I didn't see a topic on this, sorry if there is one. In the grand scheme of things this isn't one of the biggest issues but presentation values can be extremely effective in making a game feel more immersive. So, with that in mind, I have some concerns on the current HUD we see in the footage. This could very well be placeholder stuff but since it's been showing up in videos for awhile I though't I'd address it.
First issue: Neon color
The color is overly drastic. Check out ArmA (I know I know, another ArmA comparison).
The green overlay stands out perfectly fine but isn't in your face neon bright. It also does something else that serves to make the visuals look more...mature? The font is plain, simple, easy to read. The font in RO2 is going for a propaganda look which could potentially look great but when combined with the neon colors it looks like WW2 and Dystopian art had a baby. This could look better if the size of the font is lowered, the colors are subdued, and messages are put off to the side so the player always has their line of sight.
Second issue: Cartoony art style of the lower static HUD
In particular I mean the cap status bar, suppression bar, stamina bar, and mini map icons. Screenshot from the fact thread:
The bright, basic colors combined with the cartoony art style kinda makes it look like a WW2 coloring book doesn't it? They are grabbing for too much attention. The damage indicator, current stance, and mag pouch style fit the style of the game substantially better imo. They are a simple sketch/model style that gives you the info you need without jumping out at you.
I don't mean to be harsh and this all may be placeholder. Just trying to give some feedback on my only major irk of the footage we've seen. For such an amazingly detailed game I'd hate to see it bogged down by budgety looking presentation values. (Sorry to whoever designed it
).
I'm not trying to present the viewpoint that only simplistic utilitarian HUDs ala ARMA are acceptable either. But the main goal of the HUD in a realism game should be to give you information and then get the hell out of your way. No fluff, no flair, just give the information as easily and nonobtrusive to the core game visuals as possible. I think this should hold true in relaxed realism, you'd just be seeing more information at once. When you go for an art style HUD it has to look very good or it can all too easily fall into the budgety camp. So with that I give you fellow fans a poll to see if I'm the only arse being concerned about this
.
PS. Shot in the dark... I have some graphic design experience. I'd be willing to work with you on a HUD completely free of charge TWI
EDIT: Can only add poll options 3 min after posting thread? Damn. If a mod would allow me to do the poll, that'd be sweet.
Poll is:
Which HUD option do you prefer?
1) The current HUD is fine.
2) Change the colors, leave all else.
3) Redo the hud, going for a more simplistic look (sim level, similar to ARMA).
4) Redo the hud, going for simplistic with subtle historical nuance (similar to Miro's menu design posted below by Nimsky)
5) Redo the hud, still going for an artistic style.