Catalog of Justin
Andrew Mason’s Solstice Collection
Document most recent updated
Wednesday, January 25, 2020 @ 2:22 AM CST.
Note: Green highlight
indicate items added to collection during the most recent update.
Total Number of Items in Collection (including duplicates): 104
(35 Official Solstice items, 41 Editorials &
Publications, 10 Unlicensed items, 15 related “Other” items, and 7 “Self-Made”
items)
For more information about this collection, the “Solstice Historical Project”, or the upcoming Solstice Virtual Museum website, check out the following links:
· The Project Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/StaffOfDemnos/
· Justin’s Personal Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/justin.andrew.mason
· Forum conversation at NintendoAge.com – http://nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=173327
Official Solstice Items
added to this collection:
1.
Solstice (Version 4.0) Prototype Cartridge /w affixed CSG Imagesoft Inc. business card. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by
the VGA. (Unfortunately they have stopped grading/authenticating prototype
cartridges as a service).
FACTORY SEALED CARTS à
2. [VGA 80+ NM Silver] Solstice NIB [North American NES release] {NES-LX-USA} (Factory Sealed). This has been graded (80+ NM) and sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
3. [VGA 85+ NM+ Gold] Solstice NIB [North American NES release] {NES-LX-USA} (Factory Sealed). This has been graded (85+ NM) and sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
4. [WATA 9.6 +A] Solstice NIB [North American NES release] {NES-LX-USA} (Factory Sealed). This has been graded 9.6 +A by WATA and sealed in a protective case by WATA Games.
5. [VGA 80+ NM Silver] Solstice NIB [Italian NES release] {NES-LX-ITA} (Factory Sealed/Intact Circle Seal). This has been graded (80+ NM) and sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
6. [VGA 80+ NM
Silver] Solstice NIB [French NES release] {NES-LX-FRA} (Factory
Sealed/Intact Circle Seal). This has been graded (80+ NM) and sealed
in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
7. Solstice Player’s Pak (Complete: (1) Video8 (8MM) tape of "The Making of Solstice" [with case and insert], (3) double-sided Player Score Cards, (2) Solstice Cover Art Stickers, (1) Solstice Cover Art Card, (2) Solstice "Final Room" Stickers, (2) Solstice "Final Room" cards).
8. Never-Before-Folded Artist’s Proof of Solstice Game Box w/ Insert Poster (mint condition), provided by original Solstice artist Mike Winterbauer from his personal collection.
9. 20 x 16 Archival Quality Poster Print of Solstice box art, signed by artist. Provided by original Solstice Artist Mike Winterbauer.
10. 16 x 12 Giclee Canvas Print of Solstice box art, signed by artist. Provided by original Solstice Artist Mike Winterbauer.
11. 10 x 8 Print of original Color Comp of the final Solstice Art by Mike Winterbauer. Provided by original Solstice Artist Mike Winterbauer.
12. Signed print of “Classic Game Covers: Confessions of An Art Junkie” by Mike Winterbauer; contains section detailing how he created the Solstice box art. Note: I also have a stored, complete archival original copy of the book. Also includes original copies of promotional materials used by Mr. Winterbauer during this era when he created so many of the beloved game cover/box art for archival purposes.
13. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): “Quest for the Staff of Demos [sic]” ad from the October 1990 issue of “Games & Computer Entertainment” magazine. Note: I also have a stored, complete archival original copy of the magazine.
14. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): “Player’s Pak Promo” ad from “Game Players” magazine Vol 2. Issue #9. September 1990.
15. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): “Nintendo Master’s Challenge” ad from “Video Games & Computer Entertainment” magazine April 1991.
16. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): “Super Dodge Ball w/ Solstice Announcement” ad from “Game Player’s” magazine. February 1990.
17. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): “Kelly Nickels (L.A. Guns) Solstice Promo” ad from November 1990 RIP magazine.
18. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): The Legend of Kastlerock Poem promotional flyer from 1990. This copy is from the private collection of Mike Winterbauer and has been signed.
