Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship

Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship
Developers: Zippo Games, Rare Publishers: Tradewest (US), Nintendo (Europe) Platforms: NES, Arcade (PlayChoice-10) Released in US: September 1990 Released in EU: September 26, 1991 This game has unused areas. This game has unused graphics. This game has unused items. This game has regional differences. This game has a Data Crystal page

Solar Jetman is a Gravitar-esque space exploration/shooter and the sequel to Lunar Jetman, an Ultimate Play The Game title on the ZX Spectrum.

To do: "ZIPPO!" is used as the reset string

Unused Graphics

Alternate fuel/weapon meter parts, loaded into the other CHR-RAM bank and not animated like the ones that are used. Note that the entire number font is also loaded into this bank but actually overwritten.

Preludon Map

Normally, the earliest the player can obtain a Mapping Device is as of Planet 2, Mexomorf. However, a map of Planet 1, Preludon, exists and can be accessed by using a password that gives a Mapping Device early (such as KBBKBBDBDGBB).

Since the entire planet is roughly the size of 25% of the map screen, it's a little buggy and displays twice horizontally, but the map is otherwise accurate. It even shows all the items and wormholes (including the one for the optional bonus stage) if the player has a Super Mapping Device.

Unused Planet

A fourteenth planet, "Dryn Kup Leez", was apparently planned at one point. Enter the Game Genie code IASSTU or the password KBHNBBDBKLBB to see it. Unfortunately, no data exists for the planet, so the player will spawn in Preludon's Golden Warpship Part area and instantly warp to the Cyber Zone.

Regional Differences

The European version adds this additional screen after the initial copyrights screen, featuring the name of Rare's predecessor who also distributed the first two games in the Jetman series.