Every small detail and aspect of a video game has a chance to stand out and make a huge impact on its audience. From a loading screen to a simplemenu select sound, the tiniest detail can find itself making its way into fans' hearts for years to come.
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A game’sstart screenis 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.
Updated on July 22, 2025, by Christine Mendoza:Start screens are a crucial part of any video game as they are the component that leaves the first impression on fans the moment the game starts up. The recent discourse surrounding Bethesda’s upcoming action RPG, Starfield, is a testament to exactly how important something as simple as a start screen can be for a game’s entire reputation. The general public has been divided aboutStarfield’s minimalistic start screen. Some have claimed that it looks rushed and “uncared for” while others mention that Bethesda’s start screens have been rather simplistic in the past with no uprising or complaint. No matter which side of the debate one is on, it’s always great to see some great examples of start screens that will leave just about any gamer in awe. For any gamers that feel like judging a book by its cover, a few new entries of thebest start screens in video gameshave been added, celebrating all the best art designs, musical scores, and menu sounds across the years.
13Hotline Miami
There’s a heavy focus on psychedelics inHotline Miami, as the main character, Jacket, does have many instances of drug use seen throughout his apartment.Hotline Miamiis known not only for its hyper-violence and “beat-em-up” style of gameplay but also for its ever-changing colorful imagery.
As the game is set inMiami in the 80s, it features tons of neon colors that were present in interior design, fashion, and makeup during the era. However, amazing visuals aren’t enough. To make the experience perfect, even before the player presses “Start”, theHotline Miamisoundtrack was carefully handcrafted/picked to create the atmosphere that players could not only get pumped up from but also relax and vibe to.
12Papers, Please
There’s an eerie tone thatPapers, Pleaseclearly wants to achieve and luckily for them, their impactful start screen sets that tone right from the get-go.Papers, Pleaseis a game about the mundane reality of life and the unfair living conditions citizens are forced to endure when under the jurisdiction of a very powerful government.
ThePapers, Pleasetheme is the main songever heard throughout the game and is only truly present during the iconic start screen. The way the bass of the horns suddenly march in with the main title slowly making its way on screen immediately sets not only the tone of the game and its contents but also the general time/era as well.
11Animal Crossing
A certain kind of calmness and comfort comes from the entireAnimal Crossingseries. The very firstAnimal Crossingis 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 theAnimal Crossinglogo andthe signature theme songof 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.
10Mario Paint
TheMario Paintstart screen is genuinely like no other out there. While other start screens establish a tone or immerse the player in the right atmosphere,Mario Paintgives the player a sneak peek of what kind of fun, creative game they’re in for.
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Mario Paintis 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 anew tool, cutscene, or minigame. From drawing tools to rolling the ending credits, every single letter is a fun surprise.
9Kingdom Hearts
The originalKingdom Heartsstart 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.
The entireKingdom Heartsseries is known for itsbeautiful 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 givesKingdom Heartsfans those good old nostalgic chills.
8The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The momentElder Scrollsfans started upSkyrimand saw this screen, they knew they were in for a journey that involved courage, duty, and power. The simplemark of the dovahkiinagainst the black background and subtle smoke rising from the bottom of the screen was all the imagerySkyrimneeded 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.
7Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
While many of theMetal Gear Solidseries games have fantastic start screens,MGS3is a big fan favorite. Remembering the basics ofCQC (close-quarters combat)is a harsh lessonMGSfans 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.
6The Last Of Us
The somber atmosphere that persists throughoutThe Last Of Usis 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 eggin the form of Ellie’s knifenow appearing on the game’s start screen as a little reward for completing the story.
5Portal 2
ThePortal 2start screen begins with an ambient setting, an eerie picture of a nowdilapidated Aperture Science facility—a once clean and pristine setting now overrun by nature, leaving a deactivated Glados helplessly lying on the floor. There is little to no movement in this start screen, only foliage softly falling to the ground and Glados' blinking light going off every so often.
This drastically different version of the Aperture Science facility that fans weren’t used to, paired with the haunting music made for a perfect intro to Chell’s new story.
However, the facility does change throughout the campaign, and as the player progresses through the story, the start screen adjusts as well. To keep up with the current events of the player’s playthrough, each act is given a creative new start screen.
4Halo: Combat Evolved
Putting aside the incredible legacy the entireHaloseries has within the gaming community, the song that plays during thefirstHalogamehas 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 classicHalologo is impeccable but the originalHalotheme 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.
