 Menus are kind of a fickle thing when it comes to video games. It's not the first thing we tend to think about in terms of gameplay, but it is the first thing we usually see. But rarely do we just sit and watch, or in this case, listen to a video game menu. So when my cousin booted up his original Xbox with Halo Combat Evolved inside, all the way back in 2003, my 13-year-old brain wasn't ready for the mind-blowing experience it was about to have. My cousin went to the washroom after turning the console on, and following the 10-second drum bit for the Bungie logo, the last thing I was expecting to hear was the opening notes of a medieval-like choir entering my virgin ears. I was so blown away as it was the first time I had ever heard any kind of music like this in a video game, let alone an opening menu. That haunting melody was enrapturing. It would seize you with its tone and ensnare you in its depth. And as vague as it was, that's what made it all the more enticing, because then the view started to revolve around the ring, and my bro, that's when I think my eyeball started to gape. A freaking menu screen was helping build the mystery of this game's narrative. What is this ring doing hiding amongst the cosmos? Who built it? What's its purpose? And what treasures and dangers could it hold? And then the drums start, and then you get zipped from one dimension to another. The tribal-like beats get you jonesen to commit some intergalactic genocide, or at least that's what I thought I was going to do, and technically I wasn't wrong, but I digress. Everyone and anyone who talks about video game music has talked about the absolute wizard that is Marty O'Donnell for creating the music that is near on universally recognized. Even die-hard Sony fanboys have had this man's music enter them willingly. Speaking of Sony, actually, the idea of musical intros for video games is very reminiscent for owners of the first PlayStation. That opening tune for the PlayStation startup is classic, and there are also others like myself who would have similar affections for the GameCube startup jingle. But nothing ever really gave me that sense of euphoria and curiosity, as when that haunting choir filled my ears and the sight of that mysterious ring ensnared my desire to dive into this game. This particular moment is a combination of factors that Little Jeremy was going through. Having never gotten a console to the sixth generation, being mad jelly of people who got Game Boys for Christmas while I only got socks, and even when I did get to experience video games that was in small doses until my brother got a GameCube for Christmas. And of course I didn't get that Game Boy. But I'll always remember that day when my cousin let me play Halo with him. It would pretty much change my gaming landscape forever. Video games weren't just side scrollers or basic shooters to me anymore. They could have some real production value to them. They could give gamers an experience on par with that of going to a movie theater. They could truly transport you to a new world and engage in a life-altering experience. Because I know it changed mine. Thanks for watching this short little video. I would definitely suggest Nakey Jakey's video about the PlayStation startup music. It heavily influenced this video. If you guys like the video leave a like and if you're interested in more subscribe. Until next time, I'll see you guys later.