The director of Persona claims that creating appealing menus is "really annoying."
"It requires a lot of time," explains Katsura Hashino before the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio.
The Persona video game series is known not only for its gameplay but also for the exceptional design of its menus. These elements, which are usually functional, stand out in this case for their elegance, making it so players do not feel bothered when stopping to equip items or heal their characters. In a recent talk with Katsura Hashino, director of Persona and the new project Metaphor: ReFantazio, the process behind the creation of these attractive menus was discussed.
Hashino explains that while many developers opt for a simple user interface, his team's approach focuses on offering an experience that combines functionality and aesthetics. To achieve this, they create unique designs for each menu, which results in a laborious process. “It's really tedious. We have separate programs running for each of them,” he comments. Whether it's the shop menu or the main menu, each section involves independent design that requires considerable investment of time.
Moreover, there is an aspect of craftsmanship and experience in the visual evolution of the menus over the years. For example, while the menus in Persona 3 were stylized, in more recent installments they have become more elaborate and animated. The difference between the menus of Persona 5 and those of Metaphor is notable, highlighting the growth in this area. Hashino clarifies that this evolution is based on the knowledge gained from previous works. In the case of Persona 5, the angular shapes presented readability issues that had to be adjusted after several modifications.
The release of Metaphor: ReFantazio is scheduled for October 11, at which point players will be able to discover the menus and much more of the game for themselves.
