Persona Series' Stunning Menus: A Developer's Dilemma
The Persona series, renowned for its captivating narratives and characters, also boasts incredibly stylish menus. However, according to director Katsura Hashino, this visual flair comes at a significant cost.
In a recent interview with The Verge, Hashino revealed the truth behind the seemingly effortless elegance: creating these menus is surprisingly "annoying." While most developers opt for simpler, functional UI designs, the Persona team strives for both beauty and usability. This dedication to unique, meticulously crafted menu designs for every screen is, in Hashino's words, a significant challenge.
This pursuit of perfection consumes considerable development time. Hashino recounted the initial difficulties with Persona 5's iconic angular menus, which were initially "impossible to read," requiring extensive revisions to achieve the perfect blend of form and function.
The impact of these visually striking menus is undeniable. Both Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio stand out for their distinctive UI, a hallmark as recognizable as their compelling stories and characters. However, this visual identity demands significant resources and time. Hashino emphasized the substantial time investment, stating, "It takes a lot of time."
The complexity extends beyond the design itself. Hashino explained that each menu, from the in-game shop to the main menu, runs as a separate program, demanding individual design and development. This intricate process underscores the commitment to creating a seamless player experience.
This balancing act between functionality and aesthetics has been a hallmark of Persona development since Persona 3, culminating in the stunning visuals of Persona 5. Metaphor: ReFantazio, Hashino's latest project, further elevates this commitment, adapting the design principles to its high-fantasy setting. While the process may be "annoying," the result is undeniably spectacular.
Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11th on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are now open!
