1980s
Solomon's Key
1986 · Puzzle / Platform · Arcade
Overview
Solomon's Key is a classic 1980s puzzle / platform game developed by Tecmo for Arcade.
Deep Dive
Solomon's Key is a classic 1980s puzzle / platform game developed by Tecmo for Arcade.
Developer Story
Solomon's Key was developed by Tecmo in 1986. Players controlled Dana, a wizard who could create and destroy blocks to navigate puzzles, reach a key, and find a door. Each of the 50 levels was a contained block-manipulation puzzle requiring specific sequences of actions. Hidden rooms containing fairies and secret items rewarded thorough exploration. The game was more puzzle than platformer.
Did You Know?
- Creating and destroying blocks was the core mechanic — the same button alternated between modes based on context.
- Hidden fairies in certain levels granted access to a bonus stage called "The Room of Solomon" with powerful items.
- Every level had a hidden "Dana" figurine — collecting all of them across multiple playthroughs was a near-impossible completionist challenge.
- The game was extremely difficult for a puzzle game — later levels required nearly perfect execution in a specific order.
