Solomon's Key (US)

Solomon’s Key is a cooperative puzzle and maze game for two players, released by Tecmo in 1986. As Dana, a wizard tasked with retrieving a powerful key and banishing demonic forces, you navigate interconnected rooms filled with strategically placed granite blocks. Players can manipulate these blocks by either creating new ones or destroying existing platforms, using a magic wand to reshape the environment and forge paths through the increasingly complex levels. Each room presents a unique challenge: collect a golden key to unlock the exit, then evade constantly spawning demons while finding your way to freedom. Hidden within certain blocks are power-ups like fireballs for clearing enemies or fairies that grant bonus points when rescued – accumulating ten fairy rescues awards an extra life. The game's structure revolves around twelve Zodiac constellations, with each set of four rooms presenting a new visual theme and increasing difficulty; discovering secret seals unlocks additional hidden areas. Success requires teamwork and careful planning to overcome the obstacles and ultimately recover Solomon’s Key.