Animation instead of Health Bars

Animations instead of health bars?

Attack/Defense animations

Drawing on fight and flight body language already done

Create a series of animations that replace the need for health bars but give a believable reaction to being attacked.

Maybe have additive animations for different parts of the body that change depending on how damaged that part is similar to the buildings damage in Starcraft. health bar for different Parts of the body.

"Is your opponent right-handed? Then why shouldn't a well-aimed blow to their right arm decrease its efficiency, forcing your foe to switch to his or her weaker arm? Are they fast? Then a blow to the head (concussion) should slow their reactions and decrease their accuracy." -Escapist forum

Starcraft Barracks Health

Rough Person Version

Weak spots affect on animation. Use the defensive nature some bosses have over their weak spots to help inform possible changes to regular animation?

Narrow down the topic by keeping animations to just a silhouette to show whole body gestures rather than details.


Articles related.
http://games.kitguru.net/featured/jon-martindale/lets-kill-off-health-bars/