Solomon's Club Game by Tecmo Reviewed by Adrock gbcam@hotmail.com Size: 512 kilobits Save: Password Released: 1991 Works with: Game Boy or Game Boy Color **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Who is Solomon and why does he have a club? Read on. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: Solomon's Club is a club like the one you swing, not like a group of people. Just to clear that up. He uses this club, to make blocks and break them. Yep, you guessed it, this is a platform/puzzler. Like Donkey Kong for Game Boy. There are 5 levels, each with 10 rooms, for 50 different puzzles, and when you beat those, an additional "Solomon" level of 10 rooms for "pro" players will be opened, and you can't jump ahead in those rooms. Like Donkey Kong, you can jump and break the bricks, there are lots of different types of enemies and hazards, and you have to find a key then enter a door to beat the level (you don't have to carry the key to the door, it automatically disappears and the door automatically opens up). There are small stores in some of the rooms where you can buy items with cash, which is spread across the level. I like how this game isn't entirely linear. If you are completely stumped on a certain room, then you can go on to later rooms. You can't however, repeat rooms, if you've already entered a password that proves you beat them. Also, I like that the action stays all on one screen and doesn't scroll. All in all, this game will test your thinker, your Medula Oblongata, your one and only brain, to it's highest points of... determining stuff. Liked: Great challenge! Levels 1 and 2 ease you into the basics, but the challenge heats up as can be expected later on. Lots of fun. Not as linear as Donkey Kong (GB). Hated: No battery, could be fun to save your times, but that's not possible with a password unfortunately. Tends to frustrate LIKE HECK. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: Primitive graphics... but, enemies are detailed. Um... don't expect a lot. Also, the simplicity... makes things easy to see on-screen. Liked: Easy to see on any version on Game Boy. Hated: Primitive. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Music is really nice! Sound FX are also distinguishable. Good job here! Lots of different songs, not much repetitivity of songs. Liked: For a third party, first-gen game, really good job guys! Hated: Nothing. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Moving the status menu inside the start menu is very slow. Some Jumps can be tough to land... but, all in all, it's self-explanatory, and pretty basic, so no major worries here. Liked: Solid in most areas. Hated: Slow menu system, some jumps are tough. **************************************************************************** Improve: A sequel/DX Version? Um, color, a map editor, a battery. And a VS. mode. RIYL: Donkey Kong (GB), Solomon's Key (Club's NES counterpart), Adventures of Lolo, Legend of Zelda series. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Did you love games like Donkey Kong, and want to be stumped again? If you can find this one, (it's a very rare find!) then go ahead and pick it up! If DK was a little too complicated for you, this game may ease things up, and satisfy your platform puzzle craving in a more laid back, less linear way. If DK wasn't your cup of tea, try this one out first, because chances are you probably won't enjoy it much. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: **** Graphics: *** Sound/Music: **** Play Control/Game Design: *** Personal Opinion: **** Total: 19 Final Score: %72 **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: All the passwords and stuff can be found at Gamesages.