People often say that the first impression is the most important, and when it comes to video games, this saying can also be applied. The best video game title screens tell you about what you can expect from the game, without revealing any of its surprises. They give you a glimpse into the game’s world before you dive in.

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Often accompanied by music that’s representative of the game alongside striking visuals, title screens are an important way for developers to entice players, showing them what’s so great about the experiences they’re about to have with just a single screen. The most iconic title screens are the ones you’ll want to sit back and watch each time you boot up the game.

10 Calm Before The Storm: The Last Of Us

A screenshot of The Last of Us title screen, showing an open window and Ellie’s switchblade.

The Last of Us’ title screen transports you into the game’s post-apocalyptic world through its melancholic atmosphere. It opts for a haunting image of a window with curtains blowing in the breeze, rather than a depiction of one of the game’s Infected.

The world of The Last of Us is one that has mostly fallen into ruin, after an apocalyptic outbreak that infected a large portion of humanity. It’s easy to imagine that the house from the title screen once belonged to someone long since gone, with their home now derelict and left to nature. The title screen also has an added bonus after you’ve completed the game, as Ellie’s switchblade will appear in the corner of the windowsill.

9 All-Seeing Eye: Animal Crossing Series

A screenshot of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons title screen, showing Filbert in the foreground.

The Animal Crossing series has changed a lot since its beginnings on the N64, but one thing has stayed the same — its creative title screens. These do a great job of demonstrating the core gameplay mechanic, as you’re given a glimpse into the lives of your villagers.

The title screens make it easy to imagine that, even when you’re not playing, your villagers and the other NPCs carry on with their everyday routines. When you boot up an Animal Crossing game, it’s as though you’re visiting your friends, and the title screen helps to strengthen your connection with them.

8 Double Trouble: Sonic the Hedgehog 2

A screenshot of the Sonic The Hedgehog 2 showing Tails and Sonic.

Sonic and Tails have become one of the most recognizable video game duos, and this is the game that started it all. As Tails’ first introduction to the series, the game welcomes this new character with open arms, appearing right beside the series’ mascot.

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The upbeat, arcade-style title music represents how fun this series is, and the bright, eye-catching graphic style draws you in too. You know you’re in for a good time when you see this title screen pop up, ready to join Sonic and Tails on their adventure.

7 Sea And Skies: Pokemon Gold & Silver

Split image screenshot of the Pokemon Gold and Silver title screens.

Depending on whether you play Pokemon Gold or Silver, you’ll be treated to a title screen that features either a silhouette of Ho-Oh flying through the sky or Lugia swimming deep under the sea. The Pokemon series, and its title screens, have come a long way since Gold and Silver released in 2000, but this one has remained iconic because it's the first title screen in color.

The title screens did a great job of teasing the legendary Pokemon of this generation, enticing you to press Start and begin your journey in the Johto region — a brand-new Pokemon adventure. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver pay homage to this title screen, reimagining it in 3D.

6 Anything But Hollow: Hollow Knight

A screenshot of The Eternal Ordeal title screen from Hollow Knight.

The revered indie game Hollow Knight has one of the most interactive title screens, allowing you to choose between designs and even unlock various backgrounds, depending on the ending you achieve. It’s a fresh take on the concept of a title screen, rewarding you if you’re dedicated enough to complete multiple endings.

One of the best customization options is The Eternal Ordeal style, which rewards you for beating 57 Zotelings. Instead of the classic main menu music, you’ll be treated to Zote singing a cover of the track.

5 Full Of Symbolism: Xenoblade Chronicles

A screenshot of the Xenoblade Chronicles title screen, showing the Monado with the sunset behind it.

Despite its simple concept, the title screen of Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the most powerful in gaming history because of how it’s able to distill a powerful message through the Monado in the ground as it turns to night.

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The title screen’s emotive music, composed by Yoko Shimomura, accompanies the image of the lone Monado. This imagery combined with the music is relaxing and hopeful, setting you up for the adventure that’s about to come. Every time you open up the game, you’ll want to wait out the cycle to hear the music swell.

4 Time Is Ticking: Chrono Trigger

A screenshot of the Chrono Trigger title screen, showing the pendulum and title.

One of the most beloved RPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger is deserving of its brilliant title screen. The ticking of the pendulum, as it sways from side to side, ushers in the game’s title alongside upbeat music that foreshadows the grand adventure you’re about to embark on.

Chrono Trigger’s title screen has remained so effective because it introduces you to the game’s main time-travel mechanic without giving away anything about its finer details. This mechanic is succinctly represented through the clock motif, which has become representative of the game as a whole.

3 Simple And Clean: Kingdom Hearts Series

A screenshot of the Kingdom Hearts 3 RE:Mind title screen, showing Kairi and Sora.

Since the original Kingdom Hearts, the title screens in the series have maintained a simple design, letting Tetsuya Nomura’s artwork speak for itself. Each entry in the series reworks the title screen, showing artwork representative of the title and playing its own rendition of the iconic theme “Dearly Beloved”.

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The title screen embodies the magic that has enamored fans for over two decades. With so many entries in the series, it connects them all together, helping to make the games truly feel part of the same overarching story.

2 Fit For A Hero: The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

A screenshot of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time title screen with Link riding Epona in the foreground.

The Legend of Zelda series’ first foray into the realm of 3D animation, Ocarina of Time is regarded by many fans as the greatest entry in the series — and with its captivating title screen, it’s clear to see why. Continuing on from the series’ roots, Ocarina of Time transformed the journey of Link by using a time-travel mechanic, while still embodying the hero’s solitary journey.

Ocarina of Time’s title screen does a great job of representing this heroism, as you’re treated to a scene of Link riding his trusty horse Epona across Hyrule Field as the score plays in the background.

1 Buster Sword In The Stone: Final Fantasy 7 And Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A screenshot of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake title screen, showing the Buster Sword in the ground.

The title screen of Final Fantasy 7 features nothing but a dark background, with Cloud Strife’s iconic Buster Sword the sole object of focus. This weapon, accompanied by the option to continue, is a striking first impression. It’s as though, each time you start up the game, you pick up the Buster Sword and continue on your journey.

This title screen has become so well known that Square decided to change little about it for Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Instead, it opted for the same opening shot, this time with high-definition graphics and remastered title music.

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