User Interface Design (UI Design) often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves in the game development process. While a thoughtfully designed UI may not always be immediately noticeable, a poorly executed one can detract from an otherwise excellent game. That’s why it’s crucial to keep in mind that a player’s ability to smoothly navigate through menus, save their progress, and manage their inventory is one of several essential elements in creating a top-tier gaming experience.

For this particular UI design, my goal is to craft a menu that feels both modern and fresh, yet familiar to players. I draw inspiration from classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and iconic 3D platformers such as Donkey Kong 64. It has long been my aspiration to bring innovation to the 3D platformer genre by actively avoiding clichés and crafting a truly unique gaming experience not seen before in the genre. The UI design is no exception to this mission!

In UI design, I’ve consistently found that darker color palettes offer several advantages. They provide a visually appealing alternative to bright whites and neon shades, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. However, it was equally important for me to ensure that the design captures both the fantasy and RPG elements of A Snoot’s Adventure, while also paying homage to the comic book and cartoon aesthetics that inspired it. In particular, I drew inspiration from developers like Nintendo and Rare Ware, who have a distinctive stylistic approach. This blend of elements serves as the foundation for the UI design of the game.

This journey has brought me to this pivotal stage: now, every player of A Snoot’s Adventure can immerse themselves in the minimalist dark blues of our carefully chosen color palette. These hues reflect the charm and character of the entire Snootiverse. It’s worth noting that 3D Platformer enthusiasts may spot a direct homage to the Banjo-Kazooie franchise in the Snoot character sitting in their home chair

The spiral life bar in A Snoot’s Adventure has a unique feature – it continues to grow as the player collects gratitude hearts throughout the game. The dynamic in-game UI constantly evolves, with elements fading in and out, providing a dynamic experience unlike the static screenshot you see above.

The pause menu is a comprehensive feature, offering more than just standard options like pausing, resuming, restarting a level, or quitting. Players can access their inventory, check their life count, hearts, and more. At the bottom right of the menu, there are spheres representing Snoot’s 3 elemental powers (ice, storm, and fire) and options to access the Move Guide list and tutorials, enhancing the player’s engagement with the game.

Stay tuned for further updates and exciting details about A Snoot’s Adventure! We have more to reveal in the near future, so keep an eye on this space for all the latest information.

We appreciate your support for Devoke Studio and, of course, our beloved video game character, Snoot, the fluffiest of them all. Thank you for being part of our journey!