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5. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is usually seen as the game that updated the classic horror series, but there is one aspect of the game that still embraces the deliberate constraints of the previous installments – the inventory system.
While the game allows players to carry a reasonable amount of equipment compared to the previous three main games, inventory management still poses a challenge. In fact, this system has become a mini-game in itself, with fans over the years dubbing it “Inventory Tetris.”
To make the most of the bag, players must efficiently organize items because in a critical moment, you may desperately need that green herb that you spent a long time trying to fit into the bag.
Although it can be frustrating at times, it was a smart modification to the stricter system in previous games, making item management unexpectedly enjoyable.
Bag upgrades were also truly enjoyable. It is unfortunate that this system was abandoned in future Resident Evil games, as it remains one of the best systems in the gaming world.
4. Persona 5
Regardless of your opinions on Persona 5, it cannot be denied that its graphical user interface (UI) is one of the most creative and beautiful interfaces in gaming history. Is there another game UI that fans have mimicked in cosplay?
A quick look at the game might suggest a cluttered and confusing interface designed to confuse players, but this design was entirely deliberate by Atlus developers.
The transitions between menus, filled with smooth and elegant animations, showcase an exaggerated aesthetic similar to the game’s story itself, not less complicated than the troubled characters the narrative focuses on.
Players may need some time to get used to navigating between parts of the interface, but even with its strong focus on aesthetics, the interface remains quick and intuitive once you get accustomed to it.
Persona 5 is a strong argument that user interfaces can aspire to be works of art in themselves. More of these designs, please.
3. The Last Of Us
Despite the user interface (UI) in The Last of Us being the complete opposite of what was presented in Persona 5 – simple and only visible when needed – it fits perfectly with the narrative and overall atmosphere of the game.
Naughty Dog’s masterpiece in horror and survival heavily focuses on immersing players in a post-apocalyptic world, so it was essential for the user interface and menus to not be overly conspicuous.
The user interface underwent several changes during development, as Naughty Dog sought to make it as tidy and free of clutter as possible. In the final design, crafting and inventory options were pushed into the background so they would only be visible when needed.
After a short period of play, navigating these menus becomes second nature, and this transition worked wonderfully in the recently released second part as well. If the game were filled with nested menus or excessive symbols on the screen, the experience would appear completely contradictory to the immersion intended through the game’s cinematic visuals.
2. Dead Space
Talking about game user interfaces without mentioning Dead Space, which still stands as the gold standard for designing game menus from a third-person perspective.
The classic horror and sci-fi game innovatively did away with the traditional user interface and replaced it with information integrated into the game world itself, becoming a prominent example of integrated user interface.
One of the standout innovations is displaying the protagonist Isaac’s health and energy meters on the back of his suit, ensuring players do not need to look away from the game’s focal points to monitor their vital indicators.
Moreover, every other aspect of the user interface like inventory management and maps is displayed in a three-dimensional manner through holographic projections within the game, which continue playing even while navigating them.
This design choice not only provides a compelling and suitable explanation for the menus but also increases tension as the player remains vulnerable to attack while navigating the menus, a feature that normally provides safety in traditional games. It is astonishing that more developers have not emulated this inspiring aspect of game design over a decade later.
1. Into The Breach
Although it is entirely understandable that regular players may find the high difficulty level of Into the Breach frustrating, this challenge is greatly alleviated thanks to the game’s superior user interface.
Reports have indicated that the developer Subset Games spent about half of the four-year development cycle working on the user interface, striving to balance ensuring players fully understand what’s happening without feeling fatigued.
Many elements were removed from the game and its interface after testers found them confusing, but the final result was a deep and cleverly designed game. Lead designer Justin Ma described it wonderfully when he said, “We were sacrificing exciting ideas for clarity every time.”
However, Into the Breach did not lack brilliant ideas in any way, succeeding in being challenging yet accessible to all without drowning players in complex systems and mysterious visual cues.