When it comes to gaming, few elements are as iconic as the character selection screen. Found across numerous genres—from combat to racing and even platformers—these screens serve a crucial role beyond just offering playable options.
A well-designed character selection screen does more than list choices; it establishes the atmosphere of the game and intrigues players. An engaging screen often features striking artwork, vibrant graphics, memorable music, and presents all characters in a visually appealing manner.
Let’s explore some of the most remarkable character selection screens in gaming history, highlighting one from each series to ensure diversity and uniqueness in our selections.
10.Marvel vs. Capcom 2
I’m Gonna Take You For A Ride
As the fourth installment in Capcom’s versus fighting series, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 stands out for its extensive roster of 56 characters. Upon entering the character selection screen, players are greeted by a dazzling holographic globe displaying the full cast, complemented by one of the most recognizable theme songs in gaming history. Intriguingly, this upbeat soundtrack was initially criticized but has remained a beloved favorite over time.
9.Super Smash Bros.
“FREE FOR ALLLLL!”
The original Super Smash Bros. for N64 marked Nintendo’s first venture into a fully-fledged fighting game. The character selection screen was a cornerstone of its engaging presentation, featuring jazzy music and stylized icons. Perhaps the most memorable aspect was the 3D model animations of the characters, a feature that would set this iteration apart from its successors.
8.Super Mario Bros.2
Raise Your Hand
While often debated as a true sequel, Super Mario Bros.2 introduced the innovative concept of multiple selectable characters, revolutionizing platformer gameplay. Players transitioning from the original game were pleasantly surprised to find themselves greeted by four unique characters, a standard that has influenced subsequent titles, including the recent Super Mario Wonder.
7.Mortal Kombat
Love Those Janky Portraits
During an era dominated by traditional sprites, Mortal Kombat made a bold choice by using digitized actors. The character selection screen brilliantly showcased this innovation, presenting actor sprites alongside detailed facial icons. Although it might seem dated by today’s standards, this unique approach added a distinct flavor that the series maintained well into its later iterations.
6.Super Mario Kart
Look At ‘Em Spin
When Super Mario Kart debuted on the SNES, it brought a fresh perspective to racing games. Despite its simple character selection screen, which featured characters zooming by, it contained a fun twist: highlighted characters would spin in place, giving players a sneak peek at the game’s innovative Mode 7 graphics.
5.Tekken 3
No More Slate Gray
While the early Tekken installments featured generally similar character selection screens, Tekken 3 introduced a more vibrant aesthetic. Retaining the basic layout, it upgraded character portraits for a thrilling presentation, enhanced by a captivating elevator effect, immersing players in the anticipation of the next battle.
4.Soulcalibur 2
A Little Verticality Works Wonders
Following a mediocre character selection screen in its predecessor, Soulcalibur 2 elevated the experience by incorporating character models into a visually dynamic interface. The center stage featured icons while the sides highlighted selected characters within flickering flames, culminating in a dramatic zoom-in and character quip upon selection—an exquisite touch that enhanced player engagement.
3.Guilty Gear X2
Awesome Music, Awesome Art
While earlier titles in the Guilty Gear franchise seemed promising, it was Guilty Gear X2 that combined captivating music with eye-catching visuals in its character selection screen. Featuring a circular menu and displaying intricately designed anime character art, the innovative layout established a rich thematic connection that has resonated with fans ever since.
2.Sonic Adventure 2 Battle
“Better Not Let The Dark Side Win!”
The original Dreamcast release of Sonic Adventure 2 lacked the robust multiplayer options found in the later GameCube port, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. This version revitalized the experience with new characters, maps, and an engaging character selection screen—one that has etched itself into the memories of gamers from that era.
1.Street Fighter 2
All Around The World
No exploration of character selection screens would be complete without mentioning Street Fighter 2—a game that fundamentally reshaped the fighting game landscape. It introduced a simple yet effective menu featuring character icons and corresponding country locations on a map, creating a connection between gameplay and character backgrounds. This clever design element kept players engaged and hinted at the global scale of the iconic battles to come.
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