from the magical power of this book.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 3 (PDF p. 3)King Yutra from the fairyland called "Lyrac", ordered the wizard, Dana to restore order back to the world.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
On the NES Solomon's Key is for one player. The A button makes brown stones appear and disappear, though white stones can't be erased; the B button throws a fireball. Fireballs are stored with a jar called Mamda, up to a limit set by the length of a scroll in the screen's upper right corner. solomons-key-history/nes-controls
p. 4 (PDF p. 4)THIS GAME IS ONLY A(1) PLAYER GAME!Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 6 (PDF p. 6) — the scout read the heading, "Ⓐ BUTTON USED FOR STONE", on the page image; the OCR reads "@ BUTTON"This button permits the appearance and the disappearance of the brown colored stone. Whereas the white stones cannot be erasedSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 7 (PDF p. 7) — the line begins "Pressing this Ⓑ button"; the OCR reads ® for Ⓑcauses a holy fireball to be thrown.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 7 (PDF p. 7)You can store fireballs by means of a jar called Mamda. But keep in mind that the capacity is limited by the length of a scrollSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 7 (PDF p. 7)in the upper corner on the right hand side.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
The NES booklet's constellation sign has 50 rooms linked by doors: Dana takes a key, sometimes hidden in a stone, to open a room's door to the next. A LIFE counter shows his remaining life, which the constellation sign's magic drains, and freeing fairies gives extra life and a bonus. solomons-key-history/nes-rooms
p. 8 (PDF p. 8), 3. How to Play the Game — the OCR reads "cons ists"The constellation sign consists of 50 rooms which communicate with each other through doors. Obtaining a key allows a door to be opened.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 8 (PDF p. 8)And going into a room with an opened door, Dana can go to the next room. In some rooms, the key is hidden in a stone.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 9 (PDF p. 9), Life and BonusThe "LIFE" displays refers to the remaining lives of Dana.Solomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 9 (PDF p. 9)The constellation sign is full ofSolomon's Key NES instruction booklet (US, NES-KE-USA) · p. 9 (PDF p. 9)magical powers which absorbs Dana's life. Dana must succeed in order to free the fairies who will give you extra life and bonus!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Computer Entertainer's August 1987 review of the NES version gave it three and a half stars for graphics and three and a half for game play, out of four, and recommended it at $29.95. It found it worth attention for anyone who likes a mix of puzzles, strategy and action, its graphics good though not nearly as spectacular as Rygar's, and much of the game left unexplained by the instructions. solomons-key-history/ce-review
Value
{
"review": "Computer Entertainer",
"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 3.5,
"game play": 3.5
}
}p. 13, Nintendo Software — the scout read the stars on the page image; the Internet Archive's OCR of the same issue reads them "(4%%1/2/xxx1/2)"SOLOMON'S KEY (★★★1/2/★★★1/2) is based on another of Tecmo's arcade games.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 13, Nintendo Softwaredefinitely worthy of attention if you like a nice mix of puzzles, strategy, and action in your games.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 13, Nintendo SoftwareMuch of the game is not really explained in the instructions, and even some that is explained is strangely phrased.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 13, Nintendo SoftwareThe graphics are good, although not nearly so spectacular as those in RYGAR.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 13, Nintendo SoftwareRecommended. (MSR $29.95)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 2, The Rating System1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment valueComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 2, The Rating System4 STARS = EXCELLENTChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Unsigned, as Computer Entertainer's reviews are.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
By May 1988 Computer Entertainer listed Solomon's Key, with Mighty Bomb Jack, among Tecmo's NES games on Nintendo's list of officially discontinued titles. solomons-key-history/nes-discontinued
p. 11, More Changes in NES Lineupthe list of officially discontinued titles for the Nintendo System now includesComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 2 (May 1988) · p. 11, More Changes in NES Lineupand MIGHTY BOMB JACK and SOLOMON'S KEY by Tecmo.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Computer Entertainer's June 1988 report from the Summer CES said Tecmo had dropped Solomon's Key and Mighty Bomb Jack in hopes of shipping larger quantities of its new NES titles, Tecmo Baseball, Tecmo Bowl and Ninja Gaiden. solomons-key-history/tecmo-drops
p. 13, Tecmo, Inc.This company has dropped SOLOMON'S KEY and MIGHTY BOMB JACK in hopes of being able to ship larger quantities of their new titles, TECMO BASEBALL, TECMO BOWL (football) andComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 13, Tecmo, Inc.NINJA GAIDENChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Nintendo Power's Top 30 in its November/December 1988 issue put Solomon's Key twelfth in the Pros' Picks list, with 855 points. solomons-key-history/nintendo-power-poll
