Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Tecmo, Inc
Publisher: Tecmo, Inc

This NES rendition of the arcade original takes a massive step down in terms of simultaneous colors, with this port utilizing a lot of browns and reds. Technical limitations aside, and like a lot of arcade-to-NES ports, this version feels more like an adaptation, giving the release its own, distinctive atmosphere and ambience.

Other than during bonus stages, Solomon's Key plays the entire song throughout. And what a composition it is-- like Mozart-meets-Halloween! Even better, the NES sound chip does a better-than-arcade rendition of this tune, although as good as it is, it's a shame there aren't more such songs in the game. Meanwhile, the sound effects are effective mimics of the arcade's.

Solomon's Key is a side-scrolling puzzle game, involving the placing and removing of tiles, while navigating and exploring maze-like rooms within a timer constraint. Picture a midevil-themed "Lode Runner". It's not a mind blowing formula, but this NES rendition feels perhaps even more physics-tight than the arcade original, granting the player pixel-like precision.

As a competent port of a rudimentary arcade puzzler, Solomon's Key does nothing to push the envelope of NES game development or technology. That said, it's a solid release that will be satisfying for fans of the original title. Its best asset is its wonderful atmosphere, formed particularly via its music.