Persona's Exquisite Menus: A Developer's Dilemma
The Persona series, renowned for its captivating narratives and memorable characters, also boasts strikingly stylish menus. However, behind the elegant UI lies a significant development challenge, as confessed by series director Katsura Hashino.
In a recent interview with The Verge, Hashino revealed the truth behind the Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio menus' stunning visuals: they're incredibly time-consuming and, in his words, "annoying to do." While most developers prioritize simple, functional UI, the Persona team strives for both beauty and usability, creating unique designs for every single menu.
This meticulous approach proved particularly challenging during the development of Persona 5. Initial iterations of the iconic angular menus were deemed "impossible to read," requiring extensive revisions to achieve the perfect blend of style and functionality.
The impact of this design philosophy is undeniable. The visually rich UI of Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio has become a defining characteristic, adding to the games' immersive experience. Yet, this visual flair comes at a cost—significant development time and resources. Hashino highlighted the complexity, stating that "It takes a lot of time," and that each menu—from the shop to the main menu—runs on a separate program with a unique design.
This pursuit of visual excellence has been a hallmark of the Persona series since Persona 3, culminating in the sophisticated UI of Persona 5. Metaphor: ReFantazio, set in a high-fantasy world, further elevates this commitment to visual detail, resulting in a painterly UI that complements the game's grand scale.
While Hashino admits the process is "annoying," the results speak for themselves. The visually stunning menus are a testament to the team's dedication, enhancing the overall player experience.
Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11th on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now open!
