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A game’s start screen is more than a title page, it’s the player’s welcome into the world that is ahead of them and a well-done start screen will last in the hearts and minds of diehard fans forever. Here are some of the most iconic start screens in video game history.
10 The Last Of Us
Release Year : 2013 Platform(s) : Playstation 3, Playstation 4
The somber atmosphere that persists throughout The Last Of Us is something not many can recreate. The Last Of Us’ start screen is simple, haunting, yet beautiful at the same time. The simple imagery of the windowsill may seem like a mere aesthetic choice at first but upon a second glance, it’s clear that this screen tells a story.
The window appears very dirty, and the foliage outside is overgrown, already giving the player a small glimpse into the post-apocalyptic world Joel and Ellie are forced to survive. Players that finished the game’s campaign will also unlock a small easter egg in the form of Ellie’s knife now appearing on the game’s start screen as a little reward for completing the story.
9 Final Fantasy 7
Release Year : 1997 Platform(s) : Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Android, Xbox One, Playstation Portable, iOS, Microsoft Windows
While Final Fantasy 7, arguably the most famous/popular FF game in the entire franchise could have gone all out for their start screen, they decided to take a risk and keep things as simple as possible. The end product, a simple portrait of a single spotlight on Cloud’s Buster Sword, became one of the most iconic start screens of all time.
This start screen speaks for itself; with no visible logo, characters, or even environmental clues, dedicated gamers everywhere still know exactly whose oversized sword that is and what world they’re about to dive into the moment they hit “continue.”
8 Kingdom Hearts
Release Year : 2002 Platform(s) : Playstation 2
The original Kingdom Hearts start screen had an amazing feel to it; the beautiful artwork, the gentle watercolors, the iconic logo, and of course the simple (yet charming) menu sounds. However, it was the music that brought everything together.
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The entire Kingdom Hearts series is known for its beautiful orchestrated soundtracks. The track “Dearly Beloved,” playing softly in the background accompanied by the gentle waves of the beach makes this title screen alone an incredibly iconic start screen that gives Kingdom Hearts fans those good old nostalgic chills.
7 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Release Year : 2011 Platform(s) : Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The moment Elder Scrolls fans started up Skyrim and saw this screen, they knew they were in for a journey that involved courage, duty, and power. The simple mark of the dovahkiin against the black background and subtle smoke rising from the bottom of the screen was all the imagery Skyrim needed to give players to show them what kind of adventure they were in for.
Not a single title or branding for the actual game in sight allows the mark of the dovahkiin to shine. The cherry on top is of course the theme of the Dovahkiin playing in the background, slowly rising in power and volume.
6 Animal Crossing
Release Year : 2001 Platform(s) : GameCube
A certain kind of calmness and comfort comes from the entire Animal Crossing series. The very first Animal Crossing is a blast of nostalgia for gamers everywhere. The classic start screen gives the player a peek into the new carefree life they’re about to indulge in.
Along with the Animal Crossing logo and the signature theme song of the first game, the screen follows the villager walking through the town as it passes through each season, with adorable cameos from other animal villagers every so often.
5 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Release Year : 2004 Platform(s) : Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita, Xbox 360
While many of the Metal Gear Solid series games have fantastic start screens, MGS3 is a big fan favorite. Remembering the basics of CQC (close quarters combat) is a harsh lesson MGS fans had to learn through their journey with Big Boss and Solid Snake.
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This start screen features a changing camo background with Naked Snake performing several kinds of CQC techniques on enemy soldiers. Not only were fans pleased to see the legendary Naked Snake flex his hand-to-hand combat skills, but the screen also allowed players to speed up or slow down the sequence and even change the background colors as well.
4 Super Mario 64
Release Year : 1995 Platform(s) : Nintendo 64, Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U
A start screen that manages to keep players’ attention before even beginning the game is clearly going above and beyond what is required of it. The Super Mario 64 start screen is almost a bit of a game in and of itself!
Aside from the iconic music and fun little animations Mario goes through, the player also has the opportunity to give Mario’s face a bit of a makeover; stretching parts of his face to make their very own hilarious version of the famous Nintendo mascot.
3 Halo: Combat Evolved
Release Year : 2001 Platform(s) : Xbox One, Xbox, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Classic Mac OS
Putting aside the incredible legacy the entire Halo series has within the gaming community, the song that plays during the first Halo game has become a bit of a well-known meme on its own. What makes this particular start screen special is the music.
Of course, the cinematics with the classic Halo logo is impeccable but the original Halo theme song is what makes this start screen one of the best ever. The haunting chorus that leads into the powerful orchestral accompaniment will forever have a special place in every gamer’s heart.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Release Year : 1998 Platform(s) : Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U
While newer audiences may not fully understand the sentiment behind the Ocarina Of Time’s start screen, long-time gamers, namely Nintendo fans, will all agree that everything about this title screen is perfection. The moment this game was booted up, players were greeted by the scene of a beautiful sunrise with Link and Epona riding across a vast valley.
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The scenery then smoothly transitions into the game as the music fades. A title screen is meant to introduce players to the tone, mood, and environment of the world it’s created and the Ocarina Of Time start screen does a fantastic job of that; even years after, bringing tears of nostalgia to its familiar faces.
1 Mario Paint
Release Year : 1992 Platform(s) : SNES
The Mario Paint start screen is genuinely like no other out there. While other start screens establish a tone or immerse the player in the right atmosphere, Mario Paint gives the player a sneak peek of what kind of a fun, creative game they’re in for.
Mario Paint is all about letting out everyone’s artistic side and allowing them to be as creative as possible, and the game’s start screen definitely fits the vibe. While it may seem plain at first, it’s the hidden details that make it special. Clicking each letter in the “Mario Paint” title will activate a new tool, cutscene, or minigame! From drawing tools to rolling the ending credits, every single letter is a fun surprise.
Honorable Mention: Cuphead
Release Year : 2017 Platform(s) : Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS
The honorable mention goes to Cuphead as its start screen serves as an homage to another iconic start screen. Cuphead’s start screen may look a bit familiar as it is a parody of the FFVII start screen. In place of Cloud’s Buster Sword is a simple teacup sitting in a lone spotlight. Clearly, the Studio MDHR developers are loyal Final Fantasy fans!
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