Arkane Studios initially revealed that they would be offering a custom user interface for the PC version of Dishonored. Today Bethesda has released more detailed information about the incredibly customizable UI for both console and PC gamers via a very informative official blog entry. Poor user interface design can break immersion, ruining the atmosphere developers try so hard to generate. By allowing gamers to tweak their experience, Arkane hopes to keep players enveloped in gameplay.
Selections start off very general – crosshair style, health and mana gauges – but get specific very quickly. In the two screenshots below, you can see the interface fully enabled and then completely disabled.
Whereas the first screen capture shows off a stealth icon, objective markers, and health/mana bars, the second is completely bare. Click on any of the screenshots for a larger version.
This is a shot of the PC-specific "shortcut" bar, which will allow the player two quickly switch between powers/gadgets and then fade back into the depths from whence it came. These keys are mapped to the 1-10 number keys. Players can choose to use their mouse to cycle between options, but Dishonored will also support the use of a gamepad.
Other options not shown above include:
– A FOV slider for changing your field of view.
– Controller and mouse sensitivity options, as well as four different options related to auto aim strength and aim assist.
– The mouse smoothing/acceleration slider and enable/disable options. (PC only).
– Graphics options for the full spectrum of monitor resolutions, anti-aliasing, and various other graphical toggles. (PC only).
Dishonored will be released for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on October 9th, 2012.
