10 Most Incredible In-Game Menus

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these menu systems are nothing short of extraordinary! Each one brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the rhythmic bleeps and woodwind noises of Ocarina of Time or the snarky Wario tunes in Wario World.

However, if I had to choose my favorite, I’d have to go with the iDroid from Metal Gear Solid 5. As a former special forces operative myself (well, in my dreams at least), I can appreciate the convenience of having all that information at your fingertips while on a mission. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a holographic lighter for their e-cigars?

On a more serious note, these menu systems not only enhance the gaming experience but also serve as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of game developers. They make our virtual worlds feel even more immersive and believable.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go back to my dreams and see if I can get Snake to teach me how to use an iDroid… or maybe just his signature stealth camouflage. You know, for when I have to sneak past the cat during my next Zoom meeting!

Have you ever pondered about the area within a game that you focus your gaze on for the longest period? While it’s clear that the gameplay itself is where most of your attention goes, don’t forget about the numerous in-game menus, which could be a close second in terms of viewing time.

With only a handful of differences, most video games offer customization menus where you can adjust settings, modify your character, and manage various aspects that cannot be altered during regular gameplay.

Many menus are designed for quick navigation, aiming to get you back into the game swiftly. Yet, certain games prefer to offer more extensive options.

Certain video games boast menus that exude style, matching the game’s own cool factor, whereas other titles feature menus that are part of the game world itself, known as diegetic menus.

10. Persona 5

“Don’t Look At Me Like That”

In terms of creating user interfaces for menus, Atlus stands out as one of the top players in the industry. The contemporary Persona series boasts attractive menu designs, but it’s Persona 5 that truly demonstrates Atlus’ capabilities at their finest.

When the main character taps the screen, an incredibly stylish and user-friendly menu appears. Each choice is neatly marked, yet every menu page includes distinct animations and artwork for added appeal.

The knack for creating remarkable menus is a trait that Atlus consistently brings to their later games, such as the spin-offs of Persona 5, Persona 3 Reload, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Or more informally:

Atlus has kept up the skill for making fantastic menus across all their subsequent projects like the Persona 5 spin-offs, Persona 3 Reload, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

9. Fallout 4

The Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV

In all major Fallout games, you use a device called the Pip-Boy to monitor your stats, take care of yourself, and organize your items.

This is a remarkably sophisticated wearable computer, utilized by anyone residing within a Vault or those who managed to acquire it from someone dwelling within a Vault.

The Pip-Boy Mark IV 3000 from Fallout 4 stands out as particularly impressive. Unlike in Fallout 3, where the switches seemed to flick on their own, in this version, your character’s hands are shown manipulating the switches and buttons when you power it up.

Furthermore, the adorable Vault Boy mascot comes with an assortment of charming movements, providing a pleasant distraction amidst the intense gunfire.

8. NieR: Automata

YoRHa OS

As a gamer immersed in the world of NieR: Automata, when I hit pause, it’s like stepping into a conveniently placed game room. Here, I find a map for orientation, my loot stash for inventory management, a training area to review my skills, and settings to tweak the game’s parameters, all at my fingertips.

As we delve deeper into the game post-prologue, I’ve come to realize that this very interface isn’t just a game element. It turns out it’s an integral part of the YoRHa operating system, which our androids, like 2B and 9S, frequently interact with in their daily routines.

Every time you take a moment to tweak your abilities or switch your equipment within the game, it’s either 2B or 9S rapidly calculating what’s best based on the current circumstances.

7. Resident Evil 4

Attaché Case Manager

In Resident Evil 4, upon reaching the enigmatic Spanish village while chasing after Ashley, Leon initially appears to be lacking in necessary gear. However, it turns out that he’s been hiding a full suitcase of equipment… somewhere.

The briefcase serves as your organizational tool for weapons and items, where careful planning is needed to effectively organize and place each item within it.

