Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos | |
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Solstice cover art (North American version) |
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Developer(s) | Software Creations |
Publisher(s) | |
Designer(s) | Mike Webb (programmer) |
Artist(s) | Mark Wilson |
Composer(s) | Tim Follin |
Platform(s) | Family Computer/NES |
Release date(s) | |
Genre(s) | Puzzle |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Media/distribution | 1-megabit cartridge (Physical) |
Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos is a puzzle-oriented video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System created by Software Creations[1] and heavily influenced by Ultimate Play the Game's Knight Lore and Pentagram. Its theme music was scored by composer Tim Follin.[2]
Contents |
The plot of the game revolves around the titular Winter Solstice. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, Morbius the Malevolent kidnapped Eleanor of Arcadia in order to sacrifice her in a ritual to become the Evil Baron of Darkness [3]. Shadax, the wizard, having been present at the kidnapping [4] heads to the fortress Kâstleröck, Morbius' stronghold, in order to save Eleanor. Having researched the stronghold in the Library of Arcadia beforehand in an attempt to discover a means to overthrow Morbius,[5] Shadax both uncovered a secret entrance into Kâstleröck and the whereabouts of the Staff of Demnos, and ancient weapon with the power to defeat Morbius. The Staff was searched for by Morbius' spies, but was not found due to an enchantment which rendered it invisible [6][7]. Unbeknownst to Morbius, a legend tells of the staff being broken into 6 pieces in addition to being rendered invisible to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. However, every one hundred years on the Winter Solstice the spell is broken and all six pieces become visible.[8] The pieces of the staff were placed inside Kâstleröck because that was the place Morbius would least suspect.[9] Knowing a way in, Shadax breaks into Kâstleröck to reassemble the Staff of Demnos, save Princess Eleanor, and overthrow Morbius' forces of darkness[10]
The player must control a wizard by the name of Shadax and navigate through a maze of isometric 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.
A sequel to Solstice was released for the Super NES titled Equinox. A similar game was also made in 1991 for the Game Boy called Altered Space.