UI Design Concept

The User Interface of Vengeance Incarnate aims to enhance emotional immersion rather than challenge it. As a narrative-driven, emotionally heavy, and mechanics-focused experience, the UI is minimalistic, diegetic where possible, and emotionally neutral, ensuring the player’s attention stays anchored in the story and game world.

The interface is not present on the screen constantly, but a is a reactive layer that appears only when necessary, for example when players find themselves in a dangerous situation. Every UI element is designed to feel purposeful and consistent throughout the game.

UI Pillars

Minimalistic and Non-Intrusive

HUD elements are hidden by default and appear depending on the situation, especially during danger or decision-making.

Emotionally Neutral Tone

Muted colors, subtle transitions, and simple animations prevent distraction from the main story.

Clear Narrative Readability

Text is legible, clear, and prioritized during key narrative moments.

Feedback Without Spoilers

Consequences are revealed after actions.

Consistency and Accessibility

Clear separation of sections and cohesive layouts across all systems.

Adaptive to Reincarnation as Different Animals

UI elements subtly change depending on the animal the player currently plays as, increasing immersion.

HUD (Heads-Up Display)

Exists only to enable survival and spatial awareness
Hidden by default to enhance immersion, icons appear only special contexts (such as danger)
Displays only essential information like health or stamina
Minimal icons with no aggressive animations or effects

Narrative & Choice UI

Clear, legible font
Neutral color palette, important information highlighted with other color
No hints towards which choice is “better” or “worse”
Outcomes of choices visible through character reactions, environmental changes or endings

Memory Interface

Memories are possible to rewatch through the main menu / inventory
The player can choose whether they want to interact with memories or avoid them
Presented as small, animated thumbnails without descriptions

Inventory & Collectibles UI

Simple grid layout with clear categorization and labels
Inspection mode allows for deeper examination and narrative context
Designed with neutral background textures and subtle highlight effect to indicate interactivity with items

Choice & Progress Review Menus

Past choices can be accessed through the main menu
Undiscovered alternatives remain hidden as grey “shadows”

UI Adaptation to Specific Animals

There are small changes in the UI such as icon shapes or proportions depending on the chosen animal
Core layout stays the same to prevent confusion in players

UI Concept Sketches

Sound Design →