Zogging Hell!!! - Solomon's Key

Solomon's Key

US Gold/ Probe 198?. Converted by Tim Moore.

Platform game in the style of Mario Brothers or Manic Miner with a hint of Bubble Bobble thrown in for good measure. The basic premise of the game is to get hold of a key which will open the door to the next level before a fairly tight time limit runs out. To reach the key involves you removing or creating yellow blocks so your character can reach parts of the screen. While this is happening various monsters drop from the top of the screen and attempt to run into you. Each monster has it's own characteristics though the same, somewhat un-necessary, desire to reorder your internal organs into a Jackson Pollock picture seems to be prevalent. Fortunately you have a limited number of fireballs to deal with the more persistant of these enemies, and these can be replaced by finding powerups hidden inside certain blocks. Also up for grabs is a fairy that again is released by collecting a powerup. It's a fairly simple premise, but each level is fiendishly difficult on the first attempt. The learning curve is fairly high, but not too unfair and once you've worked out a method of passing the level you get a nice feeling of accomplishment. The graphics are colourful, if slightly lacking in detail, and control is fairly responsive. An handy option to turn off the sound is welcome as the theme tune quickly becomes annoying. All in all this is a surprisingly enjoyable little number and if you like this sort of game a good one to check out.

Zogging Hell Rating: 7/10

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