Ponder for a moment the unassuming character selection screen that appears across various gaming categories, ranging from combat games to speed-focused racers, and even the odd platform adventure.
A character selection screen serves not only as a place where you choose your gaming character, but also as a means to establish the atmosphere or style of the upcoming game.
An exceptional character selection interface should showcase captivating visuals and graphics, play appealing music, and present each character in an attention-grabbing manner, ensuring equal appeal for all options.
Let’s reminisce about some of the most unique and exciting character selection screens that games have offered.
To maintain variety, we’re limiting each series to a single screen, otherwise, many of them would share the same cast members.
10. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
I’m Gonna Take You For A Ride
Marvel vs. Capcom 2″ is actually the fourth installment in Capcom’s line of fighting games known as the versus series, coming after “X-Men vs. Street Fighter”, “Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter”, and the original “Marvel vs. Capcom”.
Naturally, given the accumulation of characters from the preceding three games, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was bound to pull out all the stops.
As soon as you open the character selection menu, a colossal hologram of the world welcomes you, and over time, it displays the impressive lineup of 56 characters that the game offers.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention that classic earworm of a theme song.
Interesting trivia: Initially, the game’s soundtrack received criticisms during its time. However, the theme for character selection has proven to be timeless and lasting.
9. Super Smash Bros.
“FREE FOR ALLLLL!”
Initially, the classic “Super Smash Bros.” on the N64 marked Nintendo’s initial attempt to innovate in the realm of fighting games, and indeed, they hit the bullseye with this one!
Arguably the cornerstone of this game’s excellent presentation was its character selection screen.
The catchy tune and fashionable symbols create an atmosphere, yet it’s the charming 3D character animations that truly caught your attention.
In contrast to subsequent Smash games featuring grander and more stylized character select screens, the original screen was unique in having the characters’ models move and animate as they did.
8. Super Mario Bros. 2
Raise Your Hand
Disregarding the debate about whether it truly falls under the “Mario” category, Super Mario Bros. 2 did establish some key elements that have remained significant for the series up to the present day.
The games initially featured multiple selectable characters, each having their own character selection interface.
In the case of transitioning from the classic Super Mario Bros., where you’d typically begin as either Mario or Luigi, to its sequel, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised to discover that four characters are now available for gameplay right from the start.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the latest Mario platformers such as “Super Mario Wonders” offer character selection, which seems to be a nod to “Super Mario Bros. 2”. It looks like they were inspired to continue this feature from that groundbreaking game.
7. Mortal Kombat
Love Those Janky Portraits
Instead of relying on conventional sprites like most games during that era, the pioneering Mortal Kombat opted for an unexpected move by utilizing real-life actors through digitalization.
Or:
Rather than sticking with common sprite graphics as other games did in that time period, Mortal Kombat made a bold move by employing digitized human actors.
Or:
While other games opted for the usual sprite characters during that era, Mortal Kombat took a gamble and chose to use digitized actors instead.
On the character selection screen, the boldness of the upcoming move is clearly showcased. Instead of merely displaying the actor sprites in the lower corners, it also offers a clear view of their faces within the central icons.
Compared to the polished appearance of Mortal Kombat 1 by current standards, it appears somewhat rough or unrefined.
Remember, though, the series maintained this approach up through Mortal Kombat 3.
No matter how janky it was, it was distinct enough to work.
6. Super Mario Kart
Look At ‘Em Spin
Back in the day, I got my hands on the classic Super Mario Kart for the SNES, marking yet another groundbreaking moment for Nintendo. This time, it was Mario who swapped his overalls for a racing suit and hopped behind the wheel, shaking up the gaming world with an entirely fresh take on racing gameplay.
In comparison to future game menus, the initial version’s character selection appears quite modest.
It just has the characters on little view screens zooming by while you pick your favorite.
What was neat, though, is that highlighting a character had them spin in place.
This brief preview showcased the unique Mode 7 3D feature, which was one of the standout aspects that set apart the game “Super Mario Kart”.
5. Tekken 3
No More Slate Gray
The first two Tekken games had mostly identical character selection screens.
In your scene, you had a sturdy, dark-gray backdrop, a strip at the base brimming with character symbols, and two windows showcasing moderately intense close-ups of your main character in focus.
Tekken 3, though, injected a little more style into its character selection screen.
It’s a similar layout, with the icons on the bottom and the windows in the middle.
Instead, the characters appear slightly elongated, providing a more impressive view from their profiles, and the artwork gives them a significantly cooler appearance.
Incidentally, there’s an intriguing ‘escalator’ ambiance in the backdrop too, giving off the impression that you’re about to engage in another significant battle.
4. Soulcalibur 2
A Little Verticality Works Wonders
In the original “Soul Blade”, which is also a Namco production, its character selection screen was remarkably similar to that of “Tekken” in terms of simplicity.
In a fresh twist, Soulcalibur retained its use of the icon bar and windows, yet opted for an eye-catching gradient instead of the previous monotonous backdrop.
The game that really got things going was Soulcalibur 2.
The character symbols were shifted towards the middle, allowing for a complete display of your chosen character’s figure, surrounded by dancing, colorful flames that flickered.
To add an extra touch, every time you chose your character, they’d execute a stylish close-up with a suave pose and deliver a witty remark.
3. Guilty Gear X2
Awesome Music, Awesome Art
Initially, the first two “Guilty Gear” titles presented promising elements for a superb character selection interface, yet they fell short of fully delivering on that potential.
In the first game, the music was amazing, while the second showcased great character designs. However, Guilty Gear X2 combined these strengths by featuring an appealing menu design as well.
In the initial launch of X2, the characters were displayed in an innovative, circular selection screen. The fighter currently in focus was showcased as highly detailed, stylish anime artwork alongside the menu.
Later editions of X2 replaced the round menu with a more conventional layout style known as a “spread menu”, but they maintained the unique character designs and fantastic rock tunes.
2. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle
“Better Not Let The Dark Side Win!”
Here’s a personal take on that fun fact:
Did you know? The initial Dreamcast release of Sonic Adventure 2 actually featured multiplayer mode! However, due to limitations in character selection, levels, and overall aesthetics, it didn’t quite live up to the multiplayer potential we all hoped for.
It’s likely that the game we commonly recall as Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is the one released for the GameCube.
In the updated version dubbed “Battle,” there’s an abundance of fresh multiplayer material. This includes additional characters and playfields tailored for each game mode, as well as an eye-catching main interface to organize everything neatly.
If you were a child during the early 2000s who spent a lot of time with a GameCube, it’s likely that the character selection screen and its tune have left an indelible mark on your memory.
1. Street Fighter 2
All Around The World
Of course, any conversation about character selection screens wouldn’t be whole without mentioning Street Fighter 2, the game that significantly advanced the evolution of fighting games altogether.
Initially, the classic Street Fighter game allowed players to control only Ryu; thus, the character selection feature introduced in Street Fighter 2‘s interface marked a significant advancement in multiple aspects.
The menu had a straightforward yet unique design, featuring character icons divided into several sections, adorned with artwork along the edges.
As a gamer, one awesome feature I appreciated about this game’s interface is that it clearly displayed each character’s origin point on the map at the top of the screen. This proved incredibly useful, as I could quickly check my next destination during breaks between battles.
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2025-02-05 17:41