My Favorite Main Menus

These are my favorite main menu screens/title screens.
Its pretty much a 50/50 between what's actually happening in the menu (the details, the interface, the sounds) and the song on the background.
(Read the notes)

67 Games

Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Probably my favorite main menu screen
The day/night cycle and the song "Baba Yetu" does the job and makes it look like an amazing menu.
I love the moment when the sun rises
https://youtu.be/9KCjS66pvrQ?si=eAfye0yIAzfY3gS9
Hitman: Contracts
Hitman: Contracts
Such a badass one, the way 47 waits alone in a dark room for his target while outside there's a storm... and the music... goddamn. I love the dark atmosphere of Hitman Contracts
https://youtu.be/Romk7n46hq4?si=uPR_22-X6-MK6Pix
L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire
One of my favorite aspects of this game is the main menu. It’s so creative; I love when games try to do something unique like that. Out of the letters from the light panel, only the letters L, I, and E don't flicker. A cool detail, right? You know the game will be good from the moment you see the effort put into these kinds of things.
https://youtu.be/_j0Dpjm_Z8c?si=KzuauWlLFHPl4gKd
The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us
Gorgeous looking, stylish, atmospheric with Bigby Smoking a cigar while roaming the street. Great song too
When he is in the shadow, his eyes start glowing.
Woods bumps into him every few seconds:)))
Lots of details into this one.
https://youtu.be/_hNMZWlaPRU?si=WeRW-zrOEPOIs-Pq
Need for Speed: Underground
Need for Speed: Underground
Brrrum dum dum
Tears to my eyes, what happened to NFS man....
https://youtu.be/92f7hAdMdYk?si=zZ7wW6h0K4k8Zcg6
BloodRayne
BloodRayne
Great aesthetic, kickass song.
Love the film filter
https://youtu.be/T-xPQbXtx9k?si=lp-wRuT2uGKXvQ_X
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III
Words are not needed
https://youtu.be/cI3e1ERQWQI?si=-xSaKsr_6o7HPtIe
Sniper Elite V2
Sniper Elite V2
Iconic song for the Sniper Elite series.
I love how the camera moves to different angles. Simple but good
https://youtu.be/Ero-Kw_HlTU?si=8x02Jr_hw8QmasqS
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Call of Duty: Black Ops
The numbers Mason... what do they mean? They mean the fact that this is a dope main menu screen
https://youtu.be/Iy-cULk7TL0?si=ab8IK1ge8AqvInPs
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human
This is creative asf. The menu is alive (in a way)
So many details in this one, i love it!
The AI will even tell you if the save data is corrupt. Watch this clip, it has every line
https://youtu.be/eNTUhKs_xwQ?si=Xn6HjL_6WN6F28jT
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved
Again, no words needed.
https://youtu.be/wuSu6q7fuq4?si=XLFpPVLYRnZARvAb
Spec Ops: The Line
Spec Ops: The Line
Based on where you are in the story, the menu changes. It follows the life of a sniper, with a sad ending. Its details like these that makes a game great
https://youtu.be/0B-WvKTeTU4?si=swTF5smDIRABaKFl
Jazz Jackrabbit
Jazz Jackrabbit
Simple with a lot of character
https://youtu.be/24TPyIGS_YI?si=JIBKhXLNSEvf-b_c
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
Awesome Synthwave theme, with awesome music. Simple but effective.
https://youtu.be/Qo9gCR_OHhs?si=QXOqbxKxxXnSsusp
Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3
The mirrored image effect goes hard.
Back when Far Cry had some personality.
https://youtu.be/oEG-jVaYiEM?si=7hwBqDd5kAWh4gxd
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
To no wonder, Prince of Persia lives rent free in my head.
And this blue background lives rent free in my mind.
The female vocals are otherworldly.
https://youtu.be/Bmn1378z9tM?si=hM1P68Da7XXQdJGf
I also love this Demo version:
https://youtu.be/sk4yc7TSPdA?si=_FJrMbgoh6LWo030
And this Prototype version:
https://youtu.be/7UaVjBcleVg?si=qUAWVmfKzmHb0n1d
Aaaaand this Beta version of the song:
https://youtu.be/Rr3dVksXPrY?si=kOL9MdQKT_B0hO5L
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Again, fucking love Prince of Persia.
Warrior Within is the kind of metal shit I like, I vibe so hard to this menu
https://youtu.be/kbkRNgIKywY?si=zbXbE0ggnHrq3wEo
Everytime i enter the game, I stay for a few minutes to listen to "Welcome Within" before playing.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
Babylon in flames, The Tower of Babel in the distance, otherworldly female vocals once again... have i mentioned that i love Prince of Persia?
https://youtu.be/cchsfmVOTlo?si=3beD0OjCz9hyeRku
