As previously stated, the deliverables we are aiming to show in November are twofold. A trailer and a tutorial HUD. Steph has been busily working on the trailer (also flash based) and we hope to present some material online soon for it.
I however, have been deliberating how to design such a HUD. Our agreed requirements was for it to be explicit (like a bike helmet on your head… only your head is the screen), futuristic (TERMINATOR!!!!!!! maybe Robocop), incorporating elements of current gameplay mechanics (i.e. the phone and messages function), explanatory (each function, when highlighted will explain and demonstrate function) and Interactive. While it does not have to be entirely functional, it does have to demonstrate function.
Traditionally RPG’s and Murder Mysteries have not used a First Person HUD, and, as such, creating such a HUD would require it to be uniquely specialized (amazing how we started with an idea to create a side scrolling Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago viewpoint, and end up at T-950 Terminators).
The choice for this, apart from being conveniently tied into the trailer, is because we felt it was the easiest way to demonstrate something at showtime in November (aesthetically), however, the design of it is proving to be difficult, due to very few games employing this mechanic without becoming an FPS or medieval sword fighting hack and slash.
Elements that need to be incorporated include:
- A Basic Menu System
- An Inventory System (housing evidence)
- Including and Inventory Analyzing system (i.e. when you click on evidence it will open another window explaining its function etc)
- A mode that allows the user to view the character
- A logging system with current missions or to-do lists
- A phone and messaging system (send and receive phone calls and sms’s) including contacts
- A viewing system, which identifies suspects explicitly
- A media viewing system (i.e. to open saved audio files and video files inhabiting the inventory)
- A help system (i.e. on mouse over it explains function)
- A conversing system (allowing the user to interact with NPC’s)
That’s about all I can think of for now, but if there are any that I have missed feel free to comment! Examples of the above will be included later (pssst I’m still researching)!!!
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[...] of HUD Following on from the earlier post of “In search of HUD” (son) I felt it was appropriate, after all the dust has settled from the major shift in design we [...]