19. Solstice Advertisement (Original, Removed, Framed): Japan Famicon Ad (2 Page Spread) from 1990 issue of unknown Japanese gaming magazine.
20. Solstice Promo on Dragon’s Lair Poster Small promo located on folded Dragon’s Lair poster that came with the original US-release of Dragon’s Lair on NES.
21. Solstice CIB [North American NES release] {NES-LX-USA}. I have several of these for display purposes.
22. Solstice CIB [UK NES release] {NES-LX-UKV}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
23. Solstice CIB [France NES release] {NES-LX-FRA}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
24. Solstice CIB [Spain NES release] {NES-LX-ESP}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
25. Solstice CIB [Scandinavian NES release] {NES-LX-SCN}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
26. Solstice CIB (Germany “Nintendo of Europe” NES release] {NES-LX-NOE}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
27. Solstice CIB (Italy NES release] {NES-LX-ITA}. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
28. Solstice CIB [Australian NES release] {NES-LX-GBR} This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
29. Y YAPON VIDEOSPEL Scandinavian Rental box for Solstice (CIB) – These were the only hard-shell rental boxes created by Nintendo and are considered licensed game boxes.
30.
Funcoland Complete Solstice A sales example from the U.S. chain “Funconland”
(Later became GameStop) includes the following items: blue Funcoland
dust cover, Solstice NA NES cartridge, Funco
instruction card for Solstice, Receipt of Solstice game purchase from Funcoland.
31.
Sealed GameTraders Blister – From a Kmart (price tag attached) this is a sealed
hard-case blister pack with integrated hanger tab containing the game Solstice and
instruction manual packaged by the company GameTraders
who retailed previously played games.
32. Solstice CIB (Japan Famicom release] This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA. I also have an acrylic-cased loose cartridge for display purposes.
33. Solstice (Japan Famicom release) Cartridge stowed in contemporary official Famicom-branded case.
34. Solstice [Famicom] Japanese promotion poster featuring cover art (Framed). This is the same poster that is included with the instruction manual printed on the back that comes inside the original Famicom copies of the game.
35. Solstice VidPro Shelf Card Promotional Store Display from Toys-R-Us (4” x 6” cardstock). These were the cards on the Video Game shelves that could be flipped to read the back of the game boxes.
Contemporary publications and editorials included in the
collection:
36. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo PowerFest 1990: Insider’s Guide to the Powerfest)
37.
(x2) Solstice Editorial (Nintendo World Championships 1990:
Insider’s Guide to the NWC) Note: the editorial found here is
identical to the one in the Powerfest 1990 Insider’s Guide.
Note: second copy was accompanied with a
DVD ripped from VHS of owner’s original camcorder-footage of the 1990 Power
Fest + Power Walk; only 9-minutes of footage
38. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo Power July/August 1990) Feature in Nintendo Power (Framed Spread).
39. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo Power March/April 1990). “Pak Watch Preview” & “NES Planner”.
40. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo Power May/June 1990) “NES Planner”.
41. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo Power July/August 1990) “NES Planner”.
42. Solstice Editorial (Nintendo Power Nov/Dec 1990) “Classified Information”.
43. Solstice Editorial (Electronic Gaming Monthly #9 April 1990) “CES Preview of Solstice”.
44. Solstice Editorial (Electronic Gaming Monthly #10 May 1990) Content
45. Solstice Editorial (Electronic Gaming Monthly #13 August 1990) “Review Crew”.
46. Solstice Editorial(Electronic Gaming Monthly #15; October 1990) Content
47. Solstice Editorial (Game Players May 1990; Vol 2; #5) Listed in Ultimate Game Club Mailorder
48. Solstice Editorial (Game Players August 1990; Vol 2; #8) CES coverage in Game News.
49. Solstice Editorial (Game Players September 1990; Vol 2; #9) Review w/ Screenshots.
50. Solstice Editorial (Game Player’s July 1990; Vol 2; #7) Content
51. Solstice Editorial (Game Player’s November 1990; Vol 2; #1) Content
52. Solstice Editorial (Game Players Encyclopedia of Nintendo Games; Vol 4) Mapping Guide
53. Solstice Editorial (Game Players Strategy Guide to Nintendo Games) (Vol. 3, No. 4; July 1990)
54. Solstice Editorial (Game Pro September 1990) “Pronews Report”.
55. Solstice Editorial (Game Pro July 1990) “Pro Shorts Review”.
56. Solstice Editorial (Computer and Video Games Magazine, Issue #116; July 1991) Content
57. Solstice Editorial (Club Nintendo Magazine, Volume 3, Issue #4; Solstice Cover) Solstice featured on cover, featured review.
