Update: I've uploaded the GIFs to Abload.de. Hopefully, mobile users can see them now.
Something I love is when games pay attention to their User Interface. I appreciate it very much when a game makes that extra effort to present the player with UI that isn't just functional but also looks good and animates well. Extra points if your UI merges with the game's world effectively.
One of my favourite examples of great UI design is Shin Megami Tensei IV—specifically your COMP (a gauntlet the main character wears on his arm) that contains an AI, sort of like Cortana from the Halo games.
The COMP functions like an Augmented Reality personal assistant when you're out exploring Tokyo, and its purpose (in addition to looking cool) is to make exploration of this 3D world more approachable for people that may not necessarily be as adept at games. Here's how it works:
The first time you're exploring an area, the COMP dynamically sends out a "scanning circle" in a 360-degree arc around you, to direct your attention to objects of interest in the environment.
The scanning circle pops up whenever there's an object you haven't interacted with (or missed) so far.
If you stop in front of the object and give the COMP a moment, it "checks" what it is and gives you a display.
What's neat is that the "Checking" animation is the same as the game's loading animation.
Everything interactive falls into one of several categories. Shops, Items, Events, Action Objects etc. Each category has its own Icon/Text. Here, it's platforms that you can Jump between.
The COMP only needs to "check" an object the first time you interact with it. The second time, it already knows what it is, and foregoes the check, putting the display up instantly.
The very first time you enter an area, the COMP also tells you where you are with this flashy animation, so it leaves an impression.
Aside from serving as a helpful tool, Shin Megami Tensei IV's UI also conveys the worldview of the game, giving it that slightly cyberpunk-esque quality. Combine it with the music, and it does a really good job at mood-setting.
Let's use this thread to discuss other games with excellent User Interface design. Please try to avoid one-line posts, and provide a little detail/background regarding the game you picked and why you feel its UI is well designed.
Note: All GIFs captured using footage of an SMTIV playthrough by JohneAwesome.
Something I love is when games pay attention to their User Interface. I appreciate it very much when a game makes that extra effort to present the player with UI that isn't just functional but also looks good and animates well. Extra points if your UI merges with the game's world effectively.
One of my favourite examples of great UI design is Shin Megami Tensei IV—specifically your COMP (a gauntlet the main character wears on his arm) that contains an AI, sort of like Cortana from the Halo games.
The COMP functions like an Augmented Reality personal assistant when you're out exploring Tokyo, and its purpose (in addition to looking cool) is to make exploration of this 3D world more approachable for people that may not necessarily be as adept at games. Here's how it works:
The first time you're exploring an area, the COMP dynamically sends out a "scanning circle" in a 360-degree arc around you, to direct your attention to objects of interest in the environment.
The scanning circle pops up whenever there's an object you haven't interacted with (or missed) so far.
If you stop in front of the object and give the COMP a moment, it "checks" what it is and gives you a display.
What's neat is that the "Checking" animation is the same as the game's loading animation.
Everything interactive falls into one of several categories. Shops, Items, Events, Action Objects etc. Each category has its own Icon/Text. Here, it's platforms that you can Jump between.
The COMP only needs to "check" an object the first time you interact with it. The second time, it already knows what it is, and foregoes the check, putting the display up instantly.
The very first time you enter an area, the COMP also tells you where you are with this flashy animation, so it leaves an impression.
Aside from serving as a helpful tool, Shin Megami Tensei IV's UI also conveys the worldview of the game, giving it that slightly cyberpunk-esque quality. Combine it with the music, and it does a really good job at mood-setting.
Let's use this thread to discuss other games with excellent User Interface design. Please try to avoid one-line posts, and provide a little detail/background regarding the game you picked and why you feel its UI is well designed.
Note: All GIFs captured using footage of an SMTIV playthrough by JohneAwesome.
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