Let's Compare Title Menus:
R-Type Final and Mega Man X8
(PlayStation 2)
User Interface Design
Written by DJ Hadoken Exlamparaaghis
In this post we are going to compare the title menus of
R-Type Final and Mega Man X8 for the PS2.
Note
By “title menu” I am referring to the “main menu”
that appears just after the title screen
that contains primary pre-gameplay-related functions.
that appears just after the title screen
that contains primary pre-gameplay-related functions.
Mega Man X8 – PS2
|
| Mega Man X8's Title Menu |
Brand
The brand of this game is clear and easy to recognize. The Mega Man X8 logo is
at the top of the screen with the name of the developer and publisher located at
that bottom of the screen.
Intuitiveness
This menu is very intuitive; there are only three choices to choose from:
“Start” “Continue” and “Option”. There are no explanations for the menu options
or indicators as to what the controller buttons do, but the choices are labeled
simply enough to understand their function.
Style Focus
The menu is simple, which I believe matches well with the type of game this is.
I think that Megaman X and similar games are not about choosing and
manipulating, but more about forcing the player to use what little they have to
obliterate their enemies.In addition, the overall appearance of the menu makes it easy to understand that this game takes place in a futuristic setting and is an action game.
Art Style
The color scheme is metallic with very strong, bright colors for text. There is
a background image in this menu that looks like a computer diagnostic screen. It
pulsates and glows while emphasizing the futuristic theme.There is also an image of Mega Man X in the background, making it easy for a player to understand who the central character of this game is.
There is an “X” glowing from Mega Man X’s helmet which clarifies that this game is part of the Mega Man “X” series as opposed to the regular Mega Man series.
Font Clarity
The font is easy to read. The italicized text of the menu selections exudes a
futuristic feeling.The completely white font stands out against the dark background.
Also, the font is consistent in that it matches with the letters of the game logo.
Overall Opinion
I think the Mega Man X series in general has had a strong set of user
interfaces. I’ve noticed that the font has remained consistent throughout the
games, and the logo is also easily recognized.However, I think that this interface would benefit from an indication of what the confirm and cancel buttons are, because sometimes I forget and have to push a number of buttons before I actually get it right.
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R-Type Final – PS2
|
| R-Type Final's Title Menu |
Brand
Despite being this game's “title menu” there is no logo nor is the title of the
game shown at all on this menu screen.At the top left corner of the screen, “Menu” is written in large letters which appears to have no real function. It seems like it would be more appropriate to have the title of the game or a logo there. The names of the publisher and developer are also nowhere to be found.
Intuitiveness
There are many modes listed on this screen which make it appear convoluted.
Modes such as “Score Attack” and “Data & Gallery” could be easily combined
into an “Extras” section.The functions of the directional and input buttons are displayed at the bottom of the screen as well as a short summary as to what each menu choice is. The presentation of this information works well and is easy to understand.
Style Focus
It is hard to determine the type of game this is by the style of the menu. Based
on its appearance, it could be anything from a RTS, a FPS or a scroll shooter.
The only thing that is clear is that this game takes place in a futuristic
setting, which is emphasized by the font usage and text on the screen.
Art Style
There are no images or logos on this menu; there is only an indistinct
background that makes the art style appear to be somewhat gritty with yellowish
and greenish colors that suggest that this game may follow a military theme of
some sort. The background also somewhat hints at camouflage or a dirty, scuffed
wall of some sort.
Font Clarity
The font is easy and clear enough to read. The individual letters are blocky
which further emphasize a military theme. The font also exudes a futuristic
theme. The color of the font contrasts well enough with the color of the
background to be easily read.
Overall Opinion
I think this menu needs a more relevant image in the background to clarify that
this game is a scroll shooter set in space. If I walked passed this screen without seeing the
introduction sequence or knowing what game this was, it would be difficult for
me to tell what type of game this is.Personally, I would think it was some sort of a military FPS and would quickly lose interest, since I am not a fan of that genre. On the other hand, I love scroll shooting games and would be more interested in this game if I passed by the menu screen and saw images of space, weapons or ships that would hint that this game is a scroll shooter.
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