58. Solstice Editorial (Club Nintendo Magazine [French Version], Volume 3, Issue #4; Solstice Cover) Solstice featured on cover, featured review.
59. Solstice Editorial (Club Nintendo Magazine [Dutch Version], Volume 3, Issue #4; Solstice Cover) Solstice featured on cover, featured review.
60. Solstice Editorial (Club Nintendo Magazine [German Version], Volume 3, Issue #4; Solstice Cover) Solstice featured on cover, featured review.
61. Solstice Editorial (The Official 1990 “World of Nintendo” Buyer’s Guide) Solstice Review
62. Solstice Editorial (Mean Machines (Issue #9; June 1991)] Solstice Review
63. Solstice Editorial [Power Play (September 1991)] German Magazine) Content
64.
Solstice Editorial [Total! (Issue #1; January 1992)] (UK Magazine) Solstice Review Solstice Review
65.
Solstice Editorial [Total! (Issue #24;May 1995;German) Solstice
Editorial in German. (Clear game boy cover)
66.
Solstice Editorial [Retro Gamer; Issue #122]
Interview with Software Creations; mention of Solstice
67.
Solstice Editorial [Nintendo Lehti;
Issue #2;Finnish] Solstice Editorial in Finnish Language
68.
Solstice Editorial
[RAZE (Issue #12; October 1991) (UK Magazine) Solstice Review
69.
Solstice Editorial
[EDGE (Issue #181; November 2007) (UK Magazine) Interview with Mark Wilson about Solstice
70. Future Play Magazine/Catalog [Solstice Cover] (August 1990)
71. CSG Imagesoft Player News (Issue #2) – The “Solstice Announcement” issues of the official 1989 newsletter from CSG Imagesoft.
72. CSG Imagesoft Player News (Issue #3) – The “Solstice Premiere” issue of the official 1990 newsletter from CSG Imagesoft.
73. Copy of US Trademark Papers first used in commerce on 06-02-1990, the trademark for Solstice (Reg. No 1,678,126) was filed on March 3, 1992.
74.
Solstice Advertisement: 1990 Toys-R-Us Radio Nintendo
Sale Ad with Solstice Mention – On
7-inch reel tape, this is an original Toys R Us radio commercial from September
of 1990 on reel-to-reel tape. I will eventually pay to have it professional
digitized so I can share it on the internet.
The following are unlicensed or unofficial items included in this
collection:
75. [UNLICENSED] 10 x 8 Archive Quality Canvas Print of 1990 CES Solstice flyer (front only). This is an unlicensed reproduction, and will serve as a place holder until I can obtain a copy of the original document.
76. [UNLICENSED] 3” Solstice Metal Magnet (German version of cover art). This piece is not contemporary, but has been added to the collection as an example of modern nostalgic (unlicensed) merchandise.
77. [UNLICENSED] 23” x 16.4” Poster Map of Kastlerock created by Guillaume Saint-Amant (23” x 16.4” poster print). Print purchased from RedBubble. This map is really beautiful.
78. [UNLICENSED] Solstice T-Shirt w/ Intro Screen Graphic (Framed in T-Shirt Display Frame) purchased from NerdFuel on Etsy.
79. [UNLICENSED] (5) [+1 Bonus piece] Original Solstice Fan Art Commissions from artist S. Jackson (Note: When I saw her drawings of Shadax, I immediately knew that I wanted to add her work to the collection as an example of modern fan art and the longevity of the Solstice fan base. Luckily, she was available for a few commissions this month).
