Memoirs of a Menu Freak

Hi, my name is Heretica and I'm a Menu Freak.

As you may or may not be aware, Final Fantasy IX was my first RPG. I'll admit that at first I didn't know wtf I was doing, but after some guidance I was on a roll. I couldn't get enough of the game menu (omg how nerdy does that sound?)! Who would think that the thing I'm most attracted to in a video game is the menu? (Well, that may be pushing it, but you get my drift...)


It's about the options.
As I played more and more RPGs I began to realize that it was the options presented within the menu that I loved to discover and explore. Each time I start playing a new RPG, the moment I have free reign over the character, I locate the menu button and look around.

• What are the system options?
• What can I learn about my character(s)?
• Which slots can I equip items on?
• What are my characters' abilities?
• Is there an ability tree/grid/system of some kind?
• Is there a tutorial/help section?
• Can I see the map?

There is so much to explore! So many possibilities! And don't you just love opening the menu to see what new stuff is there?! (Think Rogue Galaxy's Revelation Flow, pictured to the right, there.)


It's about control.
I mean, think about it. The more options available to you, the more ultimate control you have over how you play the game and how you develop your characters. Games like Final Fantasy VIII and IX just fill me with enthusiasm! You can equip tons of different armor slots and choose which skills to learn. With FF8 I had even more fun with the GF Junctions! I mean, holy crap was there a lot to play with!

So it saddened me a bit when I began playing Lost Odyssey and realized there wasn't much in the way of what your character gets to wear. You get one ring and one accessory. At least there is plenty of options in the abilities department. There I was thinking "damn, not many reasons for me to visit the menu. boo!" and then when my boyfriend turned around and played it, he was complaining to me "damn, I have to go change their equipment after like every single fight!" Haha...

It's about aesthetics.
I have to admit also that I'm a designerd. I'm an art snob and a synesthete. Thus, I am very sensitive about texture, shape, colour, font, etc. So when I see a menu design that looks amazing, I just want to keep looking at it! And when I see a menu that is hideous, I want to cringe every time I have to look at it.












It's about time for a conclusion.
Ahhh, menus. Your portal to all the delicious in-game options. Your method of management in the way of inventory and party particulars. Plus, it tends to be another pretty thing to look at.