PS3 version:
https://youtu.be/NS6YiykOqvw?si=vMBAgYGw9fjBEsAt
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins
I always get goosebumps from this one
From 0:30 onwards magic happens
https://youtu.be/bKbFhuUQH-g?si=r77JOit224pVWD6D
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Just like Origins, this brings pleasure to my heart. Simple does the trick.
I often stay in the menu to listen to this amazing theme
https://youtu.be/0Y_wGgLerzg?si=ifPZgp8RRO3zQQFt
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Pfff, this one hit my soul
https://youtu.be/NtHcFjy6ZMA?si=hiXWnFwObbvDuFJ6
Its so relaxing and calm, it brings warmth to my soul
This version is the best, idk its sounds so mystical I get chills on my spine. amazing animation too
https://youtu.be/Y6yehpa59VA?si=5aRWqzfi3nFBfEx7
I Love Baghdad
Mass Effect
Mass Effect
Yeah... All Hail Mass Effect
I got chills from the first time I encountered this menu.
https://youtu.be/Q_JVEXDrJYg?si=pvGFxdq15X9fnhy4
Gun
Gun
GUN has a special place in my heart and this menu screen is no exception.
I love the theme song and what happens in the background. The camera does a 360⁰ and there's some native americans hunting Bisons.
https://youtu.be/w5DUMxDWpFM?si=ZU1Syc2Y_FXXxViZ
Max Payne 3
Max Payne 3
"There it was. The soundtrack to my life. And, for a few seconds, came harmony. Finally"
Long live Max
https://youtu.be/txv_nAHl3U4?si=Tr3bv-jl7YHNeB3X
Based on what chapter you are in, the menu adapts. Amazing stuff
The Title screen is also great
https://youtu.be/TXCIDeA3ZvY?si=R1hDE51GVqDmj-bT
Listen to this Synthwave version while you're at it.
https://youtu.be/NF8LXcpCOSU?si=JAVogGo1QBqDdgKE
Max Payne
Max Payne
Probably my first encounter with this kind of Noir. Max Payne will always have a special place in my heart.
And this theme warms my soul.
https://youtu.be/68MBisdpmjs?si=yvYMZPV3HCIS261I
WWE '13
WWE '13
Dope af, great art style with CM Punk doing his signature pose
https://youtu.be/hRvKa573Vh8?si=ZLt7imHWHic5Hrtw
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Metal and Wrestling. I miss the 2000s...
https://youtu.be/JdoqseYvBYs?si=gEVJJ2wAieCw_jPk
God of War
God of War
"The Gods of Olympus have abandoned me"
https://youtu.be/_GfPPEq71tc?si=RQeMdIUH1BmPJMIe
Ekdíkisi, Lýtrosi
God of War II
God of War II
"To telos arhizi torah
Prodosiaaaaaa
Thrimos! Thrimos!
To telos arhizi torah"
And just like that, straight to action. Awesome shit.
https://youtu.be/_XG1RcgU2Ic?si=WBXz9GHJX6ltvSUT
The end begins
God of War III
God of War III
Just like GOW 1 and 2, but now he is absolutely angry. You can hear him grunting.
And once again, amazing transition straight to the game.
https://youtu.be/HIUDo-ywmOE?si=fRBNPpOFk0DtShJj
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat
Scorpion uppercuts Sub-Zero
https://youtu.be/54TnYc7j2l0?si=oxMiUd00U1_5K8Hm
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
This is the best part about this game. The main menu... but at least its amazing.
https://youtu.be/p4fV-y3c7s4?si=Yy6lkgkcwHDM2nAB
Batman vs Scorpion is a fight that would feed families
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Spooky vibes
https://youtu.be/klEBgBhK4AE?si=ecka54RILkXYjX1B
There's 8 variants of the menu screen which is a big bonus.
Bully
Bully
Welcome to Bullworth
https://youtu.be/Jz1gvP4ozbE?si=lZp17wjbMaNk2V03
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The pink, the sounds. So simple yet it brings me so many memories..
https://youtu.be/wv9dlW8Rdog?si=f4znNKDfwB_-4Qco
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The Vinewood background is my childhood
Ahhhh and these sounds are Symphony to my ears
https://youtu.be/K5hJotObJeA?si=OkrS_RzQyFvbYYkX
Can't find a video of the main menu but here's a photo https://search.app.goo.gl/V9r3LFt
Total Overdose
Total Overdose
Delinquent habits - Return of the tres
Thats it.
https://youtu.be/-JEAdz6stks?si=r-PjH1vlLGmdqLDV
Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs
Simple, good with great soundtrack on the background.
I love the red and orange combo
https://youtu.be/w6xM9MRtHLg?si=dfUIKY2elhG9xaIW
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
Superb menu screen with the scenery changing based on where you are in the story.
https://youtu.be/2gDPSewa5x8?si=gX2onFqKfkvoX6A5
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Stunning visuals with Soviet march on the background. What more could you want?
https://youtu.be/yDFXocMkuIg?si=0DNK2nXSuuG024Hz
Manhunt
Manhunt
This on the other hand, is disturbing and unnerving, just like the game.
