10 Best Video Game User Interfaces

10. Metal Gear Solid

It cannot be understated just how influential Metal Gear Solid was upon the third-person action game, and among its many highly-lauded features we shouldn't forget its terrifically ground-breaking UI.

The brilliance of its interface lies in its creative simplicity: holding L2 or R2 allows players to cycle through their items or weapons respectively in a manner quite unlike any other game.

Between the satisfying snappiness and fantastic sound effects, it became an instantly iconic mainstay for the series - albeit with variations - such that it's surprising more games haven't shamelessly ripped it off over the years.

In a series that affords so many combat and stealth options to the player, being able to quickly cycle through your gear is absolutely vital, and this was a genius solution to a potentially daunting design problem: too many toys, not enough screen real estate.

Aptly, the interface is as sleek and versatile as Solid Snake himself.