There's a lot that goes into making a great video game that is both loved by audiences and memorable. It's not just photorealistic graphics, complex yet relatable characters, and immersive world-building and plot lines, it's about sound design as well. A game can't simply look or feel good; it must sound pleasing as well, from the beautifully orchestrated soundtracks to the soundbites that play for less than a full second.
While some developers may overlook these minuscule details, others pay great attention to every aspect of their games, no matter how (seemingly) insignificant. A well-done audio design job for a simple menu has the power to hit players will a powerful wave of nostalgia for their favorite game with a single note. Here are some of the best and most memorable soundbites used in video game menus throughout the years.
7 Persona 3-5
Music has always been an incredibly big part of the Persona series' overall pull. Persona 3 and 4 not only have amazing themes and soundtracks but also iconic menu soundbites that are easily recognizable and fit together fairly well.
However, Persona 5 pushed things a little farther away from their usual 8-bit sound direction with a bit more of an updated/modernized, "stylized," and chic menu sound in battle and inventory menus.
While the Persona 5 menu soundbite differs greatly from its two previous predecessors, it's easy to see that the new audio fits Joker and his crew perfectly, and players wouldn't have it any other way.
6 Resident Evil 4
A truly well-done menu audio will be both noticeable and memorable without feeling repetitive or annoying at the same time. All hardcore Resident Evil fans will easily recognize the signature RE4 inventory screen and the subtle yet satisfying sounds that come along with it.
Inventory space is tight, and it's in Leon's best interest to keep things in his attache case nice and tidy. It's natural that most players spend a great deal of time rearranging their items, keeping all herbs together, firearms in one corner, and ammo in another. An overly loud or sharp soundbite could have ruined the RE4 inventory organization process entirely, but luckily the game picked a perfectly subtle soundbite that ultimately ended up being wildly prolific.
5 Pokemon
Throughout the entire Pokémon legacy, starting all the way back in 1996, every little detail of each game has been fine-tuned to perfection, making the name of the series truly earn the respect and love it gained over the years. Every single character, Pokemon, soundtrack, and environment was well-thought-out, so of course a seemingly minuscule detail like menu sounds wasn't overlooked in the development process.
The classic Pokémon games, in particular, have somehow made a simple high-pitch noise their signature audio, easily recognized by gamers everywhere as the Pokémon battle menu soundbite, as simplistic as it is iconic.
4 Kingdom Hearts
The Kingdom Hearts series is often praised for its amazing soundtrack; it's colorful world music that truly moves players along their journey with Sora and friends. However, aside from its musical score, the rest of the sound design of the game deserves recognition as well.
Along with the beautifully simplistic piano and ocean waves heard in the famous Kingdom Hearts title screen is the iconic menu audio. The little soundbite present in both the inventory, battle, and title menus is a beautifully simple (and clean) finishing touch, giving just a little bit more personality to the already beloved series.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend Of Zelda series has had many memorable bits of audio (aside from its beautiful orchestral soundtrack), like Navi's cute "hey, listen," Link's many angry battle grunts, or the little jingle that plays when a treasure chest is opened.
The inventory menu of Ocarina Of Time is one of the most nostalgic soundbites from the entirety of the series. It's subtle yet incredibly unique and gives the game its own special feel and atmosphere. Just about every longtime Zelda fan can fondly remember the charming menu sounds when sorting through inventory, switching Link's equipment, or even just switching through each inventory panel.
2 Metal Gear Solid
Aside from the famous alert sound that has been used in countless memes and videos, the Metal Gear Solid series has another great soundbite that almost any gamer would be able to recognize in an instant. The Metal Gear Solid menu audios (in both the main menu/start screen and Snake's inventory) are simple and, at first, may sound rather generic, just like any other beeping sound from a phone or computer. However, it's all the smaller details and nuances in the audio design that makes these simple sounds so memorable and iconic.
Just about any Metal Gear fan has a soft spot in their heart for the first MGS game's charming audio design.
1 Final Fantasy 7
When it comes to menus that make the biggest impact with the least amount of detail, the Final Fantasy 7 start screen is a big contender for taking first place. The FF7 start screen has minimal artwork, presenting the player with Cloud's signature Buster Sword in a spotlight with a minimalist menu.
While the beautifully simple visuals are amazing, the incredible audio design deserves just as much credit. The game/series' iconic menu and select sounds allow players to immediately know exactly what game they are playing. Without a single piece of artwork, character, or landscape to be seen, as soon as players hear the famous menu soundbite, they know it couldn't be any other game than Final Fantasy.