printed p. 104 (PDF p. 105), Top 30, Pros' PicksPROS' PICKSNintendo Power, issue 3 (1988-11) · printed p. 104 (PDF p. 105), Pros' Picks12 SOLOMON'S KEYNintendo Power, issue 3 (1988-11) · printed p. 104 (PDF p. 105), Pros' Picks — the OCR sets the points column apart from the titles; the scout read 855 beside Solomon's Key on the page image855Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page also prints Players' and Dealers' lists, which haven't been checked for the game.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Scullion, in 2019, describes the NES game as a puzzle platformer in which the player can only walk, jump, create and destroy blocks and create fireballs, across 64 increasingly complex stages, 16 of them hidden, and says it is widely believed to be among the most difficult NES games. He explains the Game Over screen's GDV number as "Game Deviation Value". solomons-key-history/scullion-view
entry "Solomon's Key"Solomon's Key is a puzzle platformer where the player can only do five things: walk, jump, create blocks, destroy blocks and create fireballs.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Solomon's Key"must be combined to solve 64 increasingly complex stages (including 16 hidden ones), which is no mean feat: the game is widely believed to be one of the most difficult on the NES.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Solomon's Key", FactThe Game Over screen features a 'GDV' number. This stands for 'Game Deviation Value'Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Scullion counts 64 stages where the NES booklet counts 50 rooms (solomons-key-history/nes-rooms); his count includes the hidden ones.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Scullion calls Tecmo's later NES game Fire 'n Ice a prequel to Solomon's Key, and says it was renamed Solomon's Key 2 in Europe. solomons-key-history/fire-n-ice
entry "Fire 'n Ice" — the OCR breaks the line after "Solomons"prequel to SolomonThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Fire 'n Ice"Ice was renamed Solomon's Key 2 in EuropeChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Solomon's Key
US Gold published the ZX Spectrum version in Britain in 1987, and Crash, Your Sinclair and Sinclair User each name Probe Software as its authors; Crash gives £7.95 and the other two £8.99. solomons-key-history/spectrum-makers
p. 133, Solomon's Key, header — the OCR reads "E7.95" and "Prqb« Software"; the scout read the header on the page imageProducer: US Gold Retail price: £7.95 Authors: Probe SoftwareYour Sinclair, issue 23 (November 1987) · p. 40, Solomon's Key — the review spells Tecmo "Tecno"Solomon's Key is a conversion, by Probe Software, of the fab and popular arcade coin-op machine by TecnoYour Sinclair, issue 23 (November 1987) · p. 40, Solomon's Key — the OCR reads "US 6old/£8.99"US Gold/£8.99Sinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, Solomon's Key, Facts Box — the OCR reads "AutH :U 2 G old", "Author: Prob e", "Price: £8.99 e"; the scout read the box on the page imageLabel: US Gold Author: Probe Price: £8.99Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The three magazines cover the Spectrum version; none of them says which other machines Probe converted it for.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Crash gave the ZX Spectrum version 78% overall in October 1987, with 81% for presentation, 73% for graphics, 82% for playability and 78% for addictive qualities; its three reviewers gave 83%, 69% and 83%. solomons-key-history/crash-score
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 81,
"graphics": 73,
"playability": 82,
"addictive qualities": 78,
"overall": 78
}
}p. 133, Solomon's Key, ratings — the OCR doesn't hold the box; the scout read it at full size on the page image, where the figures are faintPresentation 81%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, ratings — read on the page image by the scoutGraphics 73%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, ratings — read on the page image by the scoutPlayability 82%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, ratings — read on the page image by the scoutAddictive qualities 78%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, ratings — read on the page image by the scoutOVERALL 78%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, reviewers' boxes — Nick's and Ben's boxes each end at 83%, Mike's at 69%, read on the page image by the scout; the OCR reads "13%" and "•3%" and misses 69%83%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, Mike's box — read on the page image by the scout69%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The boxes name the reviewers Nick, Mike and Ben, first names only.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Crash's comments box called the Spectrum version "a simple but enjoyable arcade puzzle game", with graphics "small and not very colourful". Nick, likening it to Mastertronic's Rockman, said "you'll be addicted in a second"; Mike said it looks like a budget game and probably should have been one, "still, it's fun"; Ben said that despite its simplistic plot and gameplay it had turned out very well. solomons-key-history/crash-verdict
p. 133, Solomon's Key, comments — the OCR reads "Qanarat ratinsf: a aimpia but enjoyable arcade puz2t« gajtia"General rating: a simple but enjoyable arcade puzzle gameCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, comments — the OCR reads "OnpMcs: snutfl and not very cofourful"Graphics: small and not very colourfulCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, Nick's box — the sentence before asks "Anybody remember Mastertronic's Rockman?"; the OCR garbles both (read by the lead on the page image)Solomon's Key is very similar but a bit better presented.Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, Nick's boxI assure you you'll be addicted in a second.Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, Mike's box — the OCR reads "Key looks like a t}odg«t game and probably should have been one - still. It's fun"Solomon's Key looks like a budget game and probably should have been one - still, it's fun.Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Solomon's Key, Ben's box — the OCR reads "DespHa iia aimpJistic ptot a«d gameptay, SoToTTion's Key lias turned out verv well inde^"Despite its simplistic plot and gameplay, Solomon's Key has turned out very well indeed.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Nick likens it to Rockman, not Boulderdash, and the general rating is in the comments box.Cited by: Solomon's Key
