Project Overview

Client:

Personal Project

Lifeform function:

Research

UI Design

Graphic Design

3D Modelling

Area of Study:

Interaction Design, UI Game Design, Kya: Dark Lineage

Targeted Goal:

Create a UI proposal for a fictional new chapter for the Playstation 2 game Kya: Dark Lineage.

The Idea

Kya: Dark Lineage, a 2003 creation by Eden Games Studio for the PlayStation 2 System, stands as an adventure game set in a captivating parallel world.

In a time when the adventure game market was saturated, it didn't achieve the success it deserved. Consequently, a second iteration of this video game was never pursued, leaving the Kya Universe's debut instalment hanging on a cliffhanger.

Given its significance as a cherished childhood game, I embarked on a journey to envision a potential user interface (UI) for a modern sequel to this captivating adventure.

This project primarily focused on crafting an aesthetic, style, and interface that could breathe new life into the Kya Universe, with a fictional second chapter called Kya: Unknown Worlds. While I explored the visual and stylistic elements, it's important to note that the project did not delve deeply into the intricacies of user experience (UX) design.

Moodboard

For theKya: Unknown Worlds UI Concept proposal project, a moodboard was meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from prominent video games such as Dark Souls, God of War (2018), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD.

This moodboard served as a creative compass, helping to shape the aesthetic and functional aspects of the Kya: Dark Lineage UI. Each game brought unique elements to the table that could be integrated into Kya's world.

For instance, Dark Souls' intricate level design and menu system could inspire a seamless and immersive in-game navigation experience.

God of War (2018) showcased a compelling storytelling approach, which could guide the UI's narrative elements.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's futuristic and dynamic visuals could influence the UI's overall aesthetic.

At the same time, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD's incorporation of magical elements could be woven into Kya's fantasy world, offering innovative gameplay and menu interactions.

This eclectic mix of inspirations helped create a vision for the Kya: Unknown Worlds UI that honours the original game and introduces new elements to enhance the player experience.

Visual Elements

Font and Logo

Icons

In the initial iteration of the Kya Universe, symbols were ingeniously crafted to represent written text in the native language of the world.

Building upon this creative foundation, the current concept further explores the development of iconography, employing a similar visual language to enhance the user experience.

Heads-Up Display

Player Flows

Low Fidelity Wireframes

High Fidelity Wireframes

Conclusion

The Kya: Unknown Worlds UI Concept emerged from a heartfelt desire to rekindle the enchantment of the first playthrough of Kya: Dark Lineage, a beloved classic in the gaming world.

This project also served as an educational journey, delving into the intricate world of UI design within the gaming industry.

Drawing inspiration from renowned games such as Dark Souls, God of War (2018), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD, we aimed to infuse the Kya: Unknown Worlds UI with fresh creativity and innovation while remaining true to the essence of the original game.

Throughout this process, we strived to capture the spirit of Kya's universe, with the hope of enhancing the gaming experience for both new players and devoted fans of the series.