ReFantazio and Persona: Stylish Menus Revolutionize Dining Experience

Persona's Stunning Menus: A Labor of Love (and Frustration)

Persona series director Katsura Hashino recently revealed the surprising truth behind the series' iconic, visually striking menus. While players universally praise their stylish design, Hashino confessed to The Verge that creating them is far more challenging than it appears.

Hashino explained that while most developers opt for simpler, functional UI designs, the Persona team strives for both functionality and aesthetic excellence. This commitment to unique, meticulously crafted menus for every screen results in a significant development hurdle. He noted that the process is "really annoying to do," demanding considerably more time and effort than initially anticipated. The development of Persona 5's distinctive menus, for example, initially yielded designs that were practically illegible, requiring extensive revisions to achieve the perfect balance of form and function.

The impact of this dedication is undeniable. The visually rich UI of Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio has become a defining characteristic, equally celebrated as the games' narratives and characters. However, this visual richness comes at a cost – significant development time and resources. Hashino emphasized the extensive effort involved, stating that "It takes a lot of time." Each menu, from the in-game shop to the main menu, runs as a separate program, demanding individual design and implementation.

This pursuit of visual harmony and functionality, a hallmark since Persona 3, has reached its zenith in Persona 5 and continues in Metaphor: ReFantazio. The game's high-fantasy setting demands an even more elaborate UI, pushing the boundaries of design even further. While Hashino admits the process is "annoying," the end result is undeniably spectacular, a testament to the team's unwavering commitment to visual excellence.

Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11th on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now open!