Who Says Nintendo’s Menu Music Can\’t Be Awesome?

by Menashe (with suggestions from the staff)

Have you ever turned on a game and instead of pushing the start button, you just sat and listened to the Title Screen music for a while?

One of the coolest things about video games is that there is a separate music track for every single part of the game. And that includes the Title Screen/Main Menu. In a way, video game music is similar to movie scores in that they always use music that fits the scene. But, a Title Screen or Main Menu isn\’t actually a scenario in the game itself, it’s more of an appetizer of what’s to come. It sets the tone and whets your appetite, getting you into the mood as you are about to embark on a new adventure.

Whatever the nature of the main menu, we often forget about its place in the game because it is such a transient place to be. But that doesn\’t mean the Title Screen of Main Menu music isn\’t awesome. So often, we are treated to epic soundtracks that are really inviting, catchy, or stirring, depending on the nature of the game. In this article we will look back over some really great Main Menu music. I think you\’ll agree with me that many of them stir up some nostalgia as you recognize them and bring back many pleasant memories.

Since the Enthusiast sites are split up into two, Gaming Enthusiast and Nintendo Enthusiast, we have an everything-other-than-Nintendo version of this article on our other site. Click here to read it when you\’re done.

Enjoy! (And feel free to add your own favorites in the comments below.)

Xenoblade

Chrono Trigger

Final Fantasy 6

Mother 3

(The track is called Fun-Naming)



Super Mario World

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario 3D Land

Yoshi’s Story

(Wait for it. It’s a classic.)



Metroid

(Also takes time to get going.)



Mario 64

Zelda

(A series staple, but I used the Skyward Sword version.)



Metroid Prime

(Title Theme)



Metroid Prime

(Menu Select)



Star Fox 64

(This is so gorgeous. I can listen to it forever.)

Paper Mario

Nintendo World Cup

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong 64

(The DK Rap)



Pokemon Red and Blue

Animal Crossing

Fire Emblem

Final Fantasy

Sim City

Mega Man II

Bit Trip