Metaphor: ReFantazio director Katsura Hashino revealed that creating those visually stunning menus featured in both ReFantazio and the Persona series was an unexpectedly demanding process for developers. Learn more about the Persona director's insights on this design challenge.
Persona Director Confirms Menu Design Is 'Painstaking Work'
Creating Signature UI for Persona and ReFantazio Requires Significant Time Investment, Hashino Explains
In a revealing interview, legendary director Katsura Hashino discussed one of the Persona franchise's most distinctive features - its user interface. While players consistently praise the games' stylish menus, Hashino confessed these visually impressive systems are surprisingly "painstaking" to develop.
"Most developers prioritize simplicity in UI design - that's our baseline approach too," Hashino told The Verge during the interview. "But our unique aesthetic requires custom designs for every single menu screen. While this achieves both functionality and visual appeal, the process itself becomes quite exhausting."
The early development stages proved particularly challenging. Hashino recalled initial Persona 5 menu prototypes that prioritized style over readability, requiring numerous iterations before finding the perfect balance between form and function.
Despite the development hurdles, the payoff is undeniable. Both Persona 5 and the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio showcase menu designs that have become as memorable as the games' storylines and characters. "The process demands significant resources," Hashino acknowledged, "but the result helps establish each game's unique identity."
This meticulous approach impacts every aspect of navigation. From inventory screens to shop interfaces, each system operates through independently designed programs. "Every menu has its own dedicated programming and visual treatment," Hashino explained, emphasizing the technical complexity behind these seemingly fluid transitions.
The UI evolution that began with Persona 3 reaches new heights in Metaphor: ReFantazio. The fantasy RPG introduces a textured, painterly interface that maintains the series' signature style while adapting to its new medieval setting. Though demanding to create, these signature menus have become a beloved hallmark of Hashino's games.
Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are currently available. For complete release details and purchasing options, explore our related coverage below.