https://youtu.be/Pslh1njBV_g?si=P3mHE5bbr10EzWDr
I love how the time on the camera goes on , its supposed to be a snuff movie. Great detail.
Also, there's a fucked up and disturbing thing about it.
https://youtu.be/Y-VYqLZ1fA0?si=zPsRtXWuMkSByuLx
See for yourself
Metal: Hellsinger
Metal: Hellsinger
Hell yeah, it gets you pumped up right from the start
https://www.youtube.com/live/FLZpiooBgZY?si=_mVaiSBqathgf8ZX
Total War: Attila
Total War: Attila
This is Beautiful!
The Huns riding through the red fog with throat singing playing in the background
https://youtu.be/QIvbG6DG0Ig?si=0L3te2WAfrTelTxF
Rome: Total War
Rome: Total War
I mean... look at this, isn't it perfect?
https://youtube.com/shorts/MX3B2CmT47Y?si=f1vZ16FOgVHqJJnr
Medieval II: Total War
Medieval II: Total War
Chills on my spine
https://youtu.be/6BGqzUymlVY?si=hG0n1Gsdh2swz6Ou
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
I love how it starts with the letters IV
https://youtu.be/-Y5iF1Pdlcw?si=Kh-G24ekuEDcL_YW
Empire Earth
Empire Earth
If Testosterone was a song
https://youtu.be/5IvVgLYdD_E?si=O5vU3fEWmGQUEMKM
Heroes of Might and Magic III: Complete
Heroes of Might and Magic III: Complete
Elegant and beautiful
https://youtu.be/vlzB9aXMR0s?si=zzQn4gBxyOg1mGPW
Zuma
Zuma
Classic, back when i couldn't use my pc because my dad was playing Zuma
https://youtu.be/SaG0T-2kAVA?si=xN3hgI3WQgMTRC_p
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013
This is my favorite menu in a football game
https://youtu.be/ZnFsZ3OMcos?si=La-buBXMpMgp4Sf1
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
Wavin' Flag brings me so many memories.. Best World Cup
https://youtu.be/b3eA0FGbwT4?si=ACnizKa96I-eboQd
Darkwatch
Darkwatch
The Vampire, The Cowboys and The Main Menu
https://youtu.be/GDpLEr784is?si=lvFkiAkZIgNVQZkk
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
This has no song on the background but goddamn, its such a great one.
The silence makes it even more creepy, truly one of the best.
https://youtu.be/z_1U-wVU488?si=gLh8pPVj09NOGEnW
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
"Kain refused the sacrifice"
"Be wary Raziel"
One of my favorite themes
https://youtu.be/8n79NEX9DNI?si=Y0MK1pjmIWV3Q_NK
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
The Main Menu itself is a puzzle
https://youtu.be/YutQT2EZn5I?si=F04N70N9IRF6POL8
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Star Wars: Battlefront II
I loved watching this menu as a kid
https://youtu.be/wD8ePd6kAjc?si=h8-8gNYHZT-6RLp1
Apotheon
Apotheon
Beautiful enough to make me cry.
The greek culture speaks to me, and Apotheon is such an underrated game. I love the instrumental on this.
https://youtu.be/iSrQzNWD5mY?si=epSAKMCjKMrSHI2h
Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed
Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed
This chromatic is so pleasing to the eye..
https://youtu.be/0cRM-O-gSmY?si=acqCvytQaMxAaPK3
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Homer Simpson sleeping on the couch
https://youtu.be/OqLx0nk08ZQ?si=Nc8L37OjPPN9UnRn
Spore
Spore
This one makes me sleep like a baby
https://youtu.be/d-mPtsKpb14?si=R22xWuOnoXgfbiak
It has a cool easter egg too
https://youtu.be/U6uMVXml8eU?si=KhBPGKWBTMMcVOYm
Saints Row: The Third
Saints Row: The Third
Banger song, banger idea
https://youtu.be/nd8D8Hkzhuk?si=uoNG3GmvxaJnj_1s
Whole cast is present
Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno
Majestic and Haunting
https://youtu.be/0Cn9QUkctew?si=tokyCFJvtsFqRg72
Beatrice on the right looks mythical
https://youtu.be/Ie269TU41yY?si=4ixsTkRITo8TXEhr
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction
Just like Sniper Elite V2, there's multiple angles
https://youtu.be/pOtHls2S_dI?si=LM3R6ApvGm3o7h3c
The Godfather
The Godfather
Exactly what it should be
https://youtu.be/QnBhadbmygI?si=84-rQPVb4AqjGvXW
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Very atmospheric. Holmes sitting on his chair smoking, while outside it rains heavily and the rain hits the glass
https://youtu.be/qGr7KnogLmA?si=_q46hn4pf-W4ttZS
Mafia
Mafia
A table with some guns, a map of the city of Lost Heaven and many other items.
Camera moves around with the classic theme song of the classic Mafia.
https://youtu.be/e7XH-nSMXYM?si=K_696jKC-VWrhMCn
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Not that much goes on here, but the image is cool.
An AK-47 buried in the never-ending sand of the desert, the classic theme song of the series on the background and a cool effect of wind blowing.
https://youtu.be/CeUYzDgs498?si=-hBTg1LXkoX6h7Id

