In-game menus aren’t the most talked about feature of video games as they tend just to be there. But some of us gamers need someflaireven when checking stats, changing weapons, etc. That’s why creative in-game menus are so eye-catching and appreciated.
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The in-game menu is where you’ll spend quite a bit of time going back and forth depending on the game. You generally just want to get back into the game as fast as possible, but it never hurts when the menu UI is interesting.
10Wario World
The Song Will Stay with You Forever
Wario World
Wario is annoying. No one would deny that. So, it’s not a shock that the in-game menu in Wario World works hard to grate on the nerves of parents worldwide. That “nyaaah nyah nyah nyaaah nyah” will play on repeat in your head.
It’s a good way to make you cycle through the in-game menu as quickly as possible though. But if you like finding Easter eggs, let the menu stay on for at least 50 minutes as Wario will say a sad little “sorry” before staying quiet.
9Until Dawn
A Brief Reprieve
Until Dawn
Until Dawndoesn’t have a flashy in-game menu by any means, but creativity is undoubtedly present. The character you see in the background is always the character you’re currently playing. Not only that, but they’ll always look how they currently appear in-game, scratches, bruises, and all.
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Time to return to the lodge (and hopefully not get eaten).
It’s a cool way to slow things down a bit and catch your breath. Also, it’s neat with all the clues and evidence you’ve discovered simple to see. You have plenty of other things to enjoy within the menu too, likewatching the totems.
8Elden Ring
Sometimes Less is More
Elden Ring
Elden Ringis notorious for not having a genuine pause function, but that’s not why we’re here. We’re here for how seamlessly the in-game menu fits into the game. Pressing “start” brings up the menu UI on either side of the screen.
Nothing is obscured until you choose to dive deeper into your inventory, equipment, and more. Just remember: the game doesn’t pause here. So, try not to hop into the in-game menu while you’re in the middle of a fight.
7NieR: Automata
A Functional OS System
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata doesn’t have the sleekest-looking in-game menu as the UI is simple and clean. The creativity comes from how it works. When you bring up the menu, you’re dipping into the lore because you see what all YoRHa androids see.
This interface is their interface. 2B and all our other faves see the same menu whenever they need to make any changes or view information. So, having that be our in-game menu is a cool touch.
6GoldenEye 007
A Timeless Timepiece
GoldenEye 007
I’ve been in love with the in-game menu for the N64GoldenEye007 (along with everything else about it) since I was 6-years old. There’s not much that hits quite as hard as bringing up the Q watch.
It was one of the coolest things you could have seen back in the late 90s, and it still looks just as good in the recent remastered version. Proving that diegetic menus are anything but new, Goldeneye 007 left you feeling like a true spy.
5Resident Evil 4
The Horror of Organizing
Resident Evil 4
With death around every corner, Resident Evil always keeps you on your toes. But inResident Evil 4, the inventory menu was an excellent idea. It gave you room to step out of the intensity of the game for a while. The only downside is that you may spend too much time on it.
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Your inventory starts out all over the place. But you’re allowed to set aside time and organize your case so that it fits everything you need. Where does Leon keep this case? Who knows? What I do know is that it’ll help you kick up those organizational skills.
4Persona 3 Reload
A Serene Experience
Persona 3 Reload
If you’ve playedPersona, you know just how action-heavy the game is. But in Persona 3 Reload, the pause menu manages to capture a more chill vibe. The coloring plays a major part in this as the light blue theme manages to be both powerful and gentle.
The menu changes as you cycle around. It’s a great example of how you may effectively utilize art, even in your in-game menu.
A Smooth RIG Inventory Screen
Dead Space
Here we have yet another diegetic in-game menu that doesn’t pause the game; it merely brings up the extra stuff you need. And in a game likeDead Space, it can spell death if you time it incorrectly. But that doesn’t make the menu screen any less cool.
The digital screen blends into the game so that it looks like an extension of Issac’s RIG suit. It’s simple, clean, and easy enough to use in a flash, seeing as you should be moving fast if you’re in the in-game menu, unless you want an awful death.
2Fallout 4
Pip-Boy Mark IV 3000
Pip-Boys are a staple in theFallout franchise, and they’re used in each main game when you want to handle any character details like managing your inventory or checking your stats. This covered the fact that you were essentially jumping into an in-game menu.
Fallout 4perfected this diegetic interface as you can see your character’s fingers cycling through the various screens. Plus, Vault Boy has some charming animations that make browsing each section (even when you don’t need to) worthwhile.
1Persona 5
The Most Intense Slap
Yes. We’re aware we added two Persona games to this list. Are we biased? Unabashedly so.
And we’re back to the Persona franchise withPersona 5, and this entry easily has one of the best in-game menu designs. It all starts with a slap too. One slap and the protagonist brings up a bold menu that’s perfectly saturated in black, white, and red.
Navigating each section is smooth and leads to a different pose or angle. It’s just as dynamic as the game itself, so even when you have to stop for a while, you’re never thrown off.
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