Your Sinclair made the ZX Spectrum version a Megagame in November 1987 with a total of 9 out of 10, calling it "the most addictive game of the year" and one of the few coin-op conversions every bit as good as the original. solomons-key-history/ys-review
Value
{
"review": "Your Sinclair",
"of": 10,
"scores": {
"total": 9
}
}p. 40, Solomon's Key, YS ClapometerTOTAL 9Your Sinclair, issue 23 (November 1987) · p. 40, Solomon's Key, YS ClapometerThe most addictive game of the year, and one of the very few coin-op conversions which is every bit as good as the original.Your Sinclair, issue 23 (November 1987) · p. 40, Solomon's Key — the Megagame badge, read on the page image by the scout; the OCR holds it only in the issue's contentsMegagameYour Sinclair, issue 23 (November 1987) · p. 40, Solomon's Key — the review opens with the reviewer's name, PhilPhil Absolutely brilliant.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The reviewer is credited as Phil, first name only.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Sinclair User gave the ZX Spectrum version 8 stars out of 10 in October 1987, the mark its key glosses "Good stuff. Well worth the money". Graham Taylor's Facts Box called it a simple idea but a superb game in Boulderdash style and a good conversion from Probe, and his review said it could well be a seriously big hit. solomons-key-history/su-review
Value
{
"review": "Sinclair User",
"of": 10,
"scores": {
"stars": 8
}
}p. 23, star keyFrom now on our star ratings will be out of ten.Sinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, star key — the eighth row of the key, four stars over four; "Very good Indeed. A must buy" is the ninth (read by the lead on the page image)Good stuff. Well worth the moneySinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, Solomon's Key, rating — eight stars, four over four, beside a large 8; read on the page image by the scout and the lead; the OCR doesn't hold the review's stars★★★★★★★★Sinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, Solomon's Key, Facts Box — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR holds fragments ("methinks")Simple idea but a superb game in Boulderdash style. Good conversion from Probe, too. A hit methinksSinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, Solomon's Key — the line ends "hit", read on the page image by the scoutGenerally the game is wonderful, it may be simple but could well be a seriously bigSinclair User, issue 67 (October 1987) · p. 23, Solomon's Key, reviewer — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR's "Reviewer;" line is blank, and the name occurs elsewhere in the issueGraham TaylorRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Eight stars are glossed with Sinclair User's eight-star line, not the nine-star one.Reviewed by Graham Taylor, per the scout's reading of the page image.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
In October 1988 Your Sinclair reviewed US Gold's six-game Spectrum compilation Summertime Specials, which includes Solomon's Key; its blurb called the game "the surprise find", "rather like Boulderdash", recalled that it had been the magazine's Megagame the November before, and summed it up as "brilliantly ingenious". solomons-key-history/ys-compilation
p. 89, Summertime Specials, Solomon's KeyThe surprise find. Snouty recognised its brilliance last November and made it the third Mega in a row. This is one of those classic arcade problem solvers, rather like Boulderdash.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 89, Summertime Specials, summary — read on the page image by the scoutSolomon's Key is brilliantly ingenious.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime Specials — US Gold, £12.99; the OCR reads "USGoid"USGoid/£12.99Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 4, contentsSummertime Specials/US GoldYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime SpecialsHalf a dozen programs which first appearedRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the contents line and the review's count of six programs.The scout read the six games (World Class Leaderboard, Solomon's Key, Captain America, Bravestarr, Trantor and Rygar) on the pages. The compilation's review is Rachael's; the blurbs for each game are unsigned.
Cited by: Solomon's Key
Your Sinclair's Complete Guide to Puzzle Games, in September 1990, gave US Gold's ZX Spectrum Solomon's Key 85°, called it "an extremely popular game back in '87" that "still looks good today", and one of the best things US Gold had done. solomons-key-history/ys-rereview
Value
{
"review": "Your Sinclair",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"overall": 85
}
}p. 66, Complete Guide to Puzzle Games, Solomon's Key, verdict — read on the page image by the scout, with Fiendishness 84°, Lack of sleep 77°, Pull your hair out 16° and Variation 88°; the OCR doesn't hold the box85°Your Sinclair, issue 57 (September 1990) · p. 66, Solomon's KeyAn extremely popular game back in '87 - and it still looks good today.Your Sinclair, issue 57 (September 1990) · p. 66, Solomon's Key, caption — as the OCR reads it; the scout read "Solomon's Key is (I reckon)" on the page imageSolomon s Key is (l reckon) one of the best things US Gold's ever done.Your Sinclair, issue 57 (September 1990) · p. 66we are meant to be in The Complete Guide To Puzzle Games.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the guide's title.The page prints no byline.
Cited by: Solomon's Key