ReFantazio and Persona's Stunning, Yet Tedious, Menus

Persona series director, Katsura Hashino, recently revealed the surprisingly challenging process behind the series' iconic and visually striking menus. While players admire the sleek UI, Hashino confessed the creation process is far more laborious than it appears.

The Persona Menu Conundrum: Beauty and Functionality

In an interview with The Verge, Hashino explained that unlike the typical streamlined UI development approach, Persona menus demand unique designs for each individual menu. This dedication to both functionality and aesthetic excellence, while resulting in the series' signature style, significantly increases development time and complexity. He cited Persona 5's initial menu designs as an example, noting their initial unreadability required extensive revisions.

The Time Investment: A Labor of Love

The distinctive visual style of Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio's menus has become a defining characteristic, cherished by fans alongside the compelling narratives and characters. However, this visual identity comes at a cost. Hashino emphasized the considerable time commitment, stating, "It takes a lot of time." He further clarified that separate programs are utilized for each menu, highlighting the extensive effort involved in ensuring a seamless player experience.

A Legacy of Stylish Menus: From Persona 3 to ReFantazio

The pursuit of balancing functionality and aesthetics in UI design has been a central theme in Persona development since Persona 3, culminating in the refined elegance of Persona 5. Metaphor: ReFantazio, Hashino's latest project, elevates this commitment even further, adapting the design principles to its high-fantasy setting. While Hashino acknowledges the "annoying" nature of the creation 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.