Solstice (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos


developer = Software Creations
publisher = CSG Imagesoft, Inc.
designer =
composer = Tim Follin
engine =
released = June 1990
genre = Puzzle
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Famicom/NES
media = 2-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input =

"Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos" is a video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System created by Software Creations Ltd., and heavily influenced by Ultimate Play The Game's "Knight Lore" and "Pentagram". In "Solstice", the player controls a wizard named Shadax who moves through a maze of isometric rooms in search of the six pieces of the "Staff of Demnos". A sequel to "Solstice", "Equinox", was released for the Super NES. A similar game was also made in 1991 for the Game Boy called Altered Space.

Gameplay

The player controls Shadax as he moves through the aforementioned dungeon made of isometric rooms. The player solves puzzles in these rooms to either advance to the next room, or obtain a specific item needed in order to progress further. While doing this, the player must avoid the usual traps (pitfalls, spiked floors, etc.), and monsters (slimes, trolls, etc.). Most enemies should be avoided, but occasionally some are incorporated into that room's puzzle.

Solstice is a non-linear adventure game in that there is no set path, but specific items must be collected before Shadax can advance to the next portion of the dungeon. Shadax can jump, pick up objects, and use potions with various effects, but must generally worry about evasion as a primary tactic.

Puzzles

Players often remember Solstice's unorthodox and sometimes aggravating style of puzzle solving. These usually involve jumping from one object to another within a specific room to reach a doorway or item. The majority of puzzles simply involve jumping from one block to another, which is made difficult by the 3D nature of the rooms. Sometimes the player must find invisible blocks that are revealed by either touching them or using the green potion. Alternately some puzzles involved Shadax jumping above an enemy and dropping a colored block on its head to create a moving platform that would carry you to your target.

Potions

Shadax has four potions at his disposal but his resources are limited. There are refills located in the dungeon, but they are sparse. Each potion's effects last only until Shadax leaves the current room.

*Blue - Invincibility - Shadax becomes impervious to damage from monsters, but can still be damaged by spikes. While using this potion Shadax can even jump on a monster's head without using a box, which is necessary for some puzzles.
*Purple - Destruction - Destroy all monsters and blocks in the room. Good for getting through rooms with particularly tough monsters, but always keep in mind that the monster could be part of the puzzle.
*Green - Reveal - Invisible blocks or platforms reveal themselves when Shadax touches them, but this potion saves the trial and error needed to find them.
*Yellow - Freeze - This potion freezes all monsters in the room. Shadax can still be killed by touching them, but this potion is useful for stopping monsters he normally wouldn't be able to outrun.

External links

*moby game|id=/solstice-the-quest-for-the-staff-of-demnos|name="Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos"