ReFantazio and Persona's Stunning, Yet Tedious, Menus
Persona series director, Katsura Hashino, recently revealed the surprisingly arduous process behind creating the series' iconic and visually striking menus. While players praise the sleek UI design, Hashino confessed the demanding nature of their creation.
The Persona UI: A Balancing Act
In an interview with The Verge, Hashino explained that unlike many developers who opt for simpler, functional UI designs, the Persona team strives for both functionality and aesthetic excellence. This commitment leads to uniquely designed menus, a process Hashino describes as "really annoying." The intricate design process significantly extends development time. He recounted early Persona 5 menu iterations, initially unreadable, requiring substantial refinement to achieve the perfect blend of form and function.
The Price of Beauty
The visually captivating menus of Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio are undeniable hallmarks of the games. However, this visual richness comes at a cost. Hashino highlighted the extensive resources dedicated to achieving the polished final product, stating that the process "takes a lot of time." Each menu, from the in-game shop to the party menu, requires a separate program and dedicated design, contributing to the overall complexity.
A Legacy of Design
The challenge of balancing functionality and aesthetics has been a consistent theme throughout Persona's development, culminating in the refined menus of Persona 5 and further amplified in Metaphor: ReFantazio's high-fantasy setting. While Hashino acknowledges the "annoying" development process, the stunning results are undeniable.
Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11th on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now open.
