The Instruction Booklet
A Word from the Creators
Hey, all! I'm Turbochop, the programmer for Picovania!
I just wanted to offer my sincere thanks to you, the Player, for trying Picovania! It is the culmination of at least one year of work, beginning first as a proof of concept for Pico-8, followed by a hiatus once that platform quickly reached its limits, all the way to an 8-month-long development binge, leading to the final product.
I have learned SO much while making this game, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Picotron Community.
So, I say once more, Thank You All Sincerely for everything leading up to release day (March 7, 2025).
Enjoy, and I hope you have just as much fun playing the game as Cephaccino and I did creating it!
Happy whipping, Hunter!
Introduction
Every One Hundred Years...
Dracula's servants begin the rituals to resurrect their lord.
The people of Wallachia begin to mysteriously grow weaker, and the air takes on an acrid musk, reeking of fetor and decay.
Dracula's power grows stronger...
Every One Hundred Years...
Each time Dracula has risen from his grave, and each time the Belmont clan has answered the call and sent him back!
The cycle continues...
Dracula is alive - stronger than ever, and has begun unleashing his Night Creatures upon the people of Wallachia. His order shows no mercy, commanding to slaughter every man, woman, and Child, cutting them down as if they were threshed wheat....
The streets run Red with the blood of the innocent, the land Transformed into a hellish terror-scape where No one is safe!
The task falls on Simon Belmont, the fifth Belmont of House Belmont, armed with the sacred Vampire Killer whip, to brave the hallways, abominations and crypts of the Creature of Chaos that is Picovania, and put an end to Dracula's designs once again.
Steel thyself, Vampire Hunter, for this is a task most monumental. You will need all of your wits and cunning to emerge Triumphant and save Wallachia - or Die trying.
Setting Up Picotron
If you're reading this, then playing Picovania is as simple as clicking the Play Button at the top of the page!
However, if you wish to play the game outside the BBS, then some Setup is required.
Note:
This explanation will assume you are on a PC running the latest windows, but the general steps should be similar:
Go to your download page in lexaloffle.com and be sure to download the latest version of Picotron for your platform of choice.
Once downloaded, locate the Installer and double click it to begin the Installation Process for Picotron. Once finished it will place an icon on your desktop, which you can then Double-click to Launch Picotron itself.
Once Picotron is open, Right-Click on the Picotron desktop and select Open Host OS Folder.
This will open the Storage Location for Picotron on your PC.
Picotron cartridges are stored as picture files called a PNG. While on the BBS Page for the game, you can click Cart, located in the lower left corner of the game screen to get an up to adte copy of the cart. You can Drag the PNG to your desired location, or Right-Click on the Cart Image and select Save Image As.
Once you have the file on your PC, simply Drag it to the Picotron folder that was opened.
An Icon for the game will then appear on the Picotron Desktop!
Double-Click this icon to play Picovania!
Controls
Note:
These controls assume the Default Control Scheme is used.
In Menus:
-
The D-Pad
- Press ⬅️ and ➡️ to Choose your preferred Save Location while in File Select mode (See below), or to move your cursor in Name Entry mode (See below).
- Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ to select an Option or File in File Select mode, or to move your cursor in Name Entry mode.
-
The Start Button (Unused)
-
The ❎ Button
- Confirm the Selected Choice
- The 🅾️ Button
- Move Back to the previous screen.
Note:
You cannot Back out of Name Entry or Confirmation screens. Instead, the appropriate menu items Must be used to exit these screens.
Hold The 🅾️ Button While on the Title Screen to Exit the game.
Note: You Cannot Exit while playing the game from the BBS
In-Game:
- The D-Pad
- Press ⬅️ and ➡️ to move Simon left or right
- Press ⬇️ to make Simon Duck
- Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ while in front of Stairs...
Simon will begin Climbing
- The Start Button
- While Paused, Press Again to Resume
- The Pause screen allows you to Swap the controls for Jumping and Whipping and by pressing ❎
- The ❎ Button
- Can be Combined with ⬅️ and ➡️ to make Simon leap to the Left or the Right
- The 🅾️ Button
- Press ⬆️ on the D-Pad and then press 🅾️ to throw a Sub-Weapon (See Below: Sub-Weapons)
- Simon can use Sub-Weapons while Jumping**
Note: Simon Cannot throw Sub-Weapons while Ducking
Starting a Game
When the game is launched, you will be greeted with the Title Screen...
Press The ❎ Button to Start the game. This will bring you to the File Select Screen where you may choose your Save file, Copy a Save File or Delete a Save Sile
(See Below to learn more about Copying and Deleting files)
Note:
While on the File Select, Delete a Game or Copy a Game screens, press ⬅️ and ➡️ to select your preferred Save Location, either on the Cart itself, or in the Appdata folder in Picotron.
Important:
Saves on the Cart will remain On That Cart Only. This means that if there is an Update, and you Download a New Cart, The save file Will Not come with it. Be sure to Backup your save games!
