Motorstorm 2 gains a new GUI from scratch

by Nick Doerr { Jan 9th 2008 at 8:30PM }

We love graphical user interfaces. Especially when we're told about Evolution Studios' new GUI that will be in place for Motorstorm 2. This isn't going to be some remodeling of what was in the original title, or some minor tweaks. This is a complete overhaul from scratch to bring you the best GUI possible. Which is good, very good, as the first Motorstorm had some pretty icky problems in that regard originally.

Apparently the new GUI design is artistic and functional -- two attributes you'd expect. We don't have any screenshots of it because it's still in its rough stages, but Evolution is sicking their graphic design team on the job as we speak so perhaps soon we'll have more to show you. For Motorstorm fanatics, this is probably cool news and you'll derive some pleasure from witnessing the new GUI. As an old Calculus teacher told us, "Friends don't let friends drink and derive." Relevant? Not at all. Funny? You bet.

[via NeoGAF]

Tags: evolution-studios, motorstorm

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Stef Geiger @ Jan 9th 2008 8:50PM

WOW. Slow news day? Reporting on the fact that they're making a new GUI for a sequel to a game? It's pretty common.

EpicTel @ Jan 9th 2008 8:53PM

Typo Corner on this topic. Good to hear something on MotorStorm 2. But I rather the in game graphics get a complete overhaul. Perhaps this time to the level of the target render from e305

Kiko @ Jan 9th 2008 8:53PM

So it means that what developpers learned from the beginning will be used to create a brand new optimised GUI, plus integrating all the knowledge shared between PS3 developpers while using updated SDK... THIS is good news ! Can't wait to see it running !

Duncan macleod @ Jan 9th 2008 9:24PM

what exactly does new GUI mean? is it just a new menu setup? or is it like a version of menus not many games use?
(i know that gui means Graphical User Interface)

Tye @ Jan 9th 2008 9:30PM

I'd be pretty shocked if they didn't develop a completely new GUI for Motorstorm 2.... since the GUI from the first one was pretty close to making the game unplayable.

I bet those load times improve too... shocker!

Rick @ Jan 9th 2008 9:39PM

how was it almost unplayable?

Andy @ Jan 9th 2008 10:20PM

One thing I would love to see is to be able to create your own courses.

Basically my idea is this. Note this only applies if they make the game dirt/mud based.

You basically start out with a flat and dry area. From there you can use tools much like Sim City to raise and lower terrain. Tools like level terrain, raise terrain and smooth would work well here. Do you want to create a huge cliff off the one side of your track like Raingod Mesa, done. Do you want to be racing between cliffs or around the side of a mountain. Done. To make sure your track works it would be nice if it forced you to enclose your track in order for it to be playable.

The next step would be to set up the general course guidelines that the player has to follow. Think of raingod mesa again. That one cliff has a "guideline" that resets the car to the main track if they fall off. But cliffs like the Dust Devil track let you fall off into a raceable area.

The next step would be to add ramps, arrow signs and obstructing vehicles. Ramps can either be heightened with supports to make a jump or use the natural terrain to perform their task. Another thing that would be great if this actually happened is to not allow users to fully block a section of track with ramps. Also ramps should not be allowed to be placed backwards (I know some idiot would do this)

The final step would be to add moisture to the track. (my favourite idea) Up until this point your track is barebones dry. But we all know that Motorstorm is more fun in the mud. Essentially you get a giant watering can and can add as much water as you want. The more moisture you add the more muddier it becomes. One thing that would be really great is the full water effects in Motorstorm 2 as that could mean you could add rivers and puddles.

Some other things they could incorporate could be ability to change textures. And one thing that would be nice if they automatically diffused so it doesn't look stupid. Kind of like Zoo Tycoon.

Also there would have to be a test race feature that could be prompted at any time. Another thing that would obliviously be included is a info pallate that lets you limit the types of vehicles and name your track.

Anyways, these are my thoughts. Too many games have vehicle customization, but how many have track customization?