Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos
January 28, 2009 - 8:36 am - Posted by Ryan B.
Wonderfully frustrating and dauntingly complex, Solstice for the NES is a 3D puzzle platformer that brings hours of fun as well as anguish.
You control Shadax the wizard who, for whatever reason, does not use magic. His girlfriend Princess Eleanor has been kidnapped by some mean-looking person named Morbius, who intends to steal her soul and become indescribably powerful.
To save Eleanor, Shadax is dropped into an incredible, multi-tiered maze you should want no part of. No chick is worth this.
However, Solstice is an impressive piece of work and great fun for anyone who enjoys a challenge and appreciates quality.
The gameplay is straightforward enough. Shadax can move in either of four directions to pick up blocks, potions and other items such as keys in the hopes of finding the seven pieces of his wizard staff. Be warned that the perspective is a little tricky.
Things that get in your way include spikes, bad guys and throwing the controller at the TV.
Each screen presents a seemingly endless number of problems. Demons get in the way, objects are painfully out of reach, there is no clue where to go next, death looms at every turn.
The controls are surprisingly free, leading to much trial and error and making nearly anything possible. Some puzzles require Shadax to drop blocks on top of a monster’s head and ride around on his would-be assailant to reach his destination. To make long-distance jumps, he must master the tactic of dropping a block directly below himself and immediately jumping from it.
This magicless magician does have four potions that will help him along his way. They are not as useful as you would like and often present problems of their own, but it is better than nothing.
Shadax can withstand only one instance of direct contact with other life forms and will squeal to death shortly after doing so. His scream is one of this game’s hallmarks and something anyone who plays for any length of time will become very familiar with.
Speaking of dying, one of the more infuriating parts of Solstice is that when Shadax dies, he respawns right above that spot. Needless to say, if he died there once, he might die again. Prepare to try to guide your falls.
The music in this game is very original and fun. The main theme – the only in-game tune – is appropriately complex, hypnotic and addicting. The graphics are also fun and the bad guys look very cool, especially the stone-faced, slimmed-down Shrek ogres.
Solstice is one of a kind, and, despite its faults, is a definite NES classic. I have not gotten close to beating this one but I hear it is possible.
Solstice is a pretty fun RPG, but like you said, it’s really hard.
This is one game that I don’t have in the NES collection. Looks like it’s time for me to check with my friends Nick and Troy to see if they can hook a brother up
I remember owning and completing this game. I have no idea how though. The damned game was insanely confusing at the best of times. You’re spot on with the soundtrack though – by far, one of the best ever on the NES.