In the 2023 remake, they included one of the original game’s standout features. As expected, this feature was also incorporated into the new version. Regrettably, unlike the original, the remake does not include a statue of Leon posed stylishly.

6. Goldeneye 007

The Classic Q Watch

One notable aspect about James Bond, apart from his elegant tuxedos and unmoved martinis, is his collection of ingenious spy devices.

It’s thanks to Q’s many inventions that Bond always has a proverbial ace up his sleeve.

007’s film adaptation, Goldeneye, features fewer high-tech devices compared to other Bond movies, but one essential piece of equipment that always accompanies him is the Q Watch.

This advanced and stylish timepiece functions as a convenient pause menu, enabling you to swiftly switch between different tools and review your mission tasks. Additionally, it features thrilling spy-themed tunes.

5. Dead Space

Isaac’s RIG Inventory

In the game Dead Space, it’s Isaac Clarke’s engineering-focused RIG suit that safeguards him against the brunt of the Necromorph assaults. Given its origin as an engineer’s suit, it prioritizes functionality and utility over combat readiness.

Among the handy tools available is a digital inventory and navigation display that Isaac can access anytime to check his current items or find out his next destination.

In the spirit of the game’s understated visual charm, the in-game menu doesn’t halt the action. While it serves a purpose, it’s not as user-friendly as I’d like it to be during those intense moments.

4. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

You Can Already Hear It

Some aspects of traditional games have become deeply etched into our shared recollections due to extensive repetition. For instance, the pause screen from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has left a lasting impression on many.

The structure of the menu is quite simple, dividing your useful items into four categories: regular items, protective gear such as shields and tunics, collectible items, and a map to help navigate.

As I navigate through this captivating setup, each action is met with a harmonious blend of rhythmic beeps and melodious wind sounds, adding an extra layer of immersion to the experience.

Those distinctive sound effects will instantly ring a bell for anyone who’s played Ocarina of Time before, as they are so familiar to us after having heard them so often.

3. Wario World

“NYAAAH NYAH NYAH NYAAAH NYAH”

In the less-famous Nintendo GameCube game Wario World, when you momentarily halt the game, you’re presented with a miniature treasure map detailing the treasures you’ve accumulated, the Spritelings you’ve saved, and more.

This menu stands out as clean and straightforward, yet it’s Wario who truly takes it to another level. As the menu is active, you’ll hear a catchy tune playing, featuring Wario teasing you in his distinctive nasal tones.

Interestingly, if you keep this menu open for about 50 continuous minutes, Wario will eventually apologize and cease his singing, provided you haven’t resumed playing the game in the meantime. It seems that even Wario adheres to certain standards of social decorum, however minimal they may be.

2. Elden Ring

The FromSoft Menu, Perfected

Since the introduction of Demon’s Souls, FromSoftware has continually refined its unique menu system. This is because the menus need to efficiently communicate essential information, given the challenging, real-time dynamics of their games.

In Elden Ring, the perfected version of this gameplay aspect was developed. The user-friendly interface in Elden Ring employs an overlaid display, allowing you to keep track of your character and the environment clearly, regardless if you’re navigating through items or adjusting settings.

It’s best not to open the menu during a battle as the game doesn’t stop while it’s open. However, if you must do so, it’s beneficial that the menu remains visible, just in case an attack is imminent.

1. Metal Gear Solid 5

Venom Snake’s iDroid

Managing to be the best soldier globally and heading a colossal mercenary group certainly isn’t a walk in the park. In Metal Gear Solid 5, Snake must juggle these roles, whether it’s on or off the battlefield. That’s where his indispensable iDroid comes in handy.

The iDroid functions as your main interface, where you can access maps, place indicators, look up information from your database, and play back audiotapes.

Apart from its primary function, it also grants you comprehensive control over the Diamond Dogs backend, allowing you to mobilize troops, commission projects, and manage the organization regardless of your location. Additionally, this iDroid doubles as a holographic lighter for Snake’s e-cigars.

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2024-12-30 17:11