ReFantazio & Persona Debut Mesmerizing Menus

Persona Director Reveals the Surprisingly Tedious Truth Behind the Series' Stunning Menus

The stylish menus in the Persona series, lauded by fans for their sleek aesthetic, are actually a significant development challenge, according to director Katsura Hashino. In a recent interview with The Verge, Hashino revealed the surprisingly arduous process behind crafting these visually captivating interfaces.

While most game developers prioritize simple, functional UI design, Hashino explained that the Persona team strives for both functionality and beauty. This commitment leads to uniquely designed menus for every screen, a process he described as "really annoying to do." This meticulous approach, involving separate programs for each menu, significantly extends development time. Hashino even recalled the initial iterations of Persona 5's iconic menus, which were initially "impossible to read," requiring extensive revisions to achieve the final polished look.

The images below showcase the intricate detail and visual flair of the menus in both Persona and the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio. This commitment to visual style, a hallmark of the Persona series, comes at a cost. Hashino emphasizes the considerable time investment required to ensure each menu, from the in-game shop to the main menu, is both visually stunning and user-friendly. The result, however, is a cohesive and immersive player experience that seamlessly integrates with the game's overall aesthetic.

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This dedication to visual polish, evident since Persona 3, has reached new heights 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 and development. While the process is undeniably challenging, the final product speaks for itself, delivering a visually spectacular experience that fans have come to expect from the Persona franchise.

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