ReFantazio's and Persona's Menus Are Insanely Stylish. But Also \"Annoying to Do\"

ReFantazio and Persona's Stunning, Yet Tedious, Menus

ReFantazio's and Persona's Menus Are Insanely Stylish. But Also

Persona series director, Katsura Hashino, recently revealed the surprisingly challenging process behind creating the series' iconic menus. While players praise their stylish designs, Hashino confessed the effort involved is far from effortless.

The Persona UI: A Balancing Act

ReFantazio's and Persona's Menus Are Insanely Stylish. But Also

In an interview with The Verge, Hashino explained that unlike the simpler UI approaches common in game development, Persona prioritizes unique designs for every menu. This dedication to both functionality and aesthetic appeal, while resulting in the series' signature look, is, in Hashino's words, "really annoying to do."

The development of Persona 5's distinctive menus serves as a prime example. Initial designs proved difficult to read, requiring extensive revisions to achieve the perfect blend of style and usability. This meticulous process significantly extends development time.

A Labor of Love (and Frustration)

ReFantazio's and Persona's Menus Are Insanely Stylish. But Also

The visually striking menus of Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio are undeniable highlights, contributing significantly to the games' overall identity. However, this visual richness comes at a cost – considerable time and resources. Hashino emphasized the extensive work involved, stating that "It takes a lot of time." Each menu, from the in-game shop to the main menu, operates as a separate program, demanding individual design and implementation.

ReFantazio's and Persona's Menus Are Insanely Stylish. But Also

This pursuit of visual excellence, a hallmark of the Persona series since Persona 3, has culminated in the refined aesthetic of Persona 5 and further evolved in Metaphor: ReFantazio's high-fantasy setting. While Hashino acknowledges the development challenges, the final product undeniably captivates players.

Metaphor: ReFantazio's October 11th Release

Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11th on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now open. For more information, please refer to [link to article].