Metaphor: ReFantazio, a JRPG developed by veteran Persona developers, has been praised for its visually stunning user interface (UI) design. The game’s menus are especially impressive, even by the high standards set by the development team.
However, creating such an aesthetically pleasing yet functional UI is more challenging than it seems. Director Katsura Hashino revealed that while the goal is to keep the UI simple, practical, and usable, they also aim for unique designs for each menu, which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
Hashino explained that most game developers typically design UI in a straightforward manner, but Metaphor: ReFantazio takes a more complex approach. Each menu, whether it be the shop or main menu, has its own separate design and runs on a different program.
This intricate system allows for a high level of customization and distinctiveness in each menu, but it also makes the process “really annoying” and difficult. Despite these challenges, the team has been able to successfully merge functionality and beauty in the game’s UI.
The development team’s dedication to UI design has been a long-standing focus, dating back to Persona 3. RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio rely heavily on menus for managing equipment, party setups, and skills, which means these interfaces deserve special care and attention.
Hashino emphasized that the team has been committed to improving UI in their games over the years, understanding the importance of making these often-used menus as smooth and intuitive as possible for players.
However, the development process for creating such a polished UI is not without its difficulties. Hashino shared that during the development of Persona 5, the team struggled with the game’s angular aesthetic, which initially made the menus difficult to read.
It took considerable tweaking and adjustments to make the design legible while maintaining its artistic flair. This experience highlights the balancing act between creativity and usability in UI design, especially for games known for their distinct visual style.
Beyond its impressive UI, Metaphor: ReFantazio has received critical acclaim for its overall gameplay. Reviews have been highly positive, with GamesRadar+ awarding the game 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising it as a “triumphant evolution of Atlus’ best.”
The game has earned a strong Metacritic score, solidifying its status as a top contender for game of the year, showcasing that it offers much more than just beautiful menus—it’s a certified JRPG success.
