Solstice (video game)
Encyclopedia
Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos is a puzzle-oriented
video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System
created by Software Creations
and heavily influenced by Ultimate Play the Game
's Knight Lore
and Pentagram
. Its theme music was scored by composer Tim Follin
.
rooms of the fortress Kastlerock in search of the six pieces of the Staff of Demnos, the only weapon capable of defeating the evil wizard Morbius the Malevolent in order to rescue the kidnapped Princess Eleanor. The non-linear adventure game does not present a set path the player must follow, although certain keys must be collected and "plungers" depressed before Shadax can access certain portions of the dungeon. Shadax can jump, pick up objects, and use various potions, but must generally employ evasion as his primary defense tactic.
As the player solves puzzles in each room they either obtain a specific item needed or advance to the next room in order to progress further. While doing this, the player must avoid traps such as pitfalls, spiked floors and monsters (such as slimes and trolls) which are lurking within the rooms. Most enemies are to be avoided, but occasionally some are incorporated into that room's puzzle.
titled Equinox
. A similar game was also made in 1991 for the Game Boy
called Altered Space
.
Computer puzzle game
Puzzle video games are a genre of video games that emphasize puzzle solving. The types of puzzles to be solved can test many problem solving skills including logic, strategy, pattern recognition, sequence solving, and word completion....
video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
created by Software Creations
Software Creations (UK)
Software Creations was a video game developer based in Manchester, England, first established in 1987. They are primarily known for their video games based on movie and comic licenses like Marvel Comics, Cutthroat Island, Disney's Beauty and the Beast and original titles Solstice and the sequel...
and heavily influenced by Ultimate Play the Game
Ultimate Play the Game
Ultimate Play The Game was a critically acclaimed video game developer of the early home computer era. "Ultimate Play The Game" was the trading name of Ashby Computers & Graphics Ltd. , a software company founded in 1982 by two ex-arcade game developers Tim and Chris Stamper...
's Knight Lore
Knight Lore
Knight Lore is a computer game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1984. The game is the third in the Sabreman series, following on from his adventures in Sabre Wulf and Underwurlde. Unlike the earlier games in the series it used Ultimate's filmation engine to achieve a 3D look...
and Pentagram
Pentagram (video game)
Pentagram is a ZX Spectrum and MSX video game released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1986. It is the fourth in the Sabreman series, following on from his adventures in Sabre Wulf, Underwurlde and Knight Lore. Similarly to Knight Lore it uses the isometric Filmation engine. The game was written by...
. Its theme music was scored by composer Tim Follin
Tim Follin
Timothy John Follin is a former video game music composer who has written tracks for a variety of titles and home gaming systems, including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Dreamcast and PlayStation.Follin's early 8- and 16-bit...
.
Gameplay
The player must control a wizard by the name of Shadax and navigate through a maze of isometricIsometric projection
Isometric projection is a method for visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions in technical and engineering drawings...
rooms of the fortress Kastlerock in search of the six pieces of the Staff of Demnos, the only weapon capable of defeating the evil wizard Morbius the Malevolent in order to rescue the kidnapped Princess Eleanor. The non-linear adventure game does not present a set path the player must follow, although certain keys must be collected and "plungers" depressed before Shadax can access certain portions of the dungeon. Shadax can jump, pick up objects, and use various potions, but must generally employ evasion as his primary defense tactic.
As the player solves puzzles in each room they either obtain a specific item needed or advance to the next room in order to progress further. While doing this, the player must avoid traps such as pitfalls, spiked floors and monsters (such as slimes and trolls) which are lurking within the rooms. Most enemies are to be avoided, but occasionally some are incorporated into that room's puzzle.
Sequel
A sequel to Solstice was released for the Super NESSuper Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
titled Equinox
Equinox (1994 video game)
Equinox, also known as Solstice II, is an isometric 3D action–puzzle-hybrid video game for the Super NES. It is the sequel to Solstice, a Nintendo Entertainment System game.-Plot:...
. A similar game was also made in 1991 for the Game Boy
Game Boy
The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
called Altered Space
Altered Space
Altered Space: A 3-D Alien Adventure is a 1991 video game produced for the Nintendo Game Boy. The basic concept is that the player is an astronaut trapped on an alien spaceship who has to try to find his way out while avoiding aliens and continually replenishing his oxygen supply.This was the first...
.
External links
- Solstice at GameFAQsGameFAQsGameFAQs is a website that hosts FAQs and walkthroughs for video games. It was created in November 1995 by Jeff "CJayC" Veasey and was bought by CNET Networks in May 2003. It is currently owned by CBS Interactive. The site has a database of video game information, cheat codes, reviews, game saves,...