14 DAY TRIAL // Halo 5: Guardians is such a big release for 343 Industries and Microsoft that a small team inside the two companies has been working since the launch of the previous major titles in the franchise on the design of the Heads Up Display for all the characters that are part of the coming story.
Eric Will and Jeff Christy, who are the two main user interface artists in charge of the feature, are quoted in an extensive interview on Halo Waypoint answering questions from fans about the way the various HUD elements will be used to make each of the Spartans special.
They explain, "The color for the HUDs are representational of some visual aspect of the character. Sometimes inspired by the tint of their visor, and sometimes from the paint scheme of their armor. We try to capture some aspect of the design to help the player 'feel' like they are in the corresponding suit."
343 Industries is even adding chromatic aberrations in order to make it clear that the HUD is a piece of tech that does not translate the world around the player but re-creates it based on a set of characteristics.
The pair describe themselves as lore junkies and explain that gamers will be able to see a range of differences between characters that are Spartan IVs and those of an older generation.
Each individual will have a clear personality which is clearly reflected in the way his HUD is set-up.
Halo 5: Guardians aims to be both epic and focused
The fact that HUD questions matter so much to 343 Industries is a sign of how determined the studio is to make the coming Master Chief adventure as authentic as possible for fans.
The single player campaign will focus on the protagonist of the older titles as he faces a new powerful threat while being followed by Spartan Locke and a dedicated team of companions.
343 Industries has shown one single-player level and the action seems more extensive than in previous installment, with more focus on the interaction between members of the same team as they work together to take an objective.
There are also major changes for the multiplayer, with the Spartans now faster and able to use a panoply of new powers.
Halo 5: Guardians is set to be offered on October 27 on the Xbox One.