80. [UNLICENSED] Hard-Shell Plastic “Solstice” Game Box Replacement
81. [UNLICENSED] Felted Wizards Hat (Size 10) hand-crafted hat based on Shadax’s hat by artisan-commission from Olga of Pecorelle in the Valchiusella Valley in the Italian Alps.
82. [UNLICENSED] 8.5 x 11 “Movie Poster” print for the fan-made parody film “Solstice: The Movie” by Gamegazm
83. [UNLICENSED] 16.4 x 21.5” Solstice Intro Screen Poster Print ordered from RedBubble.
84.
[UNLICENSED] Professionally printed “instruction card”
that was used as an insert with contemporary rental copies of Solstice (unknown specific origin)
The following are creative representations that I crafted
specifically to be included in this collection:
85. [MADE BY ME] Solstice Themed Modded Nintendo Entertainment System with modified green LED and “Solstice Theme” sound chip installation.
86. [MADE BY ME] Solstice Themed Modded NES Advantage Controller
87. [MADE BY ME] Modded NES-LX-USA Solstice Cartridge painted with the same sparkling purple pain as the modded NES and Advantage to be included as a part of the set.
88. [MADE BY ME] (3) Glass potion bottles with colored translucent black-light reactive acrylic “liquid”.
89. [MADE BY ME] The Staff of Demnos life-size replica with LED-powered transitioning color orb.
90. [MADE BY ME] 4 ft. x 8 ft. Themed Display Case – The purple/blue wooden display case is 9” deep, and large enough to house this entire collection. It’s outfitted with LED strip lights and sturdy sliding/lockable polycarbonate (Plexiglas) doors. The interior is treated with vinyl “dungeon brick” overlay. As of November 2018, the Solstice collection has vastly outgrown this huge display case. Items are now stacked within 2-3 layers deep.
91.
[MADE BY ME] Three 32mm 3D-Printed Miniatures including
miniatures for Shadax, Eleanor, and Morbius. Created using Hero Forge custom
miniatures.
The following non-Solstice items included in this collection due to
their relevancy:
92. [OTHER] Solstice II CIB (Japan Super Famicom Release). Japanese sequel to Solstice. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA.
93. [OTHER] Solstice II Guidebook (Japan Super Famicom Releaes; Japanese Language). Official Japanese strategy guide for Solstice II.
94. [OTHER] Equinox {Solstice II} (US SNES Release) Factory Sealed. US release of the sequel to Solstice. This has been sealed in a UV-resistant case by the VGA. Considering having graded.
95. [OTHER] Equinox (PAL SNES Release). CIB PAL release of the sequel to Solstice.
96. [OTHER] Equinox PAL-Version Art Poster (x2). Originally from Total! Magazine. One slightly damaged, one in good condition.
97.
[OTHER] Equinox (Solstice II) VidPro Shelf Card
Promotional Store Display from Toys-R-Us (4” x 6” cardstock). These
were the cards on the Video Game shelves that could be flipped to read the back
of the game boxes.
[OTHER]
Unlicensed Hard-Shell Plastic “Equinox” Game Box Replacement
98. [OTHER] Lumo (Factory Sealed) for PS4 (by Triple Eh? Ltd. Studio). This fun modern game (2017) is a direct play off of nostalgia for Solstice (and other isometric games of the era). The main character, Lumo, even dresses as Shadax, and the game description all but names Solstice in title as the primary inspiration.
99. [OTHER] 1994 Sony World of Gaming Pin Set. A set of lapel pins including the Sonly Imagesoft Logo as well various Imagesoft Games: Mickey Mania (game), Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein (game), Psygnosis (creators of the PS Dev Kits for the 1995 PlayStation release), and ESPN (logo) all on cardstock backing that reads “World of Gaming” with the Imagesoft logo.
100. [OTHER] Original 1994 Sony Imagesoft Merchandising Window Decal (Unused)
101. [OTHER] Joypad Magazine #29 March 1994. Equinox (Solstice II) Cover & Feature Editorial.
