I have played Solomon's Key on a number of platforms, but by far the Nintendo version is the best, with the least annoying music and cleanest animation and gameplay.
The premise is simple: on each level find and get the key, then go to the locked door to get to the next stage. Obviously it gets quite a bit more complex than that, as the levels get more and more tricky, with different types of monsters, block configurations, and flames and such that get in your way.
There are bonuses you can get, including little fireballs that can vanquish enemies, however the entire game can be played and won without ever using such things. There are a total of 50-some odd levels, with a number of bonus stages and some strange quest themes such as the zodiac. All in all this is THE BEST puzzle game I have ever played. The game requires a fair amount of forethought, and the platforms are tricky, requiring good timing also.
This is an interesting game that will offer hours of challenges. It is a nice hybrid of puzzle solving and run and gun platformer. There really isn't a lot of backstory involved, but it isn't necessary. Truthfully, the
game play is addictive enough, that most gamers would likely ignore the tale and dive right into the action, anyway. That is what I recommend you do. This is a lesser known, but very worthwhile game.
