Hocus Pocus (computer game)
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| Hocus Pocus | |
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| Developer(s) | Moonlite Software |
| Publisher(s) | Apogee Software |
| Release date(s) | June 1, 1994 |
| Genre(s) | Side-scrolling platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | OFLC: G8+ |
| Platform(s) | MS-DOS |
| Media | floppy disk (1) |
| System requirements | IBM PC compatible, 585kB RAM |
| Input | Keyboard, Joystick |
Hocus Pocus is a side-scrolling platform video game developed by Moonlite Software and published by Apogee Software in 1994 for MS-DOS. It is a 256 color VGA game featuring 360 degree scrolling and parallaxing backgrounds. The first episode is distributed using the shareware system.
In the game, the player controls Hocus, a young wizard apprentice, sent on a quest by Terexin, leader of the Council of Wizards to prove his worthiness to join this council. To do this, Hocus has to beat 36 levels spread over 4 episodes, filled with over 30 different kinds of monsters, includings imps, ghosts, and dragons, and a boss at the end of each episode. Hocus can cast magic lightning bolts from his hands to kill his enemies. He also has to solve several puzzles along the way, and collect as many point items as he can.
To gain extra powers, Hocus can find magic potions to allow him to cast lightning bolts more rapidly, to jump higher, to teleport, and more.
[edit] Gameplay
The goal of this game is to move Hocus around the level, collecting all the crystal balls within the level. Hocus will encounter monsters which he may kill with his lightning bolt spell, or avoid. Within the levels there are also various items and treasure that Hocus can pick up for points or special abilities.
While Hocus does not have to pick up treasure or kill any monsters, the player is awarded bonus points if all treasure is collected, or if all monsters are killed in the level.
You also receive bonus points if you complete the level within a set time limit.
Hocus starts with 100% health and this percentage decreases as Hocus takes damage from monsters or their missiles. If this percentage reaches 0, Hocus dies and must restart the level.
[edit] Items
- Ruby - 100 Points
- Diamond - 250 Points
- Goblet - 500 Points
- Crown - 1000 Points
- Healing Potion - Restores health, but cannot be picked up if Hocus is at max health
- Lightning Bolt - Gives faster lightning bolt cast rate
- Laser Shot Potion - Gives a laser bolt attack with limited shots that kill monsters in one hit and passes through multiple enemies
- Rapid Fire Potion - Gives rapid fire with the lightning bolt spell for a short period
- Super Jump Potion - Allows for one really high jump, useful to access areas not normally reachable
- Teleport Potion - Teleports Hocus to a set location in the level, sometimes these are hidden and lead to secret areas
- Keys (silver and gold) - Open the silver and gold doors within the level
- Crystal Ball - A varying number of these, depending on the level, must all be collected to finish a level
Most levels have a secret room that may either be behind a hidden wall, or require a teleport potion to get there. A hologram of Terexin can be found in most levels. This hologram sometimes gives Hocus a hint to where the secret room may be found, but at other times it will taunt you instead. Sometimes teleport potions are hidden in walls or blocks that Hocus must shoot to find. When Hocus find a secret room, he will often be rewarded with large amounts of treasure and items.
