Since starting my new website, Xbox Screens, I’ve seen over one hundred Xbox One and Xbox 360 splash screens (the image that is displayed while a game is loaded). Many of the splash screens are simply promotional artwork with the game’s logo in front. Some are thoughtful and meaningful; symbolizing some noteworthy element of the game with taste and class. Others are lazy, thoughtless, or seemingly irrelevant.
I wanted to share some of the better ones that I’ve come across. Here they are in no particular order. The image links are below each section.
Dead Space
A great example of how some of the best splash screens are from the Xbox 360 backward compatible games.
The Dead Space splash screen is simple, but just plain cool. It shows Isaac Clarke (the hardcore engineer) illuminated by some subtle overhead light source. He has his back to the camera and is looking over his shoulder. He’s dressed in fully upgraded armor with helmet and all. He wears the blood of his alien-hybrid enemies and he looks like he has no regrets.
The shot uses the rule of thirds perfectly, with Isaac on the left and almost nothing but black on the right. It’s a handsome shot. It would make a great wallpaper for those who don’t mind a little bit of blood on their desktop.
Overwatch
The Overwatch splash screen is from the Xbox One game Overwatch. I like the mostly white background with a large action pose featuring Tracer, a character from the game. It’s a clean design with a clear image.
Even though the Overwatch logo appears on the splash image, it’s not tacky, thanks to the relatively small size of the logo.
Ducktales: Remastered
Life is like a hurricane, and this game is a whirlwind of a time (is that good). As Scrooge McDuck, you must reclaim your stolen wealth by traveling the world (you have to spend money to make money). That background shows some of those travel destinations. Sure, there is some Beagle Boy presence and even some common villains, but the star is Scrooge himself. Look how Mr. McD commandingly points his cane (weapon).
The color and original art-style are the stars in this splash image. Another example of how the backward Compatible Xbox 360 games have some of the best loading images on the Xbox One.
Ducktales: Remastered splash screen
Mass Effect 3
Commander Shepard is the man (or woman, depending on your choice). Shepard has done everything in his power to stop the greatest threat the Galaxy has ever known and it may still not be enough. This splash screen from the Xbox 360 backward compatible version of Mass Effect 3 shows Shepard standing in his cool pose as the Reapers obliterate a large portion of earth.
The image has a dark tone as Earth gets wrecked by a destructive alien force. But Shepard gives us hope. One of my top favorite splash screens.
Forza Horizon 2 Presents Fast & Furious
The Fast & Furious splash screen gets points for being just plain cool.
The iconic 1970 Dodge Charger with a beefy blower stands black and bold on the tarmac in the foreground. Two other cars fill the middle-ground while a mountain sits in the back.
The Forza Horizon series is known for the freedom to drive pretty much wherever you can see. The Charger is a blast to drive and makes a great headline car for the initial load screen.
Forza Horizon 2 Presents Fast & Furious splash screen
NBA Jam
It’s a basketball ON FIRE!!! ‘Nuff said.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman. In the new suit. What’s cooler? This splash image is a reward for starting the game, and a reminder that you are about to take control of the awesomely voiced (by Kevin Conroy) Batman. You are Batman. The splash screen is Batman. Why does this need further explanation?
Batman Arkham Knight splash screen
Do you have a favorite Xbox splash screen that isn’t listed here? Let me know. Maybe I’ll add it to my list of favorites.
