In computer game terminology, a "HUD" is a graphic overlay on top of the game graphics - for instance, in a first-person shooter the HUD would show data such as health, ammo, etc, over the game scene.
For units on a game map, the HUD represents the additional data to show about the unit - strength, ownership, ammo, whatever. There are various ways of doing this, and our question of the day is to get some feedback on some of the unit HUD ideas we've been tossing around.
One of the complicating factors we have to take into account are that units in SR2010 can be stacked.
Our most recent designs have centered around the "keep it simple" concept, making a cleaner looking map view. (HUD details can also be hidden by game option, if so desired.)
Below are two examples of our unit HUD concepts:
In the first, the bars at the side represent the strenghts of each unit in the stack (one bar per unit). On the second, the upper chevron ('v') only shows if there is a stack, and the strength is shown using numbers or a strength bar in the box.
In both, the oval disc represents the ownership, and is drawn either in the colour of the owner region, or else in green for yours, red for enemy, yellow for neutral.
Other options are also to draw the units themselves in a colour tint, or to have a colour highlight on each unit (ie colour side panels that match the player colour, similar to Age of Empires etc).
So, now is the time for some input from all of you: what do you think, ideas, suggestions, etc - speak up!
-- George.
<Lead Programmer, BattleGoat Studios>