ITEMS I AM STILL SEARCHING OUT FOR THIS COLLECTION
1. Original Cover/Box Art Paintings that were composite for cover/box art by Mike Winterbauer. These two paintings were sold into a private collection in 2012. I would love the opportunity to purchase them.
2. Original Color Comp Sketch for the cover art done by Mike Winterbauer. This was sold via auction on eBay to a private collector in 2014. I would love the opportunity to purchase it.
3. NWC
Powerwalk Solstice Demo Cartridge (The original owner of this cartridge has sold it via auction
on Nintendoage.com forums. The selling price was $2,000 USD. Unfortunately,
the cartridge’s association with the NWC increased its value beyond my reasonable
budget. It’s unlikely I’ll be able to ever afford to add this to the
collection.)
4. Other Documented Prototype/Demo Carts for Solstice.
5. 1990 CES Handout/Flyer/Handbill/Sellsheet. I have a canvas print reproduction of this in the collection currently, but I would love to replace that with a framed version of the original. This flyer utilized the pre-release art (w/ reclining Princess Eleanor) before the official cover/box design was commissioned.
6. Solstice Hints Section from Official Nintendo Game Play Counselor’s Binder this binders were provided to game counselors and were referenced when answering calls about specific games. There is a section included in these binders covering Solstice. A set of these binders went up on eBay late in 2017 for $2,500. While the collection is worth it, and I seriously considered it, I could not justify paying that price point for the few “Solstice-related” pages that were my only interest.
7. L.A. Guns “Kelly Nickels” “Solstice/Cocked & Loaded Album” Cross-Promotion Poster (24” x 36”) I have contacted original seller in hopes of getting lead on buyer. No reply.
8. Official original intra-office documents of the era (any sort) referring to Solstice including conceptual, development, production, or promotion. (Example: the collection has a CSG Imagesoft business card from the era)
9. Blister-pack (sealed) version of FRA PAL NES Solstice Cartridge.
10. Factory-Sealed NIB Solstice for non-North American releases. I have all nine regional releases of Solstice in great CIB condition, but would be interested in obtaining additionally factory sealed near mint copies; particularly non NA versions.
11. Absolutely anything else officially related to Solstice not mentioned in the above lists. I’m sure there are items that I don’t even know to be looking for. If you know of something not on one of these lists (even if you don’t own it yourself), please let me know. I hope to make this collection as complete as possible.
12.
I am also needing the following magazines for their
editorial references to Solstice.
• Joypad (French Magazine; Issue #1;
October 1991; PC Kid II
“Fighting” Cover | View)
• Video Games (German Magazine;
September 1991; Simpsons Cover
| View)
• VideoGame (Portuguese
Magazine; Issue #2, April 1991; Megaman
&Rush Cover | View)
• Nintendo-Magasinet (Swedish Magazine; September 1991; Mario
with Wrench Cover | View)*
*Note: I now the
Finnish language version of this magazine, but still need the Swedish version.
13. Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library (2016 Hardcover Book by Pat Contri;Punk Effect Publishing)
14. And, final item on the list: I would love to have the opportunity to have a copy of Solstice signed by the Software Creations development team (Mike Webb, Mark Wilson, Tim Follin, and Richard Kay). I will happily cover shipping, return shipping, insurance, and pay top-dollar for their time; if anyone has any connections that could help pull it off. It would make a fantastic finish to this historic preservation project.
False Leads –
This section notes false leads that I have followed up on with additional
research.
• Jell-O / Nintendo World Championship
“TIP” card promo for Solstice. These were tip cards printed on the inside of
Jell-O Gelatin Pops boxes that could be cut out and saved. Each card included
three tips. There are a confirmed three cards in the series for Solstice for a
total of nine tips.After investing substantial time and research into locating the 1990
Solstice Jell-O pudding pops / gelatin pops Nintendo tip cards, I discovered
that they never existed to begin with. Despite multiple leads, I found no one
who had actually ever seen them, and then via process of elimination, proved
they do not exist. The details of this research and resulting clarification can
be found here
on the Nintendo Age forum. An image of the actual 1990
Jell-O Nintendo Power Playing Tips Cards can be seen here.
