Why some games have their title name diagonally scrolling in the background of their menus

[Ikagura Ikagura]

I've noticed in several games like Grandia (the remaster's option menu), Klonoa Heroes, Advance Wars and so on.

Is it to notify if the game hasn't crashed yet? Or just an aesthetic from another era?

At 4:36

 

[fake-kun]

It looks cool.

 

[Varyag]

Probably just to fill empty screen space. I have to imagine it was very easy to implement in whatever game engine these were being made back in the day. Also, as a sort of screen-saving method to avoid burn-in? You know, not to keep the same static image or menu/HUD elements on the same place for too long.

 

[Ikagura Ikagura]

Probably just to fill empty screen space. I have to imagine it was very easy to implement in whatever game engine these were being made back in the day. Also, as a sort of screen-saving method to avoid burn-in? You know, not to keep the same static image or menu/HUD elements on the same place for too long.

Burn in would be a reason but is this possible on the GBA screen?

 

[moonbits]

it looks cool.

 

[JackNoir413]

it looks dope

 

[aquova]

Yeah, I think "it looks cool" is the answer. It's a simple effect to create, but not too distracting on the eyes. Having a plain, static background wouldn't look as professional

 

[MasterEn]

Burn in would be a reason but is this possible on the GBA screen?

possibly. not that you would see it on the gba's screen.
some stuff is just an aesthetic choice. a scrolling background might help a menu look better. the games that you listed are more actiony games or have more energetic music, so the background scrolling across the screen fits in with the mood that the games establish; if that makes sense.

 

[Cardboardtubeknight Cardboardtubeknight]

It's there to remind you of what game you're playing

 

[deceptionfalls]

Probably just the aesthetics of that time, plus it's an easy way of making a not-boring background by having something scrolling while you navigate the menus.

 

[Carlnshake]

Never realized it was a trend until it was pointed out..but yeah, I see that all the time in hindsight!

 

[Ikagura Ikagura]

Never realized it was a trend until it was pointed out..but yeah, I see that all the time in hindsight!

Same, I just noticed it recently when I played Klonoa Heroes several months ago.