10 Comments

TheQuietGamer

23 days ago

Heck yeah, Warrior Within’s metal vibe is so underrated.

Zguvat

23 days ago

@TheQuietGamer Indeed. Idk why people don't like Warrior Within because "its edgy" and The Prince is emo.
That edginess is exactly why I love WW. The fact that they changed the atmosphere/theme of the game so much compared to Sands of Time and nothing was ruined is something worth praising.
And The Prince is that way because he is being chased 24/24 by the Guardian of Time that wants to kill him:)))

RedBackLoggd

23 days ago

Think you'd appreciate Mafia 1 on here.

Zguvat

23 days ago

@RedBackLoggd which one? Original or Remake

RedBackLoggd

23 days ago

Original, though I hope the remake kept it as it was that good.

lwfym

12 days ago

This is an amazing list man. Some of which, I completely forgot about when it came to how good the menus were. Love the added notes and links too!

Zguvat

12 days ago

@lwfym thank you 😁

_Rocket_

1 day ago

Max Payne 1 and Manhunt were the first ones that came to mind, glad someone feels the same way. 2000s Rockstar was ahead of the game in terms of atmospheric games

Zguvat

1 day ago

This comment was deleted

Zguvat

1 day ago

@Rocket yess, R☆ used to be more than just GTA and RDR, and it was great
Zguvat

10 Comments

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