My first post about video game music here did really well (most commented post in community history), so I figured I might make it a series of sorts. If this post does well too I might make more video game music posts in the future.
Basically what the title says, what is/are the best menu theme(s) in your opinion? It can be from the main menu, the pause menu, if it’s a menu it counts here. I’ll put a few of my favourites in the comments as well, and look forward to see what others have to say.
Final Fantasy XII, not just for the amazing menu music but also due to how the opening cinematic blends seamlessly with the menu UI in the PS2 version. It all comes together perfectly.
The galaxy map theme from the Mass Effect series is one of my favourite tunes in a sci-fi game. I love the chill atmosphere as you select your destination, and hearing it outside the game always makes me want to revisit the series.
The Sims 2’s menu theme whisks me right back to 2005
Nobody has mentioned FTl: Faster than light yet as far as I can see. It’s so iconic!
I already commented on Outer Wilds, and this one is probably not fitting on Patient Gamers, but…
I have never just stopped and listened the main menu of a game fully, on multiple occasions… Until Expedition 33.
For whatever reason I felt like i was comitting a sheer disrespectful act to interrupt it.
Expedition 33 is a game I finished a couple weeks ago and have continued to be obsessed with since. Not really patientgamers material seeing as it’s pretty recent, but I’m so glad I made an exception for it.
Funnily enough the lyrics for that menu music is basically a plot synopsis that spoils the whole story in poetry, but it’s fine because it’s in a mutated medieval french. A lot of the game’s music is like that, actually.
Civilization 4
Really surprised to not see Civ 4’s Baba Yetu mentioned yet. It’s literally the first video game music to win a Grammy.
Not one person said Goldeneye? Wow. The main menu is good of course, but that pause music is legendary.
Agreed. Relevant: https://youtube.com/shorts/0k23djFBHt8
The menu theme of Jazz Jackrabbit 2
The only right answer: Deus EX
Halo takes it for me
Same. I’m between CE and 3.
Nobody mentions Need For Speed Underground: 2?
It had an iconic soundtrack.
Hard to pick a favourite but: The Legend of Dragoon Goldeneye FFX Halo 2
I think favourite combat music could be a good topic too!
Edit again because I missed what probably actually is my favourite. Baldur’s Gate 2.
That’ll be the next one!
Need For Speed Most wanted (2005), Need for speed music of that time period was kinda goated in general.
Fallout 4. Its not the radio stuff we all love… its the almost erie pause screen music that comes on after a while.
