Game UI's

When playing a game you might focus on the story, art or even the music. Few people ever focus on the User Interface of a game. Having to create the UI for Gremlins and Gears made me look at it in a whole new way. As I researched information and looked at other game's UI's for inspiration, I felt like I was stepping in a totally different world. My eyes had been opened to an art that some people don't seem to appreciate as much as it needed to be. From the start screen, to the loading menu, health bars, maps and even the cursor, all of these things were created by an artist, or sometimes even a team, and a lot of thought and heart can go into making these.

The UI is the bridge between the player and the character they are controlling. I have to say that my favorite UI's are the ones that are so well integrated in the game that they are in game, much like the health meter for Spyro the Dragon. Whenever Spyro took a hit the dragon fly's colors changed from gold, to blue, to green, and ultimately disappearing entirely, leaving Spyro vulnerable to defeat upon the next hit. To prevent that, Spyro attacked small creatures called "fodder" to release a Butterfly, which Sparx devours, to recover one hit point in the process. The health meter was a character, a essential part of the story.

Another great example is Dead Space 2, where the character's health meter is displayed on his back as part of the character's suit. It seems amazing how these people can integrate the HUD inside the game, which can help immerse the players even more into that world. For me, personally, that improves the experience immensely. If I can achieve something that would immerse our players even more into our story and world, then I've done it right. I don't think I'm quite there yet, I still have a lot more exploring to do, but so far I've been having fun.

Here are a few sketches I've come up for the Gremlins and Gears UI. Most of it is rather traditional, but I tried my best to add the GG flare to it.

Gremlins & Gears

We've been working hard on getting a working version of our game, Gremlins and Gears. Here's the animated title we have for it so far. More soon to come!

Biercade Game Jam

On November 10th through the 11th I had the awesome opportunity to participate in a event called the Game Jam, which was held at the Biercade located in Old San Juan. There I had the chance to meet and interact with many talented people who also shared my love for games.

In the event one must create a game in two days with only one rule: It must be a one button game. I managed to see so many great games produced in so little time. My friends and I worked on a game called Gremlins and Gears. Bellow are a few sketches and some sprite sheets for the game.

Blob Mobs

A Game my friends and I submitted for the Liberated Pixel Cup challenge. 

Enjoy!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByyPFrkriCT5eUxMbmxQTG1qbW8/edit?pli=1#

The magic button — Make Everything OK

The magic button — Make Everything OK

This has to be the best button ever.

The Swat kitties for the Comic-con are done. Now on to Gargoyles.

PR Comic-con

This little guy will be one of the stickers I'll be selling over at the Comic-con. Hopefully we will be able to nab a table cause it seems the place will be packed. We called the people in charge and even they were surprised at how many people have already called in. They mentioned something about having to expand or more booths. I'm really excited. It'll be two fun filled days.

Deviantart