I think generally the UI that is most interesting within games is when it is related to the game itself. This comment is focused mostly on menus.
Skyrims upgrade system uses a constellation interface that works quite well as a representation of a traditional game skill tree and is relevant to the Elder Scrolls series as a whole.
Portal has a fairly straightforward implementation of the Source Engine/Valve main menu but uses subtle effects that mimic in game behavior of test room tiles.
Dead Space brings a lot of the game menus into the game world via a holographic projection and one particularly genius move was to put the typical HUD display of health into the actual back of the suit of the player.
Mass Effect uses a radial menu interface that is controlled in a similar fashion as the in game conversation system.
Unfortunately for the most part there isn't a lot of innovation in general with game menus but I think the ones that succeed the most bring a bit of the gameplay experience to the menu system or bring the menu into the game entirely.
I think generally the UI that is most interesting within games is when it is related to the game itself. This comment is focused mostly on menus.
Skyrims upgrade system uses a constellation interface that works quite well as a representation of a traditional game skill tree and is relevant to the Elder Scrolls series as a whole.
Portal has a fairly straightforward implementation of the Source Engine/Valve main menu but uses subtle effects that mimic in game behavior of test room tiles.
Dead Space brings a lot of the game menus into the game world via a holographic projection and one particularly genius move was to put the typical HUD display of health into the actual back of the suit of the player.
Mass Effect uses a radial menu interface that is controlled in a similar fashion as the in game conversation system.
Unfortunately for the most part there isn't a lot of innovation in general with game menus but I think the ones that succeed the most bring a bit of the gameplay experience to the menu system or bring the menu into the game entirely.