diff --git a/src/f_finale.c b/src/f_finale.c
index 26e1d3848..fc300133d 100644
--- a/src/f_finale.c
+++ b/src/f_finale.c
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 
 // Stage of animation:
 // 0 = text, 1 = art screen
-static INT32 finalecount;
+INT32 finalecount;
 INT32 titlescrollxspeed = 20;
 INT32 titlescrollyspeed = 0;
 UINT8 titlemapinaction = TITLEMAP_OFF;
diff --git a/src/f_finale.h b/src/f_finale.h
index f75f93c77..3fa7106a9 100644
--- a/src/f_finale.h
+++ b/src/f_finale.h
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ void F_StartContinue(void);
 void F_ContinueTicker(void);
 void F_ContinueDrawer(void);
 
+extern INT32 finalecount;
 extern INT32 titlescrollxspeed;
 extern INT32 titlescrollyspeed;
 
diff --git a/src/g_game.c b/src/g_game.c
index 9677e81c9..0c4ebcc92 100644
--- a/src/g_game.c
+++ b/src/g_game.c
@@ -1717,7 +1717,7 @@ boolean G_Responder(event_t *ev)
 	if (gameaction == ga_nothing && !singledemo &&
 		((demoplayback && !modeattacking && !titledemo) || gamestate == GS_TITLESCREEN))
 	{
-		if (ev->type == ev_keydown && ev->data1 != 301)
+		if (ev->type == ev_keydown && ev->data1 != 301 && !(gamestate == GS_TITLESCREEN && finalecount < TICRATE))
 		{
 			M_StartControlPanel();
 			return true;
diff --git a/src/m_menu.c b/src/m_menu.c
index 6a0a31bc1..e772c9421 100644
--- a/src/m_menu.c
+++ b/src/m_menu.c
@@ -2985,6 +2985,9 @@ boolean M_Responder(event_t *ev)
 	|| gamestate == GS_CREDITS || gamestate == GS_EVALUATION || gamestate == GS_GAMEEND)
 		return false;
 
+	if (gamestate == GS_TITLESCREEN && finalecount < TICRATE)
+		return false;
+
 	if (noFurtherInput)
 	{
 		// Ignore input after enter/escape/other buttons