Beginning a New Game
To begin a New Game, select the Save Slot you prefer with D-Pad ⬆️ and ⬇️, and press ❎ to Confirm. You will be taken to the Name Entry screen.
Use the D-Pad and ❎ To type in your Name, up to a Maximum of 8 characters. Select End when you have finished typing to Submit the name to your chosen Save Slot.
Note: The name SIMON is provided by default, but if you wish to enter your own simply begin Typing and it will be Cleared automatically.
Loading a Game
To Load a saved game, use ⬆️ and ⬇️ on the D-Pad to highlight a save slot with a Name and press
❎ to Resume play on the last level you reached.
Note: Progress through a Door is Not saved.
Copying a Game
If you wish to Copy a save file to another slot, use ⬆️ and ⬇️ on the D-Pad to highlight the Save Slot you wish to Copy and press ❎ to Select it.
Now select a Destination for the Save Game. If a save Game already Exists in the Destination Slot, you will be prompted to Confirm that you wish to Overwrite It.
Caution:
Once a save file is overwritten it Cannot be recovered!
Deleting a Game
Use ⬆️ and ⬇️ on the D-Pad to highlight a save slot with a Name and press ❎ to Select it. You will be prompted to Confirm that you wish to Delete the File.
WARNING:
Deleting a save file is PERMANENT. Be Careful when Deleting Save games!
How to Play
Note: See above for In game Controls.
The objective of Picovania is to traverse the Six Levels of Dracula's Castle to ultimately face off against the Count himself.
However, this task will Not be Easy...
The castle is Teeming with untold horrors and abominations. That's not to mention that Picovania Itself is in a Dire State of disrepair, with Crumbling Stairways, fallen out floor, and even Bizarre architecture. If that wasn't Enough, Each area of the castle is overseen by a Powerful Guardian who blocks access to the path forward.
Thankfully, Simon is very Resourceful, and the tools to Succeed can easily be located, If one knows where to Look.
But... Will it be Enough?
Note: The game is Saved after collecting the Orb.
If you wish to Quit Playing, be sure this Notification has appeared Before closing Picovania
The Action Screen:
This will serve as your Main View while exploring the innards of Picovania
Player
Simon Belmont himself, and the character the player Controls
Player Health
Simon's Stamina Gauge. Taking hits from Enemies will Decrease this gauge, and if it reaches Zero Simon will Lose a Life!
Time Remaining
Simon has a Limited amount of Time to travel each area of Picovania. If the time reaches Zero, Simon will Lose a Life!
Lives Remaining
The number of Chances Simon has to Complete an Area. When a life is Lost, Simon will be sent back to the Last Door he entered, or the Beginning of the current Level if no doors have yet been found. If Simon's lives reaches Zero and he dies again, The Game is Over** (See Below)
Player Score
Simon's total plundered Riches! Score is earned by defeating Monsters and snapping up Treasure and Money bags. The first **30000 Points* will grant Simon an Extra Life, as well as Every 50000 Points After That, so be sure to grab as much Treasure as you can carry and destroy every Monster** you see!
Ammo Remaining
Simon's reserve of Sub-Weapons (See Below). This is replenished by collecting hearts. Small hearts are worth One while big hearts are worth Five.
Current Stage
The area of Picovania Simon is currently exploring. Each area is separated by a large Door.
Multi Shot
Simon's Shot Multiplier. Collect The Multi-Stones (See Below) to be able to throw two or three Sub_Weapons at the same time!
Boss Health
The Stamina Gauge for the current area's Guardian. This gauge Must be depleted, and the Guardians Orb collected (See Below), before a Level can be cleared.
Game Over
If Simon loses all of his Lives, the Game is Over.
Use ⬆️ and ⬇️ on the D-Pad to move the Cursor and press ❎ to Confirm.
Sub-Weapons
A vampire hunter is only as good as his Arsenal, and luckily Simon came Prepared. Collect plenty of Hearts to keep your stock supplied.
Note: Hold ⬆️ on the D-Pad and then press 🅾️ to throw a Sub-Weapon
Knife
Ammo cost: 1
Flies straight when thrown. Low damage and is Destroyed when it hits its mark.
Axe
Ammo cost: 1
Flies in a High Arc, but a short range. Good for taking out enemies that are High Above
Holy Water
Ammo cost: 1
A glass vial that is thrown to the floor in front of Simon, where it will smash and Burn for a moment. Any enemies caught in the flames will take Considerable Damage!
Cross
Ammo cost: 1
Travels in a Straight line across the screen, damaging enemies as it goes before returning to Simon to Hit Them Again!
Stopwatch
Ammo cost: 5
A magical time piece that, when activated, Stops Time for about 3 Seconds and freezes all enemies where they stand, completely at your mercy.
Note: More Powerful enemies are Immune to the effects of the Stopwatch, so use Caution
Items
Picovania is loaded chock full of supplies Simon can utilize. He just needs to Find them...
