Collection essentials #97: Fire ‘n Ice / Solomon’s Key 2 (NES)

This is another example of where I bought the cheaper Japanese version of a game since the American release is so expensive. There’s a pretty significant difference between the two, as the Japanese version has a battery backup for saved games while the American release uses passwords instead. There are pros and cons to either.

Solomon’s Key 1 was a good action platformer on the NES that I really considered adding to this list but eventually decided against it. For the sequel, they decided to go for something very different. In fact, from seeing the American release, you may not even know it’s a sequel since they took that name out of the title. This time around, the name of the game is solving puzzles rather than engaging in combat with enemies. There are balls of flame in each level, and you need to use your ice-making powers to eliminate them all. Succeeding in this game depends on knowing how your ice powers work so all your options in a given level are clear. 

This game strikes a wonderful balance of having mechanics and levels that are complex enough to be challenging, but not SO much that you’re going to hit a brick wall, completely unable to progress without consulting a guide. The mechanics are fun, and you really feel awesome when you finally solve a tough level. 

This game can be played for free if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, and that’s arguably the best way to experience this game, since doing so gives you “save state” and rewind features that are really convenient in a game like this without feeling like cheating. So if you’re a subscriber and haven’t played Fire ‘n Ice, go and try out one of the best NES games that tends to fly under the radar!