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hocus

PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Android • 2015

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Quick resume

perspective illusion puzzle based on M.C. Escher drawings and impossible shapes

Global score

91/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique escher-inspired puzzles
    • Minimalist and relaxing design
    • Level editor and user-generated content
    • Low price and good value
    • Accessible controls and short levels

    Cons

    • Lack of narrative or story
    • Some difficulty inconsistency
    • Mobile port limitations (screen scaling, no exit button)
    • Limited sensory variety
    • No multiplayer or social features

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fantasy, Violence, Story, Thrill. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Survival, Story.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players freely decide cube movement direction and solve puzzles with no forced routines."

    • Competence
      3

      "Puzzles require spatial reasoning and problem solving with increasing complexity."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on individual puzzle solving without competitive or ranked elements."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players engage in multiple short puzzle sessions; some find it addictive, others stop after completion."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Includes a level editor allowing players to create and share custom puzzles."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of dominance or power over others; purely individual puzzle play."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Relaxing music and minimalistic design provide a calming escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for intellectual challenge and enjoyment, not obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players explore puzzle solutions and experiment with spatial illusions and level editor."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Players discover new puzzle configurations and navigate complex impossible shapes."

    • Expression
      2

      "Customization mainly via level editor; no character or avatar personalization."

    • Fantasy
      1

      "Game involves abstract, impossible geometry but no narrative or fictional world."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Minimal social interaction; primarily solo puzzle solving."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop spatial reasoning and puzzle-solving skills over time."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not a background or idle game."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building elements."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management features."

    • Progression
      3

      "Progression through increasingly complex puzzles and unlocking new levels."

    • Relaxation
      4

      "Calming music and minimalist visuals promote relaxation and flow."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Visual illusions and soothing audio provide moderate sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or status systems present."

    • Story
      -5

      "No narrative or story elements; purely puzzle-focused."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Requires planning and logical thinking to navigate impossible shapes."

    • Thrill
      -3

      "Low risk, calm puzzle solving without suspense or tension."

    • Value
      4

      "Highly praised for low price and good content value."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No violence; gameplay is constructive and contemplative."

    • Survival
      -5

      "No survival or failure avoidance mechanics."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026