Destroy Candles To stock up on Supplies
Hearts
Pick them up to replenish your Ammo. Small Hearts are worth one, while Big Hearts are worth Five
Morning Star
Simon's most important weapon. Grab these to Upgrade Simon's whip, the Vampire Killer
The whip can be upgraded twice. The first upgrade transforms the rope to a Chain, and the second extends its Length
The Orb
Dropped by the level's Guardian upon Defeat, collect the Orb to Replenish Simon's health and Finish the Level
Money Bags
Snatch these to increase your Score!
- Red Money Bags are worth 100 Points
- White Money Bags are worth 500 points
- Blue Money Bags are worth 700 Points
Multi Shot
This item will increase your Firepower. The Double Shot (Blue) will allow you to throw Two Sub-Weapons at once, and with the Triple Shot (Red), you can throw up to Three at a Time!
Note: If Simon collects a Different sub-weapon from the one he currently has equipped, his Multi Shot will
be lost as well.
Pork Chop
Simon can eat one to regain Six points of Stamina. They tend to be well hidden, however...
Potion
Collecting one of these will allow Simon to Pass Through enemies unharmed for a short time
Rosary
This sacred artifact is blessed with incredible holy Power. One touch from Simon will Smite all enemies onscreen, instantly Destroying them!
There are many other items and treasures to be found within Picovania. Can you find them All?
Enemies
Dracula has conjured all manner of horrible Creatures and Ghouls to *Thwart Simon's progress. Here is only a few of them...
Vampire Bats
These little blood suckers will eagerly swoop in to sample the latest cuisine: Simon. Don't let 'em!
Zombies
Slow moving re-animated Corpses. They are dispatched easily, but their Numbers make them a nuisance.
Fishmen
Dwelling in the murky depths, these demons will Erupt from the water to try and Surprise Simon. It's a good thing Simon has a few surprises of his **Own!
Medusa Heads
Fly in a Wave-Like pattern, are hard to hit, and there are a lot of them. Don't get too comfortable when they're around.
Fleamen
Small, Imp-Like beast that jump around erratically and try to Outmaneuver Simon. The sooner they're gone the **Better!
Skeletons
Surprisingly nimble, these guys won't hesitate to clobber Simon with the bones they throw.
Axe Knights
Well fed, Big and Slow. They like to Keep Their Distance as they hurl Axes at Simon. They won't go down easy.
And many, Many More!
Levels
Picovania is host to a rather Diverse spread of interior designs and architectures, Simon must brave them All to reach Dracula's Keep and shove him back into a Coffin where he Belongs.
Level 1: The Castle Entrance
The Main Hall of Picovania, this area is littered with Zombies and Panthers who will easily trip Simon up
Level 2: The Chapel
Don't let the name fool you, as this place is anything But holy. Guarded by Draculas Knights and Medusa Heads. May his whip strike true!
Level 3: Exterior and Castle Walls
The only way through is Around, it seems. Skeletons will make Simon's life Miserable if the local Fauna don't do him in first. Watch your step...
Level 4: The Caves and Courtyard
A long fall down a deep chasm lands Simon here, in the domain of the Fishmen. Suprise encounters, and unsteady footing Abound in this dark, dank abyss. Then, you must cross the Courtyard to reach The Castle Proper. Don't think Simon will just breeze through; Dracula's minion will be expecting him.
Level 5: The Dungeons and Laboratory
Many have perished at the hands of Dracula, and Many of them are now coming for Simon! He must trek through the Bones and Chains to reach the Laboratory, where experiments gone wrong still linger. The very Elite are stationed here, and they will fight Fang and Claw to stop Simon in his tracks!
Level 6: the Aqueducts, Clock Tower and Dracula's Keep
The final stretch! Perilous Pathways guarded by enormous Phantom Bats lead to the inside of the Clock Tower, where machinery in decades of disuse shelter all manner of Wretched Monstrosities make their final stand between Simon and his final goal. Then it's a flight of stairs to Finally put an end to Dracula's Terror... At least for another Hundred Years
Tips
This journey will *Not be an easy one. Everything will fight against you, from Dracula's Armys to the The Castle's Architecture itself. But Don't Give Up! The people of Wallachia are counting on you! Here are some tips and tricks, pulled from the very Belmont Family Library** itself.
Secrets
Picovania has Loads of hidden Nooks and Crannys. If you kneel in the right place, or walk into the right wall, or stand in the right spot and wait, you're Bound to uncover a hidden treasure. Always be ready to sniff them out! Treasure means Points, and points mean Lives**
Breakable walls
Some walls are hollow, and hold much valued treasure, or even a Pork Chop! Be sure to check walls often, as you Never Know when you may stumble onto a Life Saving item!
Sub-Weapons
Every sub-weapon has a Use! The Right Sub-Weapon in the Right Situation can mean the difference between life and **Death!
Bosses
Every boss is Formidable, but they All have certain Weaknesses that can be Exploited. Find them, and Persevere!
Don't Give Up
The Bowels of Picovania are Not for the faint of heart.
You Will die!
But, with every Failure comes valuable Lessons. Learn from them, and Practice!
