Buffet Blast UI
May 2017 - Jul 2017
https://biggerbyteproductions.itch.io/buffetblast
Buffet Blast is a game about eating until you explode to rack up the most points. The game is set in space and the menus are seen on a ship console.
Conveyance was a constant challenge when designing the UI for this game because a lot of the action was happening in the middle of the screen, which did not make players want to look at the outer edges of the screen to see their progress. After playtesting, all player stats were moved to the top of the screen near the timer. Other forms of conveyance through models, flat color coded graphics under the player, outlines around the characters to know who is who, and particle systems were put in the gameplay space.
Main Menu. All menu options are on the console as buttons with icons and minimal text. Buttons turn darker when highlighted to show which one the player is hovering over. After selecting an option, the camera zooms in and the console buttons are disabled.
The first screen of how to play after selecting the ? button in Main Menu. This shows the controller and the mapped buttons used in the game.
The second screen of how to play after using the left analog stick to move right. This shows the gameplay mechanics and the graphics that appear in the game. Gifs are used to illustrate the gameplay.
Options menu that can be reached by pressing the gears in Main Menu. Holds Master Volume slider, Sound Effects slider, and Music slider. Also has a Fullscreen toggle, with the default being on.
Credits that can be reached by pressing the credits button. Shows all the people who worked on the game and their roles. Also has the characters on the sides doing a dance.
Quit screen that appears after pressing the X button on the menu console. It brings up a prompt asking if the player wants to quit. The default is No; the currently highlighted button has a different color and is enlarged.
Level Select screen that shows up after pressing the play button in Main Menu. The buffet and sign float up and down. This is an American diner themed buffet.
The second Level Select screen that can be reached by moving right with the left analog stick. The buffet and sign float up and down. This is an Alien diner themed buffet.
Character Select screen that appears after picking a level theme. Up to 4 players can play; 3 AI are default, but a player can join by pressing A. Players can move left and right on their character slot to pick a different character and select with A.
Loading screen that appears after pressing start in Character Select. Same graphic and gifs as the second page in Controls. A tutorial for players before starting the game.
Pause screen can be accessed by any player when they press Start on their controller. An overlay is put on the game space, and a smaller console screen is brought up. They can look at the Controls, change the Options, or return to Main Menu.
Gameplay. Stomach meter shows how full they are; 100% to explode. Plate bar shows how much food they are holding. Score displayed under Character Profile. Powerups shown next to Profile. Timer in top middle. Minigame indicators appear when eating.
Score Screen shows at the end of each round. Rounds keep happening until a player has won 2 total rounds. Shows Character in Player slots, total scores and bonus, # explosions, # powerups used, # food picked up. Round winners get